My kitchen cabinet doors are those bland almond smooth wood doors with wood trim on the bottom. I was thinking of painting them and adding stainless pulls. As there is no wood grain on the door fronts, nor any details aside from the wood on the bottom, I was concerned about how feasible this project would be. While I've seen great results with wood cabinets painted-- these have no character and thus I'm a bit concerned as to the outcome. Anyone do anything similar?
God, I know those cabinets! Thanks to Richard for a good question. Many of them were made with Formica or something similar in the panels. You might be okay cleaning them thoroughly, roughing them up to take a coat of good primer, then painting, especially with the new handles which would reduce chipping around the bottom where you always grab them. If that doesn't work out though, consider just replacing the doors and finishing them as you like. I've done it both ways with good results, and not a whole helluva lot of money needed, but a fair amount of work, especially cleaning off a few year's worth of kitchen grease. I've had good luck with the orange cleaners with that bit, by the by.
You can also waste a whole helluva lot of money on the handles if you're not careful. And since they don't currently have them, if I'm picturing the right cabinets, knobs are much easier than the two-hole handles, but make your own jig or template to make sure they all match.
Good luck!
Posts: 261 | Location: VA, AL, GA | Registered: 23 October 2007
Never paint formica, no matter how much you sand it! Spend the money and buy new cabinets. BUT, if the cabinets are wood that's a different story. Just scuff them up real good w/ 100 grit (everywhere), prime (Zinnser makes a good product) and finish, two coats.
Thanks to Richard for a good question. Many of them were made with Formica or something similar in the panels. You might be okay cleaning them thoroughly, roughing them up to take a coat of good primer, then painting, especially with the new handles which would reduce chipping around the bottom where you always grab them. If that doesn't work out though, consider just replacing the doors and finishing them as you like. I've done it both ways with good results, and not a whole helluva lot of money needed, but a fair amount of work, especially cleaning off a few year's worth of kitchen grease. I've had good luck with the orange cleaners with that bit, by the by.
