What color to paint these cabinets?

Question

This is a small kitchen so I was thinking painting them white with brushed nickle hardware and a backsplash. Would you paint these?

Nicole Pettis · Answer

@Adam CraigMarcia is correct in that once you paint them white, there will be some upkeep on keeping them looking nice.Another option is to go over them with a richer stain to get rid of the "builder grade look". Its really simple, just wipe on with a cloth like your staining bare wood(my favorite color is Dark Walnut). It will give it a richer look, then I would add the oil bronzed hardware. I used this method on the duplex we flipped. Then I added an inexpensive back splash.Before you go crazy I would test an small area to see if you like it.

Nicole Pettis · Answer

@Sylvia B. I forgot to mention, I actually used a gel stain mixed with regular stain to thin the gel out so it would adhere better without sanding(did I mention gel stain is the bomb!!) Then I brushed it on lightly going with the grain of the wood and would wipe it off if it got too heavy to get that look.@Josh Sandefer I did that throughout the whole duplex I flipped. My flooring guy actually suggested it. The property I flipped was a craftsman style with all the original woodwork which was severely beaten up from years of neglect, so he suggested I take a slightly darker stain and go over all the wood work. So that is what I did and it made everything look brand new. So it is possible and it covers amazing well.The other thing to note is I used to do faux finishes on furniture, woodwork, walls and just about anything else my clients wanted. And when you glaze something, which is technically what I suggested, there is no need to strip or sand, the glaze adheres to the finish.@Adam Craig I would test in an inconspicuous area and figure out how you want it to look. I would use a gel stain(thin it out with a comparable stain) that is slightly darker than what you have and it will make it look fantastic.Good luck and if you have any questions, please let me know.Thank you!

Josh Sandefer · Answer

@Nicole PettisWell I have learned something new today.  Maybe I will give it a shot!

Matt Holmer · Answer

I love the look of General Finishes Java gel stain over honey oak cabinets.  I've  never done it but there are a ton of blogs out there about it.  From the looks of it, it would be easier then painting.

Kurt Heise · Answer

I agree with Nicole about the richer stain. I used a gel stain from Benjamin Moore to darken mine. It's somewhat of a process removing the clear coat or varnish though. Honestly, if I had to do it all over again I would use that product rustoleam cabinet transformations kit.

John Weidner · Answer

I would paint them white then add modern brushed nickel handles.

Valerie Hiscoe · Answer

Yikes!  I am so amazed by the people who said keep them the way they are.  But @Josh Sandefer was correct in saying that you'd need to strip the cabinets before staining and that's only if they're actual wood and not laminate. Although they do look like wood.

I agree with you and @Joy Panebianco - paint them.  I have to say though that you may be able to make the kitchen even more modern by going with one of the fashionable mid-grey shades which would pull together your appliances and countertop (which you didn't mention changing). Also, in a smaller space, a lot of contrast makes things look smaller still, so a colour that blends together and provides a neutral backdrop enlarges the space. Most paint stores could probably recommend a few colour swatches to take back and check with your countertop (there are a LOT of shades of grey so don't guess.)  But white cabinets are easy, especially for middle of the market.

Maintenance was mentioned and that will be an issue if you don't do it right.  If the doors are not scratched or pitted, you don't have to sand them, but doing so will give you the smoothest topcoat.  Start with Zinsser brand (almost every paint store) primer, the shellac based one if you can get it (which you can if you keep looking).  It bonds to anything. For the paint you use (oil or latex), get the appropriate addditive to smooth the surface, which removes brush or roller marks.  Spraying cabinets is great if you take them out to do it, but you'll spend two days just taping everything off if you do them in place.  Don't go there.

Backsplash was mentioned, functional and fashionable but not 100% necessary.

What IS necessary is changing the light above the sink and making sure your main fixture provides lots of light and a little style.  You've already got the stainless steel appliances, so kick the lighting up a notch to capitalize on the expensive stuff.

And the faucet.

No dishwasher?

I wouldn't ask but a market that wants stainless steel appliances, wants a dishwasher.

I'll take a look at your other questions to get an idea.

Josh Sandefer · Answer

I am also a HUGE fan of the natural wood look.  Personal opinion though, no sales data.

I've never heard of anyone putting stain over poly, and I don't really see how that would have any affect whatsoever.  The idea to go a little bit darker is nice though. (You can just use some stripper if you have the time)  I would also suggest adding some contrasting hardware if you can, maybe something that matches the range you have there.

Again, just my opinion.

Cheers,

Josh

What color to paint these cabinets?

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