Does anyone know if you can paint over varnished kitchen cabinets without stripping them first?

Question

My home was built in 1920 so the varnish is old and has been there for years. I can't afford to replace them but I do want to brighten up my kitchen.

Answer 1

I agree with Poopsie above, use liquid sandpaper like Paseo which takes the shine off of the varnish. I've done this with a lot of success. You have to look at the cabinets from many angles to make certain you have gotten all of the varnish after application and reapply to the shiny areas. But, it is a lot easier than sanding. If you can, remove all of the cabinet doors and drawers while working on the base frames. Then, use a heavy duty primer, I like Bin, or Zinser better than Kilz because they brush on better and leave a smoother finish so you don't have to sand off brush marks between coats. Two coats of primer will ensure that the paint will adhere and that no stains or other abberations bleed through to the paint.

Then use two coats of paint. I did mine all in latex and have had no problems with performance. I also recommend using a non-yellowing polyurethane sealer over the painted surfaces. Especially in a kitchen, it will help make cleaning them, removing cooking grease, etc. a much easier job.

Answer 2

Lightly sand them to aquire a rough area for the paint to adhere to and then wash the cabinets with TSP.

Answer 3

Clean them good first w/ vinegar or a degreaser.
You can paint them for a quick fix.... just make sure if the finish an oil based, that you use an oil based paint... if it is acrylic, use an acrylic based paint.
I love the Kilz brand of paint!
Enjoy your new kitchen!!

Answer 4

a light sanding would do the trick, you want to make sure the paint adheres. Priming after sanding is a good idea also.

Answer 5

Wash them with TSP and then you might want to prime it before you paint for a better adhesion

Answer 6

Use Liquid Sandpaper.