Concerned about painting oak cabinets

13 years ago

I am wanting to paint my oak kitchen cabinets, but the designer is telling me it will not look and very as I want. The reason they are telling me is due to the veining in the oak. They are having problems finding someone who will take on the project of painting these cabinets to get the effect I want.

I want it to feel smooth, like pine aft it is painted.
I am considering white paint with a mocha glaze with new hardware.

I know I can replace the front doors but don't want to spend the money.i like my cabinets and they look great. Just don't want the stain color anymore.

I am being mislead or can I get the desired feel and look painting them.

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Comments (3)

PRO
Aggie dba Aggie Designs
13 years ago
You are not being misled and very likely the oak grain will show through as a texture. The painted cabinet doors usually are made of soft maple, polar or MDF, materials without a distinctive grain, and they finish to a smooth surface. However, painted Oak Cabinets do not look "bad" and the grain may even give a character to the cabinets, I suggest you test the white paint finish on a door or a piece of molding that you can spare to see what it will look like and perhaps you will like it. In my experience, a well done paint job can improve the overall look significantly..
Shetera V.
10 years ago
We decided to get custom red oak cabinets and stained them a dark espresso (the grains look gorgeous!). To give the kitchen some contrast we decided to paint our island greige. Our cabinet guy suggested we go with Poplar would as it has a flat finish. I think it's a matter of taste and what you like.
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PRO
Thomas A
10 years ago
You can paint oak but not easy and may take several coats to get desired finish. You will need to clean and remove any gloss finish (a good hand sanding probably will be necessary). The priming phase is essential - use a primer for wood (zinnser makes some very good primers that may work for this) - you may need several coats of primer. You may also look into "wood grain fillers" - some of these are applied like a paste and need to be put on with a trowel and then sanded and primed. The last step will be to paint - I would make sure you are satisfied with the primed/filled base... let it sit for a couple of days and see whether the grain shows up before painting. you might want to go to a few paint stores and ask their advice on products - there are new products all the time and finding the right one can save you a lot of time and money. Good luck. Make sure to post some before and after pictures