Kitchen Cabinets

gulf coast girl · ‎03-10-2010

First off I don't think they're made of real wood, they're white in appearance and I can't stand them. If they're really cheap particle board or some other inferior junk can they be painted or is it a waste of my time.

If they can be painted where it turns out right would I use gloss, semi-gloss, satin or eggshell or your last choice flat? I want them to be green. I have so called black granite countertops and those I can't stand either but I can't afford to get anything new. So I'm stuck with them.

The builder must've thought white with a contrasting black counter would be cool. Wrong...

The house is only 4 years old but these white cabinets show smears where people seriously don't bother using the knobs to open them, They're there, but I get to wipe them off daily because nobody cares how they look except me.

Do you think they can be painted?

Tori3569 · ‎06-27-2010

Yes, I've painted mine twice so far. There's a cabinet painting kit available at Home Depot or Lowe's, but I used this kit the last time and my cabinets are now a greenish blue. Very easy and easy to clean. You should definitely research if this is the finish you want though. It's chalky.

Snowpuppy · ‎03-09-2010

Pull out a small drawer and take it to Home Depot or your local hardware store. Ask them what the cabinet is made of and what they recommend to refinish them.

My local hardware store is a small chain of some 5-6 stores. They have a contractor's desk and their advice is top notch. Home Depot can be hit or miss.

jlkz · ‎12-02-2013

@gulf coast girl

If the doors are made from something cheap / soft, then be prepared for fingernail dents formed over time.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

Somertime · ‎09-18-2010

The All in One Paint by Heritage Collections that was recommended is excellent and available on Amazon. Before painting, I would suggest thinking about what color you might like the cabinets. If you go to Samplize dot com, you can order samples to be sent. The samples are peel & stick in size 9 x 14 for 6.95. What this does...it gives you the opportunity to see if you like the color and if it works with your counter top. There is no residue from the peel and stick and you can move it to different cabinets to see how the light will effect it. For a nominal fee (even if you order 3 samples), you will be able to make a decision without an expensive mistake and a large investment of time and money. Good Luck!

Still Raining · ‎03-30-2014

This is a hard one and I feel for you. White should be banned in kitchens.

sabatini · ‎06-29-2015

@gulf coast girl, I've previously posted about Sherwin Williams amazing product - their Extreme Bond Primer.

That stuff will stick to anything & your paint will easily adhere for good. It's such a blessing and time saver!

I agree with posters who've recommended chalk paint, and it's beautiful stuff, but it requires top coating which adds to your labor.

Over ten years ago, I used the Extreme Bond it to cover ugly laminate cupboards, & to this day there is nary a nic or a scratch...& I'm rough on things.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

Muddling through...