For those of you who have painted older wooden kitchen cabinets, what type/brand of paint did you use?

And, are you happy with it? My wood cabinets have been painted twice before, but I was just wondering about what other people have used. Did you just use a latex semi-gloss, prime them first, just wash them and paint, lightly sand, etc. Also, was there a certain brand that you would recommend? Thank you in advance for any and all responses.For those of you who have painted older wooden kitchen cabinets, what type/brand of paint did you use?
My wife and I just did our kitchen cabinets. Our existing cabinets were wood with a pickled (pink/white) stain. We lightly sanded all surfaces to rough it up for a prime coat. We used a Shellac based Zinser primer. We used the shellac because I heard that is better for latex paints. Primer will also bind well to oil based paints. After we applied the primer we lightly sanded again just to remove any imperfections caused by the primer. Then we applied a Benjamin Moore latex paint, Color: Decorators White with a Semi-gloss finish. We applied 2 very thin coats and didn't need to sand in between each application. Make sure you use thin coats as this will make it bind better and won't scratch or get chipped off once dried. The semi-gloss is also perfect because you can wash the cabinets and remove any dirt. It came out perfectly and professionally and we're both really happy with the results.





I would says the most important step is the primer followed by multiple thin coats. Also, since you have existing paint on there, the paint should bind well. Hope this helps. Good Luck!For those of you who have painted older wooden kitchen cabinets, what type/brand of paint did you use?
Depending on the look that you want, for a smooth professional finish I would recommend sanding until smooth and prefer spraying on the paint if possible. If you use a roller, I use a small roller 4';-6'; in length and about an inch thickness with a smooth finish (foam rollers do pretty good). I have had great success with Sherwin Williams and Bejamin Moore paints. A semi-gloss to gloss finished would do great and last. If using a latex and the cabinets were peviously painted with oil base, you must use a primer. I always use a primer when painting over previously painted wood, to make sure of the adhesion of the new paint and to block out any stains, colors, oil that might bleed through.


Hope this helps.....have a great project.
I would definitely sand and prime the cabinets. And if it were me, I'd take off the other layers of paint first and start from scratch.





Definitely use a high gloss paint so they are easier to clean. A couple coats will be needed. I think the main thing for them to look professional is to sand them properly so all cabinets are smooth. It wouldn't be a bad idea to spray on the paint if that is an option (vs. rolling).





And make sure you replace all the hardware. That gives the cabinets the finishing touches they need to look new.
There are many good paints for cabinets. Each brand has their own satin, semi-gloss or gloss finish that would be suitable for cabinets. Make sure that the paint you buy is an ';enamel'; paint. That does not mean it has to be oil-based, enamel simply means that the paint dries to a much harder finish than a normal wall paint.





As far as how to paint your cabinets, check out the source site below, it talks about how to prep your cabinets and make sure they are clean without having to sand them. It also gives other tips that make the painting easier.
I've been happy using primer and ACE brand paint. Buying the Do it yourself kitchen cabinets can be a nice and inexpensive way of updating your kitchen. The level of quality with some of these cabinets can be really impressive.





That's what I'd suggest if you have some extra cash and are looking for something a little newer.
They say water based enamels are much better now but I don't believe it. We had our kitchen cabinets done with a water based paint and it chips very easily. In some places it tends to stick if it get moist.





If it were my cabinets, I would take the paint all off. Prime and paint with oil based paint. I would use an egg shell finish because it doesn't show imperfections. It cleans just as easy as gloss finish.
We washed, sanded, primed, painted, sanded, and painted. We used an oil based paint because of antiquing, but latex is as good now. We used Sherwin Williams paint. Alot of work, but about 4 years later, still looks good.
We just washed the cabinets,let dry for a day and use semi gloss latex. We bought the paint at home depot and it was brand name of Behr. The cabinets turned out great and are easy to clean.Behr paint covers great too
benjamin moore (satin) Impervo


first,wash with TSP, sand lightly, then prime with a stain blocking primer like BIN, or kilz.