Repainting walnut-colored wood cabinets to increase resale value?

Question

I'm thinking about repainting my walnut-colored cabinet doors and cabinets off white. My questions are:
1. Would this really increase the resale value of my home, or have I been watching too much HGTV?
2. Is it necessary to sand, or can I just prime and paint?

Answer 1

Yes repainting and updating will add resale value. Is there a way that you could re-glaze them instead? It is an easier process, with less time and work involved. I hate sanding and like to use a product called liquid sand, I believe Paseo makes it, and it gives tooth to a surface without having to sand. Then mix up glaze with one part latex or acylic paint, one part water and one part floetrol. I used a burgandy paint base over walnut and it gave it a cherry wood look. You just paint over the existing finish after you liquid sand it and then seal it with a non yellowing polyurethane. You can also re-glaze using an off white for an antique look. Try it on a drawer front or cabinet door first to pratice getting the effect you desire.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

If the cabinets ARE walnut... DONT paint them! You'd actually destroy what value they have!

Walnut is an expensive wood to build with...it is very pretty and long lasting. I realize you only said 'walnut-colored' -- but if there is a chance that these cabinets are walnut, or walnut veneer... do not paint them. If they are in need of some work, get a woodworker to come in and refinish them for you.

Now... after youve had two woodworkers tell you not to paint Walnut, lol... and you still decide you want to paint your cabinets.. then yes.. you are going to have to sand them down...(first remove any/all hardware), prime them, scuff the primer up with some light sanding or steel wool, and then paint.

Now...if you are looking to increase the resale value... you are actually better off replacing the COUNTERTOPS, sink, and flooring! Dollar for dollar, that will yield a better increase in resale value.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

I cannot believe that anyone would say to paint walnut with a latex paint would increase the value of the piece. What a bunch of hog wash. The whole purpose of the unit is the fact that it is Walnut. I could go buy some garbage lumber from the home center and build a cabinet and paint it with latex paint and then sell it. It would not come close to the value of a stained Walnut piece. Once you cover the wood and grain with paint you have killed the value of the piece. If you want to make a few dollars for the piece then get it refinished please. I have been building furniture for 30 years and cringe to think someone would suggest painting a piece of Walnut.

Answer 5

YES. Our foyer has wood paneling, and therefore had to be painted over. In doing so, we have discovered that the foyer exists in its own dimension, destined to not match the wall surrounding the atrium across from it, the adjacent hallway, etc. We went through several colors before finding a pleasing match. Even more of a hassle is having to remove two heavy doors each time we repainted.

Answer 6

My first question is what condition the cabinets are in. If they still look great but you just want to update them some, then try replacing the hardware ( knobs, pulls and hinges). If you still want to repaint them, then yes, I would lightly sand them first to rough up the surface of the cabinets so the primer will stick better.

Answer 7

You will need to sand, primer then paint

Answer 8

sand then prime then paint white.. you will get more money that way.. it takes time but trust me the money you get back is worth it