Refreshing Kitchen Cabinets? Here's How to Paint Oak
If your honey oak cabinets are looking outdated, painting them is an affordable way to give your kitchen a fresh new look without the high cost of a full remodel. Painting cabinets is a big project, but with the right prep work and paint products, you can completely transform the style of your kitchen in just a few days.
With some elbow grease and patience, you can upgrade your kitchen with a bright, smooth new finish.
Step 1: Prep the Cabinets for a Flawless Painted Finish
Before painting, thoroughly clean and sand the cabinets to ensure proper paint adhesion. Here's how:
- Remove all doors, drawers, and hardware using painters tape and labels to keep organized
- Wash cabinet boxes, doors, and drawers with TSP cleaner to remove grease and grime
- Sand flat cabinet sections with 120-220 grit sandpaper to scuff the finish so paint can grip
- Hand sand corners and edges to prevent the oak grain from showing through
Proper sanding and cleaning are vital prep steps that prevent peeling or chipping down the road. Make sure to carefully sand by hand near hinges, handles, and raised cabinet frames.
Supplies You'll Need
Gather these supplies beforehand so your cabinet painting project goes smoothly:
- TSP substitute cleaner
- Microfiber cloths and scrub pads
- 220 & 120 grit sandpaper
- Electric orbital sander
- Painter's tape and permanent marker
Step 2: Prime Cabinets for Superior Paint Adhesion
Priming is crucial when painting cabinets. It creates a uniform surface for paint to stick to. Without it, paint may peel, bubble, or chip later on.
For oak cabinets, use an oil-based primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3. Oil-based primers seal the wood completely, blocking stains, knots, and tannins from bleeding through the paint.
Utilize a high-quality angled sash brush to apply primer evenly across edges, grooves, and detailed areas. Allow each coat to dry fully before adding another. Most cabinets require 2-3 coats of primer for flawless coverage.
Supplies Needed
- Oil-based Primer (Zinsser Bulls Eye)
- Angled sash brush
- Wooster paint brush
- Low tack painters tape
Step 3: Paint Cabinets for a Smooth, Seamless Finish
When choosing cabinet paint, pick a satin or semi-gloss enamel formulated especially for cabinets. The minor sheen gives a smooth, luxurious finish that's easy to wipe clean.
Thin the paint slightly with water or extender so it flows better from the spray gun. Then, apply using a paint sprayer in smooth, overlapping passes to prevent drips and brush marks.
Allow ample drying time between coats. Most cabinets require 2-3 paint coats for full coverage. Take your time--rushing leads to unsightly drips and runs.
Equipment You'll Need
- High quality cabinet paint (Benjamin Moore Advance)
- Paint sprayer
- Paint filter & paint extender
- Foam paint rollers & brushes
- Drop cloths & painters tape
Step 4: Reinstall Doors & Hardware
Once the paint has fully cured, reattach cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware using your painter's tape labels as a guide. Allow paint to cure for several days before hanging doors to prevent sticking.
Examine all doors and drawers to ensure they open, close, and align properly. Make adjustments as needed for optimal fit and functionality.
Finally, seal your painted oak cabinets with a layer of paste wax to enhance protection and shine. Buff it out with a soft cloth for a polished look.
Helpful Materials
- Painter's tape
- Permanent marker
- Original cabinet hardware
- Paste wax
- Soft polishing cloths
Look after freshly painted cabinets by:
- Allowing paint to cure fully for several days before use
- Avoiding placing heat-emitting appliances nearby
- Gently cleaning with a mild soap and soft cloth
- Applying paste wax 1-2 times per year
Your painted oak cabinets will remain stylish for years with proper care and preparation.