Painting Kitchen Cabinets

[camoranleodes]

The exterior of my old cabinet looks fine but the interior is really smelly. Can I apply the same method to refurbish the interior? Thank you in advance~

[AsktheBuilder]

@camoranleodes You can, but you absolutely MUST clean them. My Stain Solver will get rid of the odor. It's perhaps the most powerful oxygen bleach on the market. It breaks apart odor molecules. Go to the Stain Solver website. the dot com one. You'll love the product. Mix it up until it dissolves. Use an old spray bottle to apply it. Keep surfaces damp with it for about 5 minutes, then wash with soap and water.

[Zahrahourani18]

I have honey cabinets and i want to make them espresso".. i have to sand them for the cabinats to absobe the color.. how do i do that?

[AsktheBuilder]

@Zahrahourani18 You need to strip off the clear finish. Use a chemical stripper. Try it on one drawer front first to see what happens. It's lots of work.

[utubepunk]

Are these the same cabinets that Ask The Decorator paints the same color? They look the same & even wall jacks are in the same location. Is this a set? And how do you paint cheap kitchen cabinets- not sure if its particle wood or what, but they're from the late 90s and have a fake, paper-thin wood grain veneer- more like a thin wallpaper w/ faux wood pattern. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

[AsktheBuilder]

@utubepunk Yes. She's my daughter. These were old cabinets that we wanted to show how to paint. Read all my columns at my AsktheBuilder site. The dot com one. I have many about Painting Cabinets.

[utubepunk]

@AsktheBuilder Ah. Very good. I will check out the website. Thanks for the quick reply! :-)

[samuelu7]

I bought a home that is 21 yrs young and the kitchen cabinets are that light oak they used everywhere in the late ninties through the early 2000's. It's old and really needs to either be restained (a lot of work) , replaced (I can't afford), or painted (I can afford and do in a weekend, BUT I am so scared. What if it comes out really crappy....lol. Do a lot of people paint kitchen cabinets now a day's?

I liked this video. Any really good advice for me before I begin my project?

[mrspriscilladef]

Excellent work! You explain in a very friendly way that even a dummy could paint cabinets. Thanks.

[sandal4ever]

I just love it..... thanks. Now a question: how do I get the old thick icky glossy oil paint that I put on my cabinets ready for a new basic "color" flat or satin paint. Help!

[chestypants78]

I'm painting my kitchen right now. This video has been helpful. Biggest hassle I think is this fast drying primer. Seriously, it dries way too fast. Brush starts sticking to it. I'll soldier on. :)

[Seedcovers]

Come do mine, pleeeze

[Seedcovers]

Good information. Thank you

[dap2112]

Your the man,great video and good tips and your so easy to watch thank you,

Dave

[shanewatson012]

Haha, Presto ! I love what you just did!. Doing some art on my kitchen make me happy. Thanks for the nice tip, Tim!

[rritchiepim]

found another vid of a girl painting same cabinets on same wall same color

[AsktheBuilder]

@rritchiepim That would be my daughter. :->

[wjkruijer]

@AsktheBuilder So your daughter works in the kitchen. Good.

[True2TheBlueYoViGang]

@AsktheBuilder wait my cabinets have that plastic stuff pasted over some cheap cardboard looking wood... how can i paint that? i dont think the paint will stick well i know how to paint walls but this has me a bit paranoid i dont want it to come out ghetto. :s

[True2TheBlueYoViGang]

wait i hope u knw what i meant... my cabinets arent like in the video they have that plastic stuff glued onto them.. i dont think u can paint that lol i dont wana buy new cabs im cheap :/

[rritchiepim]

Great job and easily explained. i get it now what would happen if i wanna get them really dark, almost black would you go with black paint or dark stain, and how would you prep for stain on a light brown really old set of cabinets.

[givinluv]

I love your cheesy enthusiasm! We are going to paint our cabinets an espresso color. You made it look easy, but I am sure we will have some glitches, what with being first-timers and all.

[libailey106]

should the final paint have a clear finish applied so that clean up is easier?

[OmgWtfAdm]

Thank you!

[brodie60]

You painted over nice woods cabinets!?!?!?! are you on crack. Purple no less.

[AsktheBuilder]

@brodie60 You need to watch the video again. I believe you missed the point. And understand that tens of thousands of people LOVE painted kitchen cabinets.

[denii2]

@brodie60 i totally agree with you

[BrandoWRX]

@brodie60 I'm getting ready to paint my cabinets because they look way dated. However, I don't like the color they chose in this video. The original stain was MUCH better. I'd love to re-stain our cabinets but because the side panels are synthetic veneer we have no choice but to paint them or replace the vaneer which would still make color match difficult.

[imaginationunreal]

Thanks! Concise info and I learned a thing or two.

[OBHender]

I like your video & have a couple of questions for you. I want to repaint my kitchen cabinets. I painted them a few years ago & now want to repaint them with a better glossy, high quality paint. Do you have any suggestions for painting over what is painted & suggestions for a good paint? Any brands in particular? I would like to be able to paint over what is there if possible. I sanded down all the cabinets the first time & the paint still looks good. It just needs a better, glossy finish.

[sladrask]

I like your video, I was wondering if you could help me out. I painted my cabinets a few years back and want to do it again. This time with a more glossy high quality paint. Can I paint over the old paint and what kind of paint do you recommend, any specific brands?

[adrian84nl]

this guy is the same of ask thisold house?

[AsktheBuilder]

@adrian84nl No I'm not that person. And I'm pretty convinced they got the idea for that show from a pilot I pitched to PBS.

[Airschulte]

Someone recommending primer and deglosser,,,Finally! nice work

[Sassymarkrep]

Just the video I needed to see since I plan to paint an island in the coming weeks. Thanks!

[ramert12]

cool man i liked this video

[sherribaby1724]

Hi! Thanks for the info. I have oak cabinets that have a lot of ridges in them, and I am wondering how I can get a smooth finish when I paint them. Any suggestions for products and/or steps? I'm not sure how I would go about filling the ridges. Thanks!

[truthfinder47]

so glad I found ask the builder!

[biggoose9727]

I'm going to restain my cabinets with Minwax Stain and Polyurenthane 2 in 1. Would you suggest I clean and degloss the doors and then restain, or is there another step I need to do?

[AsktheBuilder]

@biggoose9727 Yes. Read the instructions on the label.

[69charger440sixpack]

@biggoose9727 Hi i noticed you said you were going to use the poly shades from minwax to stain you're cabinets. I actually just restained my kitchen cabinets with the polyshaded, i used this color called american chesnut. I can really help you out with some tips: First thing you want to do is remove the varnish and stain from the cabinets using a 100 grit sand paper, try not to use anything less because you can do damage to the wood if you're going to use powertools. (Continued)

[69charger440sixpack]

@biggoose9727 Second thing you want to do is go over it with a 220 grit, thats the final grit you'll need. After that clean all the dust with a damped lint free cloth. Then you'll want to apply a wood conditioner found in most hardware stores, i bought mine from home depot. After you have applied the conditioner apply the first coat of stain in a room that is well ventilated but that will not get debree on the cabinets while you paint. I would recomend you use a satin color. (Continued)

[rbartlett5869]

I like the original color better. Sorry, lavender is just not my style! Good techniques, like your other vids. If its your home, hope you can live with that color!

[AsktheBuilder]

@rbartlett5869 It was my home, the cabinet was taken down after the video was done. The color was selected so we could have some fun with the video at the end. My mother would have LOVED her cabinets that color. Not me.

[mossman381]

I think ask the decorator is your daughter :) Thanks for the info.

[AsktheBuilder]

@mossman381 If you're ever laid off work, apply for a job at Scotland Yard. :->

[babble2leeza]

My favorite color, love it

[rinsedpie]

Thanks Tim..you dont know how useful your video is for me, the wife now cant say this was wrong and that aint right etc...I can now refer her to this vid.."Tim says this, that etc"

[AsktheBuilder]

@rinsedpie Oh, that's just great. Now she'll be mad at me. Does she flare her nostrils?

[rinsedpie]

@AsktheBuilder ha ha..my hutch cabinet looks fantastic now after i painted it brilliant white..she's quiet at the moment and is focusing her NagEnergy on the kids not arranging their shoes properly..

[AsktheBuilder]

@rinsedpie You better hope her eyes stay on that cabinet and not a computer monitor reading your comment. If she sees what you wrote, you have no idea the amount of NagEnergy that's going to be directed your way. The collateral damage could be significant. Think planeloads, many of them, of napalm.

[dhunter48951]

Is that a drill or a jack hammer, dam dude..........

[AsktheBuilder]

@dhunter48951 neither. It's a screw gun. A 26-year-old Porter Cable to be exact.

[ThePenguin360]

@AsktheBuilder you can get a Impact driver thats half the size and triple the power these days ;)

[AsktheBuilder]

@ThePenguin360 I'm sure you can. That tool has lots of sentimental value.

[sxyred2008]

I am wondering about what I am supposed to do to the sides of my cabinets. Also My cabinets are pre 1960 and are real wood. Any ideal on how to fill the little wholes and dents before painting. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[latricebrandon]

Love the video!!! I hope it is truly as simple as you've made it seem. Oh and next time I look to see your less fluffier side ;-)

thanks

[edersher]

You are so cool :)

[Mrsb623]

Thank you for the painting tips. I'm painting only my island cabinet. They are the inexpensive builder ones anyway so I don't have issue with "messing them up". I believe a lot more people are trying to save money going DIY & trying a creative approach for themselves lately. Thanks again!

[gooniewife]

This video is great! One quick question: We have what I believe to be is particle board cabinets (i.e. not real wood) they are about 6 years old. Will your information work for me? Thank you so much!

P.S. You got me at the end there! very funny! :D

[AsktheBuilder]

@gooniewife Yes. You can paint any material with great results. Glad you laughed. It was supposed to be humorous.

[ddtoots]

this was wonderful! thank you!

[NatashaKingston]

Thanks for this info!

Every other how-to article or video says that sanding is "the most important step", etc. Are you sure the paint job will last with just the deglosser?

[AsktheBuilder]

@NatashaKingston Uh, yes..... So tell me what those same articles and videos say about sanding on cabinets made prior to 1978? If you sand those, you better go read all my past columns at my AsktheBuilder website about Lead Paint. You don't have issues with that if you use a deglosser.

[NatashaKingston]

@AsktheBuilder - thanks for the quick reply! These cabinets are fairly new, so that isn't an issue...I just really don't like the color. :)

I am thrilled to find an alternative to sanding; I HATE sanding. How long do you recommend letting things dry before you reassemble?

I can't wait to get started!

[AsktheBuilder]

@NatashaKingston You always follow directions..... Read the label on the deglosser.

[NatashaKingston]

@AsktheBuilder Okay well thanks...

PS- you seem a little grumpy.

[AsktheBuilder]

@NatashaKingston Not at all. Just very busy. Answering MANY comments on all my videos.

[lmp4eva]

You ruined them! j/k

[chuckthecarpenter]

I have a porter cable drywall drill just like that one. I use a dewalt cordless now. It's much lighter and....it doesn't have a cord!

[z24man81]

were painting our cabinets right now...but were putting polyurethane at the end. Should be ok right?

[Jentheledge]

i thought my kitchen colour was horrid..... that purple would give me nightmares..... omg !!

very informative vid tho

[AsktheBuilder]

Finally someone who got the joke about the color. It sure took a while.....

[crgs1000]

Do you need to prime when going from painted light (yellow) to dark (black) ?

[loopsyel]

What is the recommended topcoat when painting the interior of the cabinets?

[MomakaBabe]

Ok 1st I feel a little funny asking tis now that the obnoxious 1 gave you a hard time, but I'll ask anyway, but please be kind. I had thought to repaint my cabinets & have the identical cabinet to what you paint here but a person in the hardware store talked me into refinising instead of repainting, but now I can't find any videos w/visual direction. can you direct me to such a place?

[AsktheBuilder]

My channel is a place of welcoming. :-> I've not see the video you seek. All I can tell you is that what you're attempting is 3X harder than repainting. The good news: If you screw up, you can always come back, watch my video again, and get out the paint brush. Let us know how it turns out. I'm hoping you succeed at refinishing. Start with a drawer front. If you can do that, then advance to the rest of the cabinets.

[MomakaBabe]

Wow thanks for the quick reply & for being being so understanding. I just don't have a lot of money but rather I'm working on a shoe string budget to redo the kitchen. They're cherry cabinets like the one you work on & I love the color/finish but mine are down right gummy they're so dirty from all the years. I've this odd feeling I'll be coming back for painting instruction & thanks for the tip of starting on a drawer GREAT idea....

[AsktheBuilder]

No worries. Hold on!!! If the finish is gummy, you may be able to just deep clean them and be okay!! Try my oxygen bleach Stain Solver. Go to the StainSolver website and see if you can't easily remove the grease and gum with that. I've had fantastic experience doing that.

[MomakaBabe]

yes this is what I was originally told by the person in the hardware store . She said to do a cleaning of all the grime & gummy stuff & then maybe a coat of varnish. Then she'd said I might want to do a little sanding & stain if I see it needs it. I think it's a making a call thing as I go. I will check out the oxygen bleach stain solver too is that on your site?

[AsktheBuilder]

Stain Solver is at AsktheBuilder, but it has it's own site:

StainSolver

[ATAHUALPA867]

Ask the builder, I have a very rough greasy door cabintes from the previous owner, what kind of great solution , could I use?\

Do i sand it?

Or just apply this chemical , please advice. Thanks

[AsktheBuilder]

Clean the grease off with a solution of oxygen bleach. Go to the oxygenbleach website to learn more. It may take several applications. All grease must be gone before you can paint.

[hank67hill]

Thank you for the tips.

[dextergordon100]

This will not last. You should never paint your cabinets. Painting,glazing and fauxing kitchen cabinets is a terrible idea. Never let a painter touch your cabinets,unless you like doing this every 3 years. A knowledgable refinishing contractor is the only way to go.

[AsktheBuilder]

Your comment doesn't make sense. What about the people that want painted cabinets? What about people that can't afford to have the cabinets refinished? Your closed mentality is way too restrictive.

[dextergordon100]

Look, I am for providing people the highest quality look and durability. I have been refinishing cabinets for 13 years and have witnessed hundreds of horrible paint jobs that end up costing the customer more money. Your self serving video does not adress the durability factor.

[AsktheBuilder]

You continue to miss the point. There are homeowners that:

1. Want the painted look

2. Can't afford any other option

3. Don't want what you're selling

4. Want to try it themselves

5. Don't care what you think

Bottom line is that if you feel people want what you have to offer, then tape videos about it and show them. Try to be more open minded and less critical of others who don't think like you do. We'd all appreciate it.

[shakisboy1]

@dextergordon100 HA! so your a painter. I'm guessing since people are painting their own cabinets your running out of work huh? is that what is all about?

[becks3788]

dextergordon100 - you need to get with reality - more people than ever can't even afford the option of a professional, it's their own two hands and a few bucks - if doing this makes a homeowner feel like they've been able to refresh their kitchen without emptying their wallet so be it. this kind of thing is on HGTV every night...why don't you complain to them.

[deepswim]

use roller for spreding pait. Then quikly brash all paint along wood structure

[Manwithjeep]

I use only melamine paint when I do cabinets. The finished surface is tougher and will resist wear from fingernails at the handles.

[HeyyHuda]

haha i loved it!! very informative and entertaining!

[jenellfisher]

I want to paint my oak cabs a light cream color then put a darker glaze on it. Is there anything special I have to do? Which is better, latex or oil? and what about foam rollers versus brushes? I really want a smooth finish. Also, do i have to put a clear coat of something on after? thanks

[AndersonAcademy]

I'm doing the exact same thing.... any suggestions?

How does it look?

[RobertGary1]

Wired drill. That's old school!!

I think I'd rather spray the doors. Getting a smooth job without brush marks on the doors looks hard.

[AsktheBuilder]

It's a 25-year-old Porter Cable screw gun! It's not hard, you just need to practice.

[367lindap]

loved it and thanks for making it look so easy and fun..........something I really need.

[slapstix46250]

Sooooo dorky.... but envious of of the knowledge you have.. Keep up the good work!

[armyofGod21]

Very nice! I need your advice on painting or stain.I'm moving soon to a new house ,my kitchen counter is great(granite, earth tone) but I have pre-fabric cabinet on light oak(no wood).I like cherry tone or mahogany,but I don't know what to use to change the color? Can you help,please,

Thanks

[dshantalla]

tim, your an absolute legend !!!! :)

and i love your video's.

informative, educational and also a large dose of humour thrown in for good measure !!!

keep up the good work.

dave.

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks! It's great to know the work is appreciated.

[chritinagarza21]

will the dust free liquid work on commercial alkyd paint? also what would be the best primer and paint to use for bare wood cabinets?

[AsktheBuilder]

Read the label on the deglosser you intend to use. Read the label of the finish paint to see the recommended primer they want you to use.

[kyd06]

no mater how many times you guys paint that old kitchen still old when you open the doors so the best idea (GET A NEW KITCHEN)and enjoy life

[AsktheBuilder]

Some people can't afford a new kitchen. This is a great alternative for them.

[BlueToad2222]

we all suspected the fluffy side

[Lezith456]

Hello is me again!

about the formica cabinets,

what kind of paint, what kind of primer,

and needs to be sand it???

I really appreciate your

advice.

Thank you, and God bless you!

[AsktheBuilder]

I answer all of that in the video. Watch it again. Pause it when you see paint cans.

[Lezith456]

I have white formica cabinets, and

I want to paint them, but I do not know

if I can paint formica,

some people tell me yes and

others tell me is not recomendable.

[AsktheBuilder]

They can be painted.

[mini2512]

What kind of paint would you recommend for repainting melamine door? Thanks!

[AsktheBuilder]

The same as I mention in this video.

[Retna891698]

Fantastic! I love your videos and have learned a great deal. Thanks.

[WebNutritionist]

Great video! Can you tell me the advantages and disadvantages of using a brush vs. a roller for painting kitchen cabinets? I'm looking for a very smooth finish with no brush strokes or roller marks showing. Also, do you only need one coat of primer and one of paint? Thanks!

[AsktheBuilder]

Use a paint conditioner to control brush strokes. Go to a REAL paint store to get it. A primer and finish coat should do it.

[WebNutritionist]

Thanks for your quick response! I bought both oil based primer and oil-based paint for the job. Would the paint conditioner work with oil-based paint?

Also, would you recommend TSP substitute to clean 20-year old kitchen cabinets? Or is soap and water sufficient?

[AsktheBuilder]

Yes. Get the right one for oil. Rinse well if you use TSP.

[buttercuptufstuf]

What kind of deglosser did you use, and can you buy it at a place like the home depot? Also, what do you think about using tsp as a deglosser?

[AsktheBuilder]

It's a liquid deglosser purchased at a *real* paint store. TSP will not do the same job.

[cphope]

What are your thoughts on brushing versus using an air compressor to spray it on?

[AsktheBuilder]

If you can spray and get great results, go for it!

[cphope]

I've worried about doing this to my cabinets because of lead paint that is already on the cabinets. I presume that using liquid deglosser, instead of sanding, would eliminate this problem?

[AsktheBuilder]

Correct. The new paint will encapsulate the lead paint.

[arekisandra]

great...only thing tought is that you're painting a beautiful piece...I just moved to this apt where half-butt construction guys are applying paint on top of paint everytime a new tenant comes in...I'm darn afraid of having the job started ! Thanks for the lesson !!

[wifeandmum]

Can I still use these steps on formica kitchen cabinets? Thanks for the video!

[AsktheBuilder]

Yes you can. Be sure to use an oil primer. Be sure the cabinets are perfectly clean with all oils off of them. Use the liquid deglosser to take the sheen off the laminate.

[wifeandmum]

Thank you so much. I followed all your steps, and my Kitchen Cabinets look great!

[AsktheBuilder]

I LOVE hearing success stories. Congrats to you!

[ChefTips]

Thanks Tim. Now Veronica is putting me to work! She says our honey stained cabinets are in need of some work. =]

[AsktheBuilder]

Jason,

Sorry about that! But you know the old saying don't you?

When Mama ain't happy, ain't Nobody happy. Either touch them up or get out the paint! Yikes!

[fodderoni]

it's messy to leave the backs unpainted, every time you open them it reminds you it's a rank amateur job

I'd paint the backs AND the inside...in fact I'd in fact spray paint everything with flat paint using an air compressor then semi-varnish for depth

[delicateblu]

Thanks, Tim.

Excellent tips!

[AsktheBuilder]

You're most welcome.

[person365]

dust mask?

[RazedByWolvs]

Ya good for you But the dust will go all over your house.

[checkurhead801]

say for some crazy reason you dont want purple cabinets, i just want to sand mine down and finish the natural wood. they have already been painted white, how cold i go about doing that the right way.

[AsktheBuilder]

Simple, read my past columns about staining wood at my website.

[xpinchx]

Thanks for all the tips. My cabinets are all very old and haven't been maintained properly. There's some sort of dirt/grease cover on all of the cabinets that is slightly sticky to the touch. I tried washing it off before with soap and water but it's too stuck on there. Will the deglosser take care of that or will I have to use some other product to help get rid of the sticky stuff?

[AsktheBuilder]

You need to get that grease off. There are good degreasers at the grocery store. I have used oxygen bleach with great success at degreasing. I loved it so much I did what the Orek Vacuum man did - I bought the company! go to oxygenbleach dot comma :->

[ladybugarden]

Great Video! 

I tried doing a few practice boards before I will use these techniques on all my cabinets. But, I can still scratch off the primer coat.

How much Deglosser should I apply (I have the same brand as you). Should it be a thick wet layer, or a thin layer? Thanks so much for your reply.

[AsktheBuilder]

A medium layer of deglosser. Many paints can be scratched off within hours or days of application. But once they have cured completing the chemical and mechanical bond, it is very hard to remove them. Go try doing it on a piece of painted woodwork around your home.

[delmarpainter]

Do you need to use oil base primer to prime cabinets?

[AsktheBuilder]

You use whatever primer is called for on the label of the finish paint.

[zoopop22]

HA YOURE TOO COOL! THX !

[LoliLove7]

I want to paint my kitchen cabinets, but I want to get a very high gloss on them, what can I use?

[AsktheBuilder]

High-gloss paint followed by high-gloss urethane.

[R3FuG33]

Hello Tim

Thanks for the video! A couple of questions, aside from saving time/dust does using liquid sandpaper end with a better finish? (The cabinets are very greasy at points) I will be using TSP to scrub the cabinets down.

Also, the local home depot advised me that with oil based paint I will not require a primer, is this true?

[AsktheBuilder]

No difference in the finish. Beware of old finishes that have lead. Do not sand them. Use a primer. Read all of my past primer columns at my website to discover why.

[bczco2007]

wow thanks

[milokrm99]

what about paint? it looks like you are using latex? I was told to use oil based?

Thanks

[AsktheBuilder]

You can use either. Oil will cure harder and faster than acrylic. You should read my columns about Painting Kitchen Cabinets at my website for tons of information.

[milokrm99]

where do you get this liquid sandpaper? the brand name would also be nice to know.

[AsktheBuilder]

Any decent paint store or hardware store. The brand is not too important. They all have nearly identical ingredients.

[jkzupin]

A professional painter told me to let primer set a week before painting. What do you think?

[AsktheBuilder]

In my opinion, he is wrong. A few years back I interviewed several top chemists who work for major paint companies. Finish paints bond better to primer if they are applied as soon as the primer is dry and is allowed to be re-coated. The label on cans of primer tell you when you can re-coat the paint.

[ZodiacKilah]

ahaha the fluffy side of the builder ;)

[allyzenlightenment]

both you guys are great. I like your extra acting! Great editing! I bet this is so fun (hard work, but fun)! Keep it up, you two!

[theredguy387]

do you have a daughter Because I think she's the one in Ask the decorator???

[AsktheBuilder]

Yes. That is my daughter. <BLUSH>! :->

[hammerofharpel]

I don't know Tim. On her video she says you use OIL only. You say either. I'm personally trying outdoor Porter paint (latex).  I despise Oil paint. Which person should I believe?

[AsktheBuilder]

Me. Oil cures harder and faster.

[hammerofharpel]

Actually Tim, you said oil or latex and your daughter said oil only.

[AsktheBuilder]

Hmmmmmm..... I just watched the video again and must have missed where I said that. In a b-roll shot you can see a can of latex finish paint. In the columns about this topic on my website, I discuss why oil will allow you to get the kitchen back together faster. You may want to read my Painting Kitchen Cabinets columns.

[hammerofharpel]

Thank you Tim. I'm always grateful you keep up with correspondences and reply with great information!