Can you paint a cabinet white if its stained dark?

Question

Do not want sand cabinets to change color. Its a dark cherry walnut stain. Can I just prime and paint?

Answer 1

Yes, definitely. I've done it. Your cabinet probably has some kind of sealer or varnish on it. Any finish with even a little gloss needs a VERY light sanding with about 200 grit sandpaper. I'm talking about just lightly and quickly rubbing the sandpaper on the surface to give the primer something to adhere to. Use a high-adhesion primer-sealer made by Zinsser or Kilz. This will stick to the old finish and make sure that your new paint won't chip off. Your first coat of primer will look terrible, but don't get discouraged. You will get best results with a couple of thin coats of paint instead of trying to lay the paint on thickly. Use a sheen that's semigloss, at least.

Sometimes it's a good idea to take the door off the cabinet while you work, if possible.

Answer 2

without a picture I would think all one color in your kitchen cabinets would look best. The best way is to put some dark primer on your white cabinets. You could even paint them brown like the others first. I am not sure how stain over paint would do, but you could test a small area to find out. Like the inside of the cabinet door or inside cabinet itself if painted.

Answer 3

Sure can. Sand first to scuff up the surface coat of the finish. Then apply a stain blocking primer, like original Kilz. You will want to use 2 coats. Then paint with semi-gloss enamel. If you don't prime right, the stain will bleed through the paint and yellow it in just a couple of months.

Answer 4

yes..... but you still need to sand the cabinet for proper adhesion.