
- Prime the surface of the cabinets with an oil-based primer. Apply 1 coat and allow it to dry for 24 hours.
- Sand the surface of the primed oak lightly with 220-grit sandpaper. Wipe it with a tack cloth. ...
- Apply a coat of latex paint with a paint sprayer to doors and drawers. Apply the paint with a small foam roller to cabinet ends inside the house.
- Apply 1 to 3 more coats of latex paint. This amount will depend upon how well the paint covers your current finish. [7]
- Allow the last coat to dry and cure for at least 5 days. ...
- Reinstall your drawers and doors with the original or new hardware.
- Remove painter's tape carefully along the edges of the cabinets and other surfaces. Dispose of drop cloths.
What are the best kitchen colors with oak cabinets?
What Is The Best Color Paint For A Kitchen With Oak Cabinets?
- Blue. Blue is a color of calm. ...
- Green. Green is another cool color that has excellent potential to contrast. ...
- White. White is a fantastic softener for any warmer wood colors. ...
- Beige. As another natural contrasting color for warmth, beige is one way you can push your kitchen to be closer to that rustic feeling.
- Cream. ...
- Brown. ...
- Red. ...
- Yellow. ...
- Charcoal. ...
- Silver or Grey. ...
What colors match oak cabinets?
Paint colors that go with oak cabinets: perfect matching hues from popular manufacturers
- Cold paint colors. The oak cabinets are a reliable source of comfort due to their warm undertones. ...
- Light paint colors. Most oak cabinets are light-toned, and a pairing color from the same category will complete the overall design.
- Nature-inspired paint colors. ...
What paint color goes with oak cabinets?
- Yellow-toned woods are yellow with a slight orange variation and can pick up a green or pink wink.
- Orange-toned finishes lean towards red or yellow with a dominant orange undertone.
- Red or cherry-toned woods add depth and sparkle to your cabinets. They can also look pinkish, as pink is a lighter variation of red. ...
How can I paint plain oak cabinets?
Part 2 of 2: Painting Oak Cabinets Download Article
- Prime the surface of the cabinets with an oil-based primer. Apply 1 coat and allow it to dry for 24 hours.
- Sand the surface of the primed oak lightly with 220-grit sandpaper. Wipe it with a tack cloth. ...
- Apply a coat of latex paint with a paint sprayer to doors and drawers. ...
- Apply 1 to 3 more coats of latex paint. ...

What kind of paint do you use on oak cabinets?
Use a quality latex that has been specifically formulated for kitchen cabinetry. These paints will dry extra hard, which keeps doors from feeling sticky against the cabinet. Brushing paint on is OK. But for the smoothest finish, you'll want to spray on paint.
Can oak cabinets be successfully painted?
We opted to paint the inside of the cabinets as well (there were a lot of stains and damage) so I used a mini roller and a brush and Kilz Original Primer to get the job done. It's important to use an oil-based primer because of the tannin in the oak.
How do you hide the grain when painting oak cabinets?
0:014:18How to Hide Wood Grain When Painting | Filling in Oak Wood GrainYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI like to use regular old spackling to fill in the wood grain. But you can use wood fillerMoreI like to use regular old spackling to fill in the wood grain. But you can use wood filler specifically made for filling wood grain. Too. So i put some spackling into a separate container.
How do I paint my oak kitchen cabinets?
Painting Oak Cabinets WhiteStep one: Remove the doors. Before you can really get started at all, you have to remove all of the cabinet doors and drawers. ... Step two: Clean the cabinets. ... Step three: Deal with the wood grain. ... Step four: Paint.
Are oak cabinets Coming Back in Style 2022?
As far as natural wood cabinet colors go, light and medium oak will still be trending in 2022 … whether it's your full kitchen or just your kitchen island. Either way looks beautiful! And you can't go wrong with beautiful stained (or painted) dark kitchen cabinets.
What is the best color to paint oak kitchen cabinets?
Here are some great go-to colors to consider when painting cabinets white.White Dove – Benjamin Moore:Decorators White – Benjamin Moore:Cloud White – Benjamin Moore:Super White – Benjamin Moore:Marscapone – Benjamin Moore:Acadia White – Benjamin Moore:Mountain Peak White – Benjamin Moore:More items...
How do you make oak look modern?
Now, let's look at a few simple, yet effective, ways to add a modern touch to oak cabinets!Add A Stained Finish. ... Use Flat, Slab Door Styles. ... Consider Cabinet Hardware. ... Play With The Wood Grain. ... Use Surrounding Pieces to Accentuate the Oak.
Do you have to sand oak cabinets before painting?
Don't Go Overboard on Sanding You should sand cabinets before beginning your how to paint kitchen cabinet project to give the new paint a good surface to grip. But you don't need to sand to bare wood. If your cabinets have a factory finish, sand lightly with 120-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge.
Are oak cabinets Coming Back in Style 2020?
However, oak cabinets are currently in the middle of making a comeback. There are several possible reasons for this. First, homeowners are looking for warmth and authenticity in their kitchens. Natural wood checks all the boxes.
What is the best primer to use on oak cabinets?
Oil-based primers are the best bonding primers for oak cabinets because they fill in the grain better than other primers. We always do 2 coats of Zinsser Coverstain before painting. In some states, it is prohibited to purchase any oil-based products so painters have to come up with an alternative.
Should you do two coats of primer on cabinets?
Prime the cabinet doors. Only one coat of primer should do the trick, unless your cabinets are really dark, then I would recommend following up with one more coat of primer when that first coat is dry before moving on.
Are honey oak kitchen cabinets outdated?
Honey Oak Cabinets A staple in kitchens of the 1980s and '90s, these golden-toned wood cabinets have fallen out of favor as white and gray cabinets have risen in popularity. If you don't like your light-stained cabinets, but they're in good shape, consider refinishing or painting what's there.
Can you paint oak cabinets without sanding?
Can You Paint Over Cabinets Without Sanding? Skipping the sanding step is OK if you're making a change from one newly painted surface to another, or painting raw, unvarnished wood cabinets.
Why you shouldn't paint your cabinets?
Detailed Patterns, Warped or Damaged Cabinets If your cabinets have detailed patterns or they are warped, chipped, cracked or have other damage to them, then painting your kitchen cabinets is not the way to go – it most definitely won't solve your cabinet problem.
Do you have to sand oak cabinets before painting?
Don't Go Overboard on Sanding You should sand cabinets before beginning your how to paint kitchen cabinet project to give the new paint a good surface to grip. But you don't need to sand to bare wood. If your cabinets have a factory finish, sand lightly with 120-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge.
Should you paint or stain oak cabinets?
If you're in search of a clean, modern look, paint your cabinets. Painted cabinets appear very smooth, hiding the grain of the wood. If you prefer a more natural, classic look, you should stain your cabinets. Staining your cabinets highlights the natural grain of the wood and offers a more traditional aesthetic.
What is the best base for painting oak cabinets?
Trust me, oil base is the way to go when painting oak cabinets (and any other cabinet for that matter)
What happens if you spray primer on a wood floor?
If you spray the primer on, you will see tiny black holes/cracks/divots/voids where the paint has not seeped into the grain. Sprayed paint only sits on top of the surface and doesn’t get into the deep grainy areas. Therefore it leaves the surface looking like this!
What sheen should I use for a grain?
Semi-gloss and gloss paints will reflect more light which will highlight the pattern of the grain. If you want to minimize the prominence of the grain, which we absolutely do, use a satin sheen.
What paints reflect light?
Semi-gloss and gloss paints will reflect more light which will highlight the pattern of the grain. If you want to minimize the prominence of the grain, which we absolutely do, use a satin or an eggshell sheen.
Is water based primer good for oak cabinets?
Water-based primers are not the best. I know, I know….this isn’t what you wanted to hear, but trust me, using an oil-based primer is SO much better in the long run when you are painting oak cabinets.
Does oil base primer block tannin?
Oil base primer will block all stain and tannin bleed through (something that water based primers cannot do).
Can you use non grainy wood for additions?
Using non-grainy wood for additions is especially critical if you’re going to be filling the grain on your existing cabinetry! Trust me, I learned this one the hard way!
How long does it take to paint oak cabinets?
Cabinets can be prepared and painted within 1 to 3 weeks. You must spend a considerable amount of time prepping hardwood cabinets to ensure a durable, professional finish. Oak and other porous woods may require extra prep time. This article will tell you how to paint oak cabinets. Steps.
What to use to clean grease off cabinets?
If the cabinets are extremely old or dirty, you should use trisodium phosphate (TSP) to cut the grease on your cabinets. This is an industrial strength cleaner that should be used with extreme caution. You can use 1/2 cup of TSP mixed with 2 gallons (7.5 l) of water.
How long does it take for LaTeX paint to dry?
Apply the paint with a small foam roller to cabinet ends inside the house. Allow the coat to dry for 24 hours, unless otherwise directed by the paint's label. Apply 1 to 3 more coats of latex paint.
How long does it take for oak to dry?
Apply 1 coat and allow it to dry for 24 hours. If the hardware store professional told you that your oak surface has not been filled, you will need to use an extra thick primer. For best results, rent a paint sprayer from a hardware store to apply primer and paint to the doors and drawers.
How long does it take for paint to dry on a door?
5. Allow the last coat to dry and cure for at least 5 days. Some people wait up to 2 weeks to ensure the paint is well-cured and will not stick. If you plan to paint the inside of your doors, wait 5 days before turning them and repeating the primer and paint procedure.
What kind of brushes should I use for painting?
You should use medium brushes. I prefer ones that are new so old paint doesn't stick.
Can you paint cabinets with a finish?
Absolutely not . If you're going to paint anything with a finish on it (which your cabinets almost positively do), you definitely need to rough the material up a bit if the paint is going to stick to the grain.
How do I paint a cabinet box?
Paint the cabinet boxes, drawers and doors with the oil-based primer using a nylon/polyester brush. I like to do the backs of the doors and drawers first. Let them dry, and then turn them over and prime the fronts. Be sure to paint in the direction of the grain of the wood.
What is the best thing about painting cabinets?
One of the best things about painting your cabinets, is that you can choose any color you want!
How to use a wooster short cut paint brush?
Using the Wooster Shortcut paint brush, paint any areas of the cabinet boxes, doors and drawers that will be hard to paint with the roller. Using the roller, paint all of the rest of the surfaces. To prep the Whizz roller, use a piece of tape to get the extra lint off.
How to get shiny finish off cabinet doors?
Sand the cabinet boxes, doors and drawers with 100 grit sanding block or sandpaper to get the shiny finish off. If you have laminate on the sides of the cabinet boxes, sand carefully so that you don’t go clear through the laminate finish to the particle board underneath. I recommend wearing a dust mask or respirator.
How long does it take for a cabinet to dry before painting?
Apply a third coat of paint to all of the cabinet boxes, doors and drawers. Following steps 1 – 3. Let the cabinet boxes, doors and drawers dry for at least 24 hours , and then re-hang the doors and drawer fronts. To protect the cabinets, apply felt pads to the backs of the doors and drawers.
What to use to protect floors and counter tops?
Use dropcloths to protect floors and counter tops.
Can you use Pittsburgh paint on laminate?
If you have laminate sides on the ends of your boxes and you’re using the Pittsburgh Paints Breakthrough paint, then you can skip this priming step on the laminate surfaces . Lay the doors and drawers flat. Use painters’ tripods or something else like paint cans to lift the doors and drawers off of the painting surface.
What paint should I use for cabinets?
Another great paint that I recommend for painting cabinets is General Finishes Milk Paint.
How to keep oak cabinets from yellowing?
To smooth the heavy oak wood grain, use a putty knife to apply a very thin layer of spackle onto your cabinets.
What is the best primer for wood stain?
DecoArt stain blocker or Zinsser Oil-Based Primer – either of these will work for sealing the wood so that wood tannins don’t bleed through your paint and cause yellowing
How to get spackle out of wood?
When everything is sanded smooth, use a microfiber cloth to remove the sanding dust. Do not use a wet cloth, as the water will pull the spackle out of the wood!
How to get smooth finish on cabinets?
To get a very smooth paint finish on your cabinets, sand each flat surface with 320 grit sandpaper before painting your final coat of paint. Then brush on the final coat of paint rather than using the roller.
What is seeping through wood furniture?
Have you ever painted a piece of wood furniture white only to find the wood color seeping through your fresh white paint? These are wood tannins seeping through.
What dish soap should I use to clean cabinets?
A lot of people use TSP to degrease their cabinets, but I read a tip that Dawn dish soap works just as well. And since I swear by Dawn for cleaning just about anything, that is what I went with.
Can too much paint drip on cabinets?
Too much paint can drip onto un-wanted surfaces and make the finish uneven on the cabinets. If you feel you have too much paint on your roller, roll it out on the paint tray a few more times until you have your desired amount. Before you let your primer dry, make sure too check for any drips or pooling.
Can you attach hinges to cabinets?
After your cabinets and cabinet door are dry, you can attach the hinges back onto the doors and onto the cabinet base. My cabinets did not have any hardware on them, so I’ll be drilling holes for new handles. I had some extra silver drawer pulls from our last kitchen renovation that I spray painted to modernize them! I’ll be adding those on in the next couple weeks.
Can I use leftover paint on cabinets?
So this cabinet upgrade cost me nothing ! Painting cabinets can be such a great way to use up leftover paint that you may have laying around.
Can you sand down oak cabinets after painting?
If you don’t catch them before the paint dries, you’ll have to sand down the areas after it has dried to re-apply. To save money I used a water-based primer that I already had on hand. Some oak cabinets can have a very deep grain that needs a great seal that a oil-based primer can provide.
Can you update oak cabinets?
We have oak cabinets above our washer and dryer that I wanted to update. The most budget friendly way to update cabinets is with paint! I painted our kitchen cabinets at our last house and while it took quite a while, it was definitely worth it in the end!
Do you need a sprayer to paint oak cabinets?
You don’t have to use a paint sprayer on oak cabinets. I used my angled paint brush and foam roller method to successfully paint oak cabinets with a beautiful finish.
How much does it cost to paint oak cabinets?
On average, the cost to paint your oak kitchen cabinets can range from $80 to $120 per door. Factors that can increase the cost to paint your oak cabinets include. Overly greasy oak cabinets. Damaged oak cabinets. Oak cabinets that require touch-ups with wood filler and caulking. Filling oak wood grain.
What is the best wood filler for oak cabinets?
The two best products on the market to fill wood grain in oak cabinet doors are Aqua Coat and DAP wood filler. Aqua coat is pricier however it’s much easier to apply and has the consistency of a gel/paste. It is also a lot easier to sand after being applied.
What is Benjamin Moore Advance paint?
Benjamin Moore Advance paint is a water-based hybrid paint that acts like an oil.
What is the best sheen for a door?
The most popular sheen is Pearl, which is basically the same as a satin sheen finish. If you’re looking for a glossier finish semi-gloss is recommended. High gloss can show a lot more imperfections in the doors so semi-gloss is what we recommend if you are looking for a glossier look.
Can you paint oak cabinets?
Oak cabinet painting is a sensible solution for oak kitchens where cabinets are in good shape structurally and for homeowners that can’t justify the expense and major inconvenience of replacing their oak kitchen cabinets.
When to apply wood grain filler?
Filling Oak Grain. The best time to apply your wood grain filler is after your first coat of primer. Using wood grain filler after the first coat of primer allows you to really see where your oak cabinet door grain lines need more attention. It’s more difficult to see the problem areas before applying the first coat of primer.
Do you need to primer cabinets?
Priming your doors will help the paint adhere better, give more durability to your cabinets, and give added protection in the long run. Always apply 2 coats of primer and make sure to lightly sand between co ats so that you end up with a factory-like finish in the end.
What primer should I use for painting over wood?
This Zinsser BIN Advanced Primer is what I recommend for painting over wood, whether it’s cabinets, molding, or doors. It does the best job of stain-blocking out of any primer I’ve ever used.
Do you measure old hinges?
If you’re buying new hinges, make sure you measure your old ones accurately and check that the new hinges are exactly the same size and shape.
Can you paint a Satin Enamel vertically?
Now, if you were using traditional latex or oil paint, I would not recommend painting vertically, due to the risk of drips. But this Satin Enamel paint holds it shape better while it’s wet, which means it goes on smooth, and has the perfect drying time.
Can you paint around cabinet doors?
While you’re working on your frames and waiting through drying times, you can paint around the edges of your cabinet doors. You want to make sure the paint is good and dry on both the frame and the doors so they don’t stick to each other once you attach the doors again, so leave plenty of time for this step.
Can you rehang a door?
Once everything is finished and it’s all good and dry, then you can rehang your doors and replace the drawers. (Sounds easy but involves more contortionist moves in mid-air, so enlist a partner if you can!)
Can I replace kitchen hinges?
Fortunately it’s pretty easy to replace these in a variety of colors. For my kitchen I didn’t want the hinges to be visible, but I also didn’t want to retool everything to add hidden hinges .
Can you mix satin enamel paint?
Don’t fret if you can’t find the color you want in the Satin Enamel paint. You can mix whatever color you like from the available colors in their line.
Can you paint oak walls?
Oak is usually a weighty color. It can’t be too much. So try to add some lighter shades to the room to break the oak color saturation. You can employ white flooring, light countertops, you can even put up pale wall paint. You can then provide accents into the room by providing cheerful shades such as orange or yellow.
Is oak a good wood?
Oak is an amazing piece of wood and, even without enhancing it, can provide a tremendous amount of color and personality to any kind of interior space. To say that it looks good would be an understatement indeed.
What color goes well with gray and beige?
When you combine gray with beige you get a fantastic neutral tone called greige . Benjamin Moore Collingwood is a massive crowd-pleaser with a robust cool undertone that makes warm wood tones simply sing, especially oak cabinets with red tones.
What color is Benjamin Moore's decorator's white?
If you are looking for a pure shade of white that does not feel too cool or too warm, consider Benjamin Moore Decorator's White . The lovely hue was designed to create a pitch-perfect backdrop for both serene and vibrant spaces. And because white walls are reflected, this particular shade will beautifully reflect the golden honey color of oak.
