The other Karla and I have been promising Beth we'd help her with her kitchen for about 6 months and finally did it. It only took about 6 hours for the three of us. 6 months, and 6 hours, that is.
Beth had the doors washed, areas taped off and covered where needed.
So, we got right to it. The bonding primer was tinted to the paint color, which makes it easier, since primer can be such a blinding white.
ALWAYS USE A BONDING PRIMER.
Not primer for wallpaper.
Not primer for fresh drywall.
Not paint and primer combined.
Somewhere on the instructions or label, the can should say something like this " will adhere to glossy surfaces"
You will not need to sand or strip the wood, this primer will be ideal for gripping the wood and giving the surface some "teeth" for the paint to hold on to.
Please note, that primer needs a few days to reach its full strength, and it can be scraped up while fresh.Once it has cured, though, its tough as can be! If you want to distress your finish with sandpaper, please do it very soon after painting.
We left the doors on, and painted over the hinges. The door pulls were removed first.
We were in a hurry, so really didn't let the doors dry as much as we should have, so I knew that the opening and closing was going to create some cracks in the drying primer on the dark bronze hinges and that might peek out of the paint a bit, but wasn't worried, because I knew we were antiquing the finish when the paint dried and it would all blend in.
Sometimes, its smarter and faster to just go with the imperfections and make them work in your design!
After priming, we put on about 2 coats of creamy, satin finish paint. Then went out to lunch while it dried.
When we got back, we mixed 2 oz of acrylic craft paint into a bowl of about 2 cups of clear glaze.
While the glaze is wet, it looks milky, but it dries clear. Always remember that the mixed paint and glaze will dry on your furniture to the same color of the paint you mixed in.
Paint it on, and wipe it off with a clean, damp cotton cloth (an old tee shirt torn up is good), heavier in the corners and indentations.
After putting it on and wiping it off so the corners, indentations and edges were darker, we wanted a bit more of it showing, so, we pulled a glaze dipped brush down with the wood grain, to create striation marks.
I use a cheapo, 99cent brush, instead of the specialty faux finish brushes sold to do this with.
If the lines seem too dark, or heavy, go over them again or blot them with your cotton rag.
After that, we wanted even more design the to project, and decided to fleck glaze dots all over the surface.
Its easily done with a toothbrush, and the same glaze used for the faux treatment. The speckles should be random, and not too dark or big, and never drippy. Blot if needed. And don't get too carried away.
Ta dah!
The cabinets should get a top coat of poly (which is oil based, smelly and sometimes yellows, but holds up great and is extremely washable) or water based poly, Minwax Polycrylic (which doesn't smell, or yellow and is easier to use, but isn't quite as durable, but still really good).
Beth's sweet husband, Jeff, was volunteered to do the top coat later.
We thought our paint job looked pretty good when done! But there was still something bugging us.
Ta dah, again! Doesn't the room look better without the busy magnets on the fridge? This might be controversial (Beth told me not to pick on magnets, some people LOVE them) but I HATE magnet covered fridges. I know I am in the minority, and a lot of people really enjoy using their fridges as art and photo display. But I always find the clutter distracting for myself. (although I do have to admit, I enjoy looking at all the pictures on fridges when I am visiting someone and thiers is covered)
And another thing that bugs me is dark wood that doesn't really go with the room. Her door was too dark for the nice, light space.
I only had 9 minutes till I had to leave, because it was my son's birthday and I had a party to get to. So, I quickly whipped the primer back out and got the door ready for a coat of paint.
Beth said that Jeff would do the paint coat.
Here is what we discussed for the door:
1- paint the door to match the cabinets
2- paint it the base color of the cabinets
3- paint it the wall color
4- paint it the wall color and then do the same faux treatment and glaze that we did on the cabinets over that.
Either choice she makes, its primed and ready to go. And I think the room already looks bigger with the door nice and light, don't you? Which option would you chose? I'm leaning toward #4.
WONDERFUL!!!! I just love the transformation Karla!!!! And I always love the toothbrush trick....it's part of my class too :) I know Beth must love the change ~ such good buddies you guys are! xxoo, Dawn
Posted by: Dawn @ The Feathered Nest | January 31, 2012 at 01:51 AM
Yes...#4. it looks wonderful and six hours. You are good workers, though!!! That is such a pretty wreath, Karla. I think I am going to pin it...with your name on it, of course!
Hugs,
Suz
Posted by: Susan Reaney | January 31, 2012 at 11:13 AM
paint it the color of the cabinets so they all blend. Painting it the wall color and glazing it, will had a 3rd color to the room.
Watching this makes me want to paint my cabinets, and I have a lot of them. I hate my cabinets.
Posted by: Sharon, Morrison Mercantile | January 31, 2012 at 01:30 PM
Karla, In the past I have lightly sanded the surface of my dishwasher and painted it with the primer and paint so it matched my cabinets. It really helps to eliminate an odd colored dishwasher. I like the color of my applianes to match. I never had one until my last house when I bought it myself, so I had take the color to it myself. I never had peeling or cracking. I'd paint the door the same as the cabinets. to me it would match better.
Sandy
Posted by: sandy | January 31, 2012 at 01:48 PM
I vote #4 so the door just sort of vanishes. I'm glad you decided to paint it. It really popped out in the light room and this will be much better. By the way, I did try the Glidden Gripper, on your recommendation, and I LOVE it!
Posted by: Kathy | January 31, 2012 at 03:00 PM
Hi Karla, I'm beginning to wonder….seriously…do you sleep?
Ever???
Your just too cute!!!
And on a side note…your son… be proud!!! How fortunate are the both of you ~ being he's able to live safely above your studio yet have his independence too!!!
Such Sweet Blessings!!!!
I hope you have a wonderful day,.
Tricia
P.S. ~ I've started working on your/my Bird Song #2 Event goodies ~ which equals ~ fun for me!!!
Posted by: Tricia k. Johnson | January 31, 2012 at 03:08 PM
Excellent tutorial! Thanks! I have the same ugly dated "light" wood cabinets and have thought of painting them, but this house ain't that great and didn't want to spend that much effort on it. Now I think I might give it a try! Thanks a bunch!
Posted by: Thespoena McLaughlin | January 31, 2012 at 03:45 PM
Karla I have gold cabinet tops. Can a person paint them or would it chip and peel off. You did a wonderful job on the cabinets. I painted my walnut cabinets white a couple of years ago.
Posted by: Ginger | January 31, 2012 at 07:47 PM
These look really pretty and I'm especially happy to hear about the bonding primer. I'm not sure when I'll have time to tackle this, but one thing holding me back was having to strip or sand. Thanks!
Posted by: jeanie | January 31, 2012 at 08:01 PM
Right now the door is #3. I like how it blends into the wall, but I might try the faux finish. Thanks again!
Posted by: Beth Leintz | January 31, 2012 at 08:08 PM
Looks fantastic - I have been wanting to paint a glossy vanity, thanks for the info about the primer. Oh, and I vote for #3 same color as the cabinets, it appears to be a small space so I think doing a faux treatment on the door might get a bit busy.
Posted by: liz | February 01, 2012 at 04:45 PM
Love the change, but you forgot step 6. Get friends from Kansas to come paint your kitchen!
I agree with disturbing dark doors & trim when everything is light. I have a love/hate with magnets. I love to put the kids pics up on the fridge but it gets so bogged down sometimes when I open the door an avalanche of paper comes pouring down on me!
Lisa
Posted by: lisa | February 02, 2012 at 08:41 PM
You got all that done in 6 hours? *mind boggles* Wow, you are good.
Either way she decides to finish painting the door, I suspect Beth will think of you and your whirlwind talent every time she uses the kitchen.
Posted by: Soarenth | February 06, 2012 at 02:28 AM
Wow your home is just beautiful!!!
Posted by: Jen | February 11, 2012 at 12:36 PM
What type of brushes did you use when painting the cabinets for a smooth finish? So glad I found your website before I sanded. I started sanding and thought I would google and see if I could paint furniture and cabinets without sanding first. Whew! You have saved me so much time and energy. Thank you.
Posted by: Tanya | August 03, 2012 at 04:15 PM
I dont usually care about smooth surfaces, those will require sanding between coats. I prefer a timeworn look, a little rough.
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: Karla Nathan | August 03, 2012 at 07:31 PM
Love the tutorial. Thanks a bunch!
Are you still happy having painted over the hinges on the cabinet doors?
I have several linen closet cabinets to do, and think I can put the primer on without getting very close to the hinges. I was wondering if I "painted" on a thin coat of Vaseline with a small paint brush, and was careful not to drag that into my top coats, that it might work so I don't have to take off the doors.
What do you think? I have seen several on pinterete using Vaseline to keep the top paint off of some of the under coats for distressing.
Posted by: Sharon | March 03, 2013 at 10:42 AM
Ive never tried Vaseline. But I like the look of painted hinges, so Im happy with mine that way. I like the hardware to blend in, not stand out, but that is a personal preference.
Karla Nathan
www.karlascottage.typepad.com
www.karlascottage.com
Posted by: Karla Nathan | March 03, 2013 at 12:44 PM
How long did you let the primer dry?
Posted by: Melissa | April 27, 2013 at 03:16 PM
We started painting the first cabinet as soon as we finished priming the last. The whole job was done in a day.
Karla Nathan
www.karlascottage.typepad.com
www.karlascottage.com
Posted by: Karla Nathan | April 28, 2013 at 02:16 AM
I apologize if someone has already asked you this, but what if the kitchen cabinets are not real wood, pressed board covered with a fake veneer wood. Is it still okay to use the primer? Will it make the fake wood swell? Thank you for all the great advice.
Posted by: Bridgette | May 02, 2013 at 11:02 PM
No problem. You are fine with primer over fake wood, if its laminate you might want a stronger primer, maybe oil based.
Karla Nathan
www.karlascottage.typepad.com
www.karlascottage.com
Posted by: Karla Nathan | May 02, 2013 at 11:10 PM
What color of acrylic craft paint did you use? I would like my cabinets to turn out just like yours.
Posted by: Donna Boyer | October 11, 2014 at 01:57 AM
Seeing this makes me wish I had DIYer friends. :) And I am so sorry I paid so much to have my cabinets painted. I like this finish much better than I like mine. Lighter but richer. Good Job!!!!
Posted by: Clearissa | October 16, 2014 at 09:01 PM
Thanks, Clearissa, it was fun to do with my DIYer friends!
Posted by: Karla Nathan | October 16, 2014 at 10:18 PM
What color acrylic craft paint did you use?
Posted by: Dale | November 01, 2014 at 10:30 PM
The craft paint was kind do a coffee color.
Posted by: Karla Nathan | November 02, 2014 at 12:02 AM
Dear Karla:
I just felt compelled to thank you most sincerely for your generosity of spirit and deed in sharing - right down to the last detail - so much information re your kitchen cabinet do-over. I found it most interesting, and due to your casual approach - vis a vis your explanations, I do believe that I will be able to tackle the dreadful cabinets that I have been living with for far too many years.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Darlene
Posted by: Darlene Sand | November 15, 2014 at 11:16 AM
Im so glad this was helpful for you, Darlene!
Posted by: Karla Nathan | November 15, 2014 at 12:34 PM
Love the cabinet color combo.
Posted by: LiuTao | November 26, 2014 at 06:48 AM
Just buying a 19 year old house in JAX, FL that will be killer when redone on my tight budget. Wood cabinets will be recycled using your suggestion of Glidden Int/Ext Gripper primer then 2 coats of light gray paint in satin finish. I normally use Behr Ultra Premium paint/primer but should I use some other paint/finish to achieve a smooth lasting finish ? You have been so much help already ! Thanks !! Karen
Posted by: Karen Ely | November 30, 2014 at 12:31 PM
I love all Behr paints except the newest, Marquee, I think is the name. Horrid results, watery and drippy.
You can always top coat with a clear water based polycrylic like Minwax if you want more durability than just paint.
Posted by: Karla Nathan | December 01, 2014 at 10:11 AM
love these cabinets! does the primer work on cabinets that are already painted?Really want to do this with mine but looking for the easiest way to re-do them. Really don't want to have to sand them down. Thanks!
Posted by: ashley | January 04, 2015 at 04:43 PM
Yes, a good, bonding primer will adhere over oil or latex paint. No sanding.
Posted by: Karla Nathan | January 04, 2015 at 08:09 PM
Please tell us what brand and color paint you used for the cabinets. I have found that certain paints do not do well on painted cabinets, and I don't want to make this mistake again. Thank you
Posted by: Eula Walters | January 22, 2015 at 03:32 PM
I try to always use Behr paint and like the paint and primer together. But NEVER the new one, Marquee, with primer in it. I had a terrible time with that one. Im not sure of the color, this was done a few years ago, and is at a friends house, not mine, Eula.
Posted by: Karla Nathan | January 22, 2015 at 03:38 PM
What did you use for the top coat later to finish?
Posted by: dena | February 07, 2015 at 11:16 PM
Im fond of using Minwax Polycrylic, it is water based, doesnt yellow.
Posted by: Karla Nathan | February 08, 2015 at 03:30 PM
To make sure I got this right, the primer will adhere to cabinets that have been painted and the covered in a high gloss sealer?
Posted by: Deb | February 13, 2015 at 05:33 PM
If you use a bonding primer that says it will adhere to glossy surfaces. Ive painted laminate with it. If you have an extremely glossy surface, Id use an oil based bonding primer instead of water based, that is always stronger, Deb.
Posted by: Karla Nathan | February 13, 2015 at 07:06 PM
The cabinets look great! Wish you could paint the fridge the same.
Posted by: Allison Bates | March 02, 2015 at 10:45 AM
I want to do this but am afraid. Does the paint ever stick & pull up paint when it comes in contact with other wood, etc.?
Posted by: carla | April 03, 2015 at 04:43 PM
If you use a bonding primer, your paint will adhere, Carla. If you try to paint latex over oil or flat over gloss without bonding primer then yes it will pull up.
Posted by: Karla Nathan | April 04, 2015 at 10:28 AM
PS- make sure you give the paint and primer time to cure
Posted by: Karla Nathan | April 04, 2015 at 10:29 AM
hi just wondering what the cabinets look like now
Posted by: Chris acocella | May 07, 2015 at 07:09 PM
I visited her a couple of weeks ago, Chris, and they look great. The paint is holding up perfectly.
Posted by: Karla Nathan | May 07, 2015 at 09:29 PM
I am also a refrigerator magnet hater!!!! I'm def gonna use this when I get the courage to paint my cabinets...... Black I think!!!
Posted by: Christine | October 19, 2015 at 06:59 PM
One of the best primers for base coating stretched canvas for painting.
Posted by: R.Ingram | March 13, 2016 at 04:27 PM
If I want to paint my cabinets white, do I need to use regular paint over the bonding primer or can I just use the white primer and be done with it?
Posted by: Erin | May 11, 2016 at 04:37 PM
You cant leave bonding primer as is, it has to be sealed. Your best bet is another coat of paint.
Posted by: Karla Nathan | May 12, 2016 at 11:58 AM
In your photo of the paint can, it's says "primer/sealer" so I thought it sealed itself.
Posted by: Erin | May 18, 2016 at 05:24 PM
I think that means it seals stains so you can paint over them, Erin.
Posted by: Karla Nathan | May 18, 2016 at 08:42 PM
What about a knotty pine , will it cover ?
Posted by: Cathy | June 19, 2016 at 01:44 AM
Id use an oil based primer to seal knotty pine,Cathy.
Posted by: Karla Nathan | June 19, 2016 at 09:14 AM
Why not just buy the special cabinet paint they sell just for cabinets? I dont think theyll need a sealer then. Or do they?
Posted by: Dee | February 10, 2017 at 07:50 PM
Ive not tried that, Dee. I can only talk about what has worked for me.
Posted by: Karla Nathan | February 10, 2017 at 08:59 PM
This is a valuable and clear tutorial. Thank you, Karla
Posted by: James | March 20, 2017 at 10:27 AM
Cabinets look great but I have one question. Why was the dark wood trim around the window not painted as well? That bothers me just as much is the door, LOL. Great job in such a short amount of time!
Posted by: Ann Marie | December 11, 2017 at 08:45 AM
AnnMarie, if I’d gotten a photo of the whole space and connecting, open dining and living room, it would make more sense for you.
Posted by: Karla Nathan | December 11, 2017 at 09:46 AM