Can you paint over cabinetry?

Question

My boyfriend and I recently moved into a trailor out in the country to "update" a few things for a friend of the family to rent it out. I'm interested in painting the kitchen cabinets (they're BLACK!!!) and I'm wondering if anyone has ever attempted this on such cheap wood? And do you have any suggestions? And in simple words, can you tell me exactly how to do it? (I've never painted anything in my life.)

Also, there's other small things, like light fixtures, that in my opinion would look better with a satin nickel finish, rather than this horrid 80's gold that's in here. Do you have any idea if it's possible to paint over these small metal pieces? I thought I had read somewhere that it was, but was looking for someone to validate that "fact", if you will. That way I don't make TOO much of a mess, lol. (If an easy solution doesn't work out, I just might have to replace them all, eh?) Thanks a bunch!!

Answer 1

You dont say what material they are made of so I will assume it is wood or some kind of composite(MDF, Particle Board, etc...).

1st - Remove the doors
2nd - Wash them with TSP and a Bleach water mix to remove grease, oils, dirt etc...
3rd - Prime them with a good primer using a good brush. Kilz Original would work as a primer.
4th - Paint them.
5th - Let 1st coat dry. Sand lightly with a fine sandpaper.
6th - Paint with a 2nd coat.

When priming and painting use long even strokes in one direction.Do not go back and forth or cross ways.

Answer 2

First you want to determine what kind of paint you have on the cabinets. If by chance you have an oil-based paint on there, you may be knee-deep in trouble if you don't prep the surface properly. If I had to guess, you are probably safe and it's a latex paint. To test the surface, rub an inconspicuous part of the cabinet with a rag dipped in alcohol. If any paint starts to rub off, you have a latex paint and you can go over it with anything after using your chosen primer. If you're just shining the surface really well and no paint residue is coming off, you're dealing with an oil-based paint. In which case, prep the surface as others have suggested and go over it with an oil-based primer. You can then go over the primer with any paint you like.
Consider getting a "high hiding" primer as well (very easy to find at Home Depot or Lowe's). It is a bit thicker and used when you want to go from a really dark color to a light color (if that, is in fact what you want to do). It could save you a coat or two.
It is possible to paint over your light fixtures if they are a metal of some kind. When you are at Lowe's or Home Depot, look for a product called Rustoleum. It is more often in a spray can, but I know Lowe's also carries it in quarts and pint-sized cans in various colors. Rustoleum products are made to go over metal. HOWEVER, be sure to read the directions before you committ to buying it, as it will tell you what you can and can't paint with it. There is a "High Heat" Rustoleum at Lowe's (possibly HD too) that you may want to look into. It goes on things like your stove and dryer. Maybe that will work, but again, read the directions first. You can find Rustoleum by the spray paints usually. Best of Luck!

Answer 3

Cabinets are expensive to replace so painting is sometimes a good option. To do a good job you would need to remove the cabinet doors and hinges, unless you don't mind painting over the hinges. Personally, I don't like it. Since the cabinets are black you will need to first paint them with a coat or two of KILZ or some similar product made to cover up stains and dark colors. Then apply the paint of your choice. Take your time and apply a couple of layers allowing drying time in between.
As far as the fixtures go, yes, they can be refinished but it is not easy to make them come out looking nice. You either need experience or advice from a friend or someone who can show you how. Then again I have had friends who did it (they are very anal) and did a beautiful job the first time out. But since you are dealing with cheap fixtures it would probabley be best to just replace them.

Answer 4

What you need to do is sand the cabinets first so the paint sticks better than you are going to have to put primer on them first. I recommend that you use a primer color similar to the color that you want to paint the cabinets. I reccomend you also put on two coats of the paint since the orginal color is black. As for the light fixtures I would just replace them its much easier than trying to refinish them.

Answer 5

Painting over wood is very possible. Purchase 160 sand paper and sand the area to be painted. then sand again using 400 grit paper. Take a broken piece of glass and use the straight edge to shave the wood. By that i mean drag the glass over the wood to remove the fine layer of fur created by the sanding. Walla your ready for painting. Use a wood sealer then prime, then put your finish coat on. As for the fixtures - replace them it is much easier than trying to paint them

Answer 6

You will have to sand all wood surfaces prior to painting, remove all dust, paint with primer and then use a paint that is washable it will be easier to keep them clean after going through all that. It will probably be easier to replace the hardware then to try to strip and refinish them. If you're worried about losing out on the cost of the hardware keep the old stuff until you move and switch them back when you move.

Answer 7

Dark colours will require at least a coat or two of primer before you paint over them, or else the dark colour will show through. Metal surfaces require a primer also, but regular latex paint will not stick very well, you'll need a special type of paint for metal.

Answer 8

take apart the pieces of the cabinets as far as possible and then remove the hardware and put it safe,, and then roll on a shellac primer like zap from walmart and then paint it whatever color you wish the hardware gets rubbed with steel wool 0 one o then 4 oooo that polishes off the finish and now rub it with vinegar dry in a warm place then spray with hammered steel spray from the walmart ,,PS the finish under the cheap brass coatings is usually like steel so you could rub all that off and then wipe with vinegar, and srpay with clear laquer ,or poly or hairspray as its a cheap laquer finish also,, when you roll the shelves and doors with the primer brush the bubbles out and then the same with the finish paint a smaller threeinch or something roller is best to get more cracks and so on ,,

Answer 9

yes,yes,yes,and no.you will have the initial expense of supplies.kiltz everything you want to paint,and replace the metal parts because the finishes will not hold up,because we as humans have oils on our hands that will tarnish.do not sand hard,but only to a smooth touch,kiltz to make white and to block stains.next paint the color with a color that you like that will compliment the room.an oil base product will clean up with paint thinner,or use a water base product that is 100%acrylic applying several thin coats.do not put on thick,or it will peel off.

Answer 10

Yes, you can paint over anything if it is painted on to begin with. When you go to the Hardware store, Lowe's, or Home Depot, just ask the guys there and they can get you squared away.