Transforming Stained Oak Cabinets With Paint: A Step-By-Step Guide (2024)

Painting oak cabinets is a great way to modernise your kitchen or laundry room without breaking the bank. The process is straightforward, but it is time-consuming and requires a lot of elbow grease. The key to success is in the preparation: de-glossing, sanding, filling, and priming the cabinets before painting.

The first step is to remove the cabinet doors and any hardware. Then, use a deglosser, such as Krud Kutter, to remove the shine from the oak. Next, fill any dents or scratches with wood filler and sand the cabinets with 80-120 grit sandpaper. It is important to sand both sides of the doors, paying particular attention to the edges and grooves. After sanding, wipe down the cabinets to remove any dust.

The next step is priming. A high-quality primer will ensure that the paint adheres well and minimise the wood grain from showing through. Zinsser's Bull's Eye Seal Coat sanding sealer is recommended for this, as is their BIN shellac primer. Apply the primer with a brush and a roller, and be sure to cover all surfaces, including crevices and edges. Two coats of primer are recommended, followed by light sanding with 220-320 grit sandpaper to remove any bumps.

Finally, it's time to paint! For the smoothest finish, use a paint sprayer. If you don't have one, a mohair paint roller or an angled brush and foam roller can also be used. Apply two thin coats of paint, allowing for drying time in between.

How to prepare oak cabinets for painting

Painting oak cabinets is a great way to modernise your kitchen or laundry room without breaking the bank. Here are the steps you should take to prepare your oak cabinets for painting:

Remove the cabinet doors and hardware

Take off the cabinet doors and keep the screws in a safe place. You can work around the hinges, so there is no need to remove them. If you are planning on reusing the hardware, keep it safe. Otherwise, you can sell or donate it.

Remove the shine

Use a deglosser, such as Krud Kutter Gloss Off, to remove the shine from your oak cabinets. Apply the product to a cloth and wipe it onto the wood in a circular motion, covering the whole surface, front and back.

Make the cabinet doors free of imperfections

Fill in any dents or scratches with wood filler and sand for a smooth finish. If you are using new hardware that requires different holes, be sure to fill up the old ones.

Sand the cabinet doors

Sanding is the most important step in preparing the doors for painting. Use P60 or P80 grit sandpaper and tackle all the flat surfaces first, then use a mouse sander to get into the corners and grooves. You don't need to sand all the way down to the bare wood, but just enough so that the surface is scuffed up and feels gritty. Sand both sides of the doors.

Wipe the boards

Before priming and painting, remove the dust created by sanding. You can use tack cloth for this, or baby wipes if you have some around the house.

Prime the oak cabinet doors

To achieve a professional look, you will want to minimise the wood grain from coming through. Do this by applying two coats of primer, followed by two coats of paint. Primer is necessary to ensure the paint adheres well to the oak. When priming, use a brush to apply primer to all the crevices, shaker details and edging, then go in with a foam roller for the flat surfaces.

Sand the boards again

Sand the boards again with very fine sandpaper (P320 grit) to get rid of any little bumps, drips of paint or paint bubbles. You don't want to remove the primer, just sand lightly by hand to smooth out the surface.

How to hide the grain of oak cabinets

Painting oak cabinets is a time-consuming and challenging task, especially if you want to hide the grain and achieve a smooth, professional finish. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Step 1: Preparation

• This project requires a significant time commitment. For a typical North American kitchen, it could take about five days if done continuously or a month if done on weekends.
• Gather all the necessary tools and materials, including a shop-vac with a brush attachment, putty knife, sandpaper, sanding blocks and discs, primer, paint, and a paint sprayer.
• Remove everything from the room, including appliances and hardware from the cabinets, to avoid damage and create a clean workspace.
• Number the doors and drawers to ensure proper reassembly, and vacuum and wipe down the cabinet boxes to remove dust and dirt.

Step 2: Sanding and Filling the Grain

• Sand the cabinet frames and doors with 80-grit sandpaper using an orbital sander to remove the old finish and open up the grain.
• Fill the wood grain and imperfections with a thin layer of Drydex wall spackle or a similar product, using a putty knife. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth finish.
• Sand the cabinets again with 220-grit sandpaper, removing all dust with a tack cloth.

Step 3: Priming and Sanding

• Prime the cabinets with an oil-based primer to prevent the wood's tannin from bleeding through. Use a mini roller and brush for the cabinet boxes and doors.
• Sand the primed cabinets with 320-grit sandpaper, removing the dust with a shop-vac and tack cloth.
• Repeat the priming and sanding process to create a solid white base for the final coat of paint.

Step 4: Painting

• Prepare your paint and paint sprayer by diluting the paint with distilled water as per the manufacturer's instructions. Test the sprayer on a scrap piece of wood before starting on the cabinets.
• Paint the cabinet boxes first, using smooth and continuous strokes, focusing on tough angles and small areas first.
• Set up the doors and drawers in an upright position and spray them with the paint, allowing for drying time between coats.

Step 5: Final Steps

• Rehang the doors and replace the drawers.
• You may consider caulking the cracks and details, but this is optional, as wood expands and contracts, which may cause the caulk to crack.
• There is no need to add a topcoat, as the paint should cure within a week.

How to choose the right paint for oak cabinets

Painting oak cabinets can be a great way to modernise your kitchen without breaking the bank. However, it's important to choose the right paint to ensure a smooth and professional finish. Here are some tips to help you select the best paint for your oak cabinets.

Consider the condition of your cabinets

Before deciding whether to paint or stain your oak cabinets, assess their current condition. If they are in great shape and just need a basic cleaning, you may want to keep them as they are. On the other hand, if they require significant refinishing, painting may be a more feasible option.

Choose the right primer

A crucial step in painting oak cabinets is using a suitable primer. Zinsser BIN Shellac is a popular choice for oak cabinets as it seals the wood and prevents tannin bleed, which can cause the paint to turn yellow over time. Alternatively, you can use a sanding sealer like Zinsser's Bull's Eye Seal Coat, which minimises the wood grain and prevents grain bleed.

Prepare the surface

Proper surface preparation is essential for achieving a smooth finish. Start by cleaning the cabinets with a product like TSP or Krud Kutter to remove any grease and grime. Then, use a deglosser to remove the shine, and sand the cabinets to create a smooth base for the paint. Filling the wood grain with products like Aqua Coat, Bondo Wood Filler, or plastic wood is optional but will result in a smoother finish. Finally, use a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust or debris before painting.

Select a suitable paint colour

When choosing a paint colour for your oak cabinets, consider whether you want to enhance or downplay the warmth of the wood. Warm neutrals and vibrant shades will emphasise the yellow and orange undertones of the oak, creating a cosy atmosphere. If you prefer a more modern and subdued look, opt for cool neutrals like grey, sage, or mauve, which will balance out the warmth of the wood.

Decide on the finish

The finish, or sheen, of the paint you choose will also impact the final look. A high-gloss finish will enhance the wood grain, making it more noticeable, while a satin or pearl finish will soften the appearance of the grain.

How to choose the right primer for oak cabinets

When it comes to choosing the right primer for oak cabinets, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use an oil-based primer as these provide the best seal, stain-blocking properties, and adhesion. While water-based primers are easier to work with and have less odour, they are not as effective at blocking stains and tannins, which are naturally occurring compounds in wood that can seep through your paint.

Some recommended oil-based primers include:

• Zinsser BIN Shellac Primer: This primer is known for its fast-drying time and smooth finish. It is also relatively less smelly compared to other oil-based primers.
• Sherwin Williams ProBlock Oil: A top recommendation from a painting expert.
• Benjamin Moore Multi-Purpose Oil Base: Another top recommendation from a professional painter.
• Fine Paints of Europe Oil Undercoat: A high-end option that promises a superior finish.
• Thin the primer with mineral spirits before use to improve brushability and sprayability.
• Allow ample time for the primer to fully dry. It is ready for sanding when it sands to powder.
• Properly dispose of any materials soiled with oil primer or mineral spirits, as they are flammable.

By following these recommendations and tips, you can achieve a long-lasting and smooth finish on your oak cabinets.

Painting oak cabinets is a time-consuming and challenging task, but it can be done with the right tools and preparation. Here are some tips on choosing the right tools for the job:

• Sanders: You will need a good-quality sander to remove the old finish and smooth the surface of the oak cabinets. Both orbital and mouse sanders are recommended for this job. The orbital sander is better for flat surfaces, while the mouse sander can get into corners and grooves.
• Sandpaper: Use P60 or P80 grit sandpaper for the initial sanding and a very fine P320 grit sandpaper for the final sanding before painting.
• Deglosser: A deglosser, such as Krud Kutter Gloss Off, will help remove the shine from the oak cabinets.
• Wood filler: Use a wood filler to fill in any dents or scratches on the cabinet doors.
• Primer: A primer is necessary to ensure that the paint adheres well to the oak cabinets. Choose a primer that is suitable for use with oak, such as Kilz primer or Zinsser Cover Stain.
• Paintbrushes and rollers: You will need both brushes and rollers to apply the primer and paint. Foam rollers are recommended for flat surfaces, while angled brushes can help you get into corners and crevices.
• Paint sprayer: If you plan to use a paint sprayer, choose one that is suitable for the type of paint you are using and practice on a test board before starting on the cabinets.
• Paint: Choose a paint that is specifically designed for painting cabinets, such as Sherwin Williams' Urethane Trim Enamel or Insl-X Cabinet Coat Enamel.
• Tack cloth: A tack cloth will help you remove dust and debris from the cabinets before painting.
• Other tools: Depending on the condition of your cabinets, you may also need tools such as a screwdriver to remove hardware, a putty knife to apply wood filler, and a caulking gun for filling cracks.

Frequently asked questions