Oak cabinets are built to last and as strong as they come, but they can also leave your kitchen looking outdated. Before you jump into a cabinet painting project to update your kitchen, it’s important to know that there’s a right way and a very wrong way to handle oak cabinet updates.
To keep your cabinets looking sharp (and avoid any future quality issues), we’ve outlined our advice on cabinet painting in general, what we recommend, and common mistakes.
For those who are still dead set on painting their cabinets, we’ll cover how to approach painting oak cabinets to help get a decent result.
The Problem with Painting Oak Cabinets
We generally advise against painting oak cabinets due to the wood’s naturally open-pore texture. Unlike tight-grained hardwoods like maple, oak has a pronounced and textured grain pattern. Even after applying paint, these pores remain visible, resulting in a rough, uneven finish that can look unpolished and emphasize the wood’s texture rather than hiding it.
DIY-painted oak cabinets are also more prone to chipping and dings because homeowners typically don’t have access to the professional-grade tools and techniques needed to prepare and finish the surface properly. These chips can be very noticeable, revealing the underlying wood and disrupting the look. Small chips or dings in stained wood can be touched up seamlessly, preserving the cabinet’s appearance for longer.
If painting oak cabinets is an absolute must, we recommend a process called “grain filling” to achieve a smoother, more professional look. However, grain filling adds time, labor, and costs to the project. Scroll down to learn more about the grain-filling process and how it can improve the finish.
What We Recommend to Refresh Oak Cabinets
If you want to refresh your oak cabinets without the risks of using traditional paint, we recommend staining them instead. Staining works well with oak’s natural grain, enhancing its texture rather than attempting to hide it. Keep in mind that when staining oak cabinets, you can only go darker, not lighter. The wood’s existing color and grain pattern will influence the final result, so painting won’t achieve this if you’re aiming for a lighter or completely different shade.
We have approaches for staining oak cabinets, including:
Gel Stains: Applying a gel stain to achieve the desired tone or color, followed by a protective clear coat for durability and shine. Gel stains work well with the grain pattern of oak, providing a rich, even color that still showcases the wood’s natural beauty.
Lacquer with Color: We can also add color directly into the lacquer, allowing us to recolor and finish the cabinets in one process. This technique can transform golden oak cabinets into deeper shades, such as coffee or dark brown, creating a sophisticated look.
Pairing these stained cabinets with light-colored countertops and under-cabinet lighting adds a warm, inviting contrast that modernizes the kitchen while maintaining the elegance of natural wood. This approach not only preserves the oak’s integrity and texture but also enhances your space’s overall visual appeal.
Still Want To Do a DIY Update? Common Mistakes to Avoid
You may have seen a sped-up video or two of someone painting their kitchen cabinets as a one-off update or during a larger kitchen remodeling project. It doesn’t look too hard, right? Here’s the thing: They may not have been thorough about what it took to finish those beautiful cabinets. Many homeowners have started this only to realize they were better off calling in a professional to finish the project instead of investing their own time and supplies.
The following are some common mistakes that homeowners make when painting oak cabinets that often lead to disastrous results:
- Not sanding enough or in between coats.
- Not cleaning cabinets enough before beginning a project.
- Not choosing the right kind of paint for the results you want.
- Skipping the grain-filling process
- Using cheap materials. Paints and tools should be of high quality to give the best result.
- Not understanding the project’s scope and not giving yourself enough time to complete it properly.
Dead Set on Painting? Here is How You Can Approach the Project
Painting oak cabinets is a time-intensive project that requires careful planning and preparation to achieve professional results. Here’s how the pros do it:
1. Understand the Scope and Timing
Painting oak cabinets is no small task; it will take time, especially if done over weekends. Choose a time of year when the temperature is moderate (60-90°F) for optimal paint adhesion, and avoid starting the project before major events to allow ample time for preparation and cleanup.
2. Clear and Prep the Space
Empty drawers, cabinets, and countertops, storing items in labeled boxes for easy access. To keep dust contained, hang plastic sheeting over entrances and cover sinks and appliances. This minimizes cleanup and keeps dust and debris confined.
3. Remove Hardware, Doors, and Drawers
Don’t skip this step. Removing hardware, doors, and drawers ensures a smooth, professional finish. Tape doesn’t achieve the same effect. Label each piece for easy reassembly by numbering under hinge leaves.
4. Clean Cabinets Thoroughly
Use a mild, wood-safe cleaner to remove grease, grime, and buildup. Avoid harsh chemicals that may react with oak’s natural tannins. Proper cleaning ensures better paint adhesion and a longer-lasting finish.
5. Sand All Surfaces
Sand all surfaces with 220-grit sandpaper, including doors, rails, stiles, and drawer fronts. Sanding is essential for paint adhesion and prevents future chipping or peeling. Flexible sponge pads work well for raised panels, helping you reach every groove for a smooth surface.
6. Grain Filling
If you want to achieve a smooth, professional finish on your oak cabinets, grain filling is a crucial step. Since oak has a naturally open-pore texture, applying a grain filler helps create a smoother surface for painting.
Here’s how to do it:
- Apply the grain filler evenly across the cabinet surfaces using a putty knife or applicator, ensuring it fills in all the wood pores.
- Allow the filler to dry completely, following the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
- Once dry, lightly sand the surfaces again with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any excess filler and smooth the surface further.
7. Apply Primer
Apply at least two coats of a high-quality primer, such as a shellac-based option that dries flat and smooth. This creates a solid base for the paint and helps it adhere evenly.
8. Paint Application
After the primer dries, lightly sand again and wipe down with a tack cloth. For the final coats, use an alkyd-based enamel paint with a semi-gloss finish. This type of paint provides a durable and professional look. Apply multiple coats, allowing each to dry fully, and clean up any drips for a flawless result.
Get the Perfect Finish with Professional Remodeling Services from Aldrich Contracting Co.
Reach out to the Aldrich team to discuss this and other kitchen remodeling ideas you have. We’re here to help you tackle a variety of remodeling projects. Our team makes the process smoother and faster while delivering professional, high-quality results.
