What is the best way to go about painting kitchen cabinets that have been previously stained?

Answer 1

You need to wash them first. You can't paint over grease and expect a good finish. I think being a Union painter just means they can't fire you. TSP is a cleaner and de-glosser. I would recommend a light sanding too. Prime with a quality primer, then paint.

Answer 2

It's quite easy to do but there are steps you'll need to follow:

1. First, wash the cabinets with liquid TSP which you can find at your local hardware store or WalMart. Use the liquid form as it:
a) is not toxic like the powder form
b) is easier to mix than the powder
c) does not need to be rinsed like the powder

It's important that you wash them with this first, especially since they are kitchen cabinets. TSP will remove ALL grease and grime. If you don't do this first, either the paint will not adhere properly or the grease will come thru the paint soonner or later... usually sooner! And don't freak out about oil-based primer... it's not like it used to be. Nowadays, it is very low odor and also quick drying (about 2 hours!) to be able to paint over it.

2. Prime the cabinets with an oil-based primer. I suggest Bull's Eye 1-2-3 or Kilz. Do not use a latex primer as the stain on the cabinets is very likely oil-based. Also, depending on the paint color you choose to paint, if you want it to be the TRUE color you chose, you'll need a neutral background (like primer) or the color won't be true.

3. Paint your heart away with the color you choose. You can even do latex paint... which is fine over oil-based primer, but not okay over oil-based paint without first priming (if you do that, the paint will scratch off within days!)

I suggest that you stick to special kitchen & bathroom paint. The reasons being:
a) this kind of paint repels mold
b) this kind of paint repels moisture
c) this kind of paint is very easy to wash (so important in a kitchen)

Enjoy your new kitchen!

Answer 3

dtwladyh is right.. you may want to wash them with something like TSP first to make sure there is no oil/grease residue on there.. If you are down to bare wood anywhere you should at least spot prime that. There is also the whole issue of runs when brushing large flat areas like cabinets. Paint the inside cabinet doors first to get a feel for the way your particular paint is going to handle (Better to make mistakes on what isn't seen as much) You have to get comfortable with how thick you are going to put the paint on, and how much brushing you need to do to keep it from running. There are additives you can buy to change paint flow and drying time.. talk to the people about that where you buy the paint - that you are concerned about runs on vertical surfaces.

Answer 4

I'M A UNION PAINTER..I CAN ANSWER THIS. DEGLOSSER IS AN OPTION YES, BUT DOESN'T WORK AS WELL AS KILZ.
TRUST ME..I'VE DONE IT A MILLION TIMES.
GET A GALLON OF OIL BASED KILZ $20
FOAM WIZ ROLLER $3.
CHINA BRISTLE BRUSH $10
CAN OF PAINT THINNER $3.00
PUT A LIGHT EVEN COAT OF KILZ ON THE CAB.
THIN COATS DRY QUICKER THAN THICK ONES. PLUS YOU WANT THE PAINT TO BE NICE AND SMOOTH SO IT LAYS OFF EVENLY FOR THE FINISH COAT. MAKE SURE YOU USE A SPONGE SANDING BLOCK TO SAND DOWN BETWEEN EACH COAT EVERYTHING YOU PRIMED.
I WOULD USE SHERWIN WILLIAMS SUPER PAINT FOR THE CABINETS. MAKE SURE YOU USE A OIL BASE PAINT AND A FOAM ROLLER. THIS PREVENT AIR BUBBLES FROM FORMING IN THE FINISH. GOOD LUCK..IF U HAVE ANY MORE QUESTION [e-mail]
PS THIS SAVES YOU FROM HAVING TO WASH EVERYTHING DOWN AND MAKING A HUGE MESS AND WARPING YOUR WOOD. BEWARE OF THEM CRAFTY HOMEOWNER KNOW IT ALL'S

Answer 5

Paint right over the stain.Paint will cover it right up . The stain is as good as any primer. So just paint them and be done with it. That's the beauty of paint.

Answer 6

I am a painting contractor and I agree with Bear...But I would suggest Benjamin Moore satin impervo... that is what we use on all our cabinet work.

Answer 7

Go over them with a deglossing solution (walmart) you may want to take some fine sand paper to them also.