Painting kitchen cabinets

I have bought some unfinished kitchen cabinets from Lowes to put in a rental house. One 36 inch base cabinet and one 36 inch wall cabinet. Cabinets have not been mounted yet, they are just laying on a sawhorse right now.

My plan is to put two coats of Kilz primer on them and then top coat them with white SW glossy trim paint.

If you have done this before, did you use a brush, fuzzy nap roller, foam roller or ? to apply the finish coats with? I like using a 2 inch angled trim brush but I always can see the brush strokes. Is there any way to paint with a brush and eliminate the amateur looking brush marks?

Can anyone here offer any pro painting tips here? And don't tell me I need to hire this job out. I just fired my last painter and I am now back to DIY in regards to painting.

--71.207.xxx.x

Painting kitchen cabinets (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Sep 15, 2023 7:10 PM
Message:

Brush marks are now considered "hand finished" (done well) not low-rent.

We've done all of the above and nowadays it's a brush plain and simple. --50.82.xxx.xxx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Robin [WI]) Posted on: Sep 15, 2023 7:20 PM
Message:

If you use a good quality "self leveling" paint, the brush strokes will disappear. I normally buy a cheaper HD paint, but for cabinets I'll spring for BM. I don't like redoing my work, and I haven't found anything comparable. --104.230.xxx.xxx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 15, 2023 8:19 PM
Message:

WMH,

I maybe a little old fashioned but brush marks still scream amateur to me. Plus, I have other white cabinets in this kitchen I need to match them in color and sheen.

Robin - the only self leveling paint I know of is Oil Based paint. I do not have the patience for stinky oil based paint on this project. --71.207.xxx.x

Painting kitchen cabinets (by RB [TN]) Posted on: Sep 15, 2023 8:27 PM
Message:

At least, your still the tallest Painter of your

painting crew. --24.183.xxx.xxx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Allym [NJ]) Posted on: Sep 15, 2023 9:04 PM
Message:

I repainted 1950s enamel cabinets with the same color as on them, peach, using enamel and a VERY expensive brush, a light touch so there were no brush marks and no hairs. Make sure the enamel is well mixed. --173.61.xxx.xxx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Oreo [WI]) Posted on: Sep 15, 2023 9:16 PM
Message:

Gloss paint is difficult to use a brush without seeing the strokes. Last house I painted kitchen full of cabinets, and every door in the house (two rooms full) I used satin instead and was very pleased with the results.

Last year painted our lower bathroom doors and woodwork with satin. I usually put two coats on. After good prepping, I painted a bathroom cabinet that was previously stained wood with multiple coats of satin white paint. That was 20 years ago and it looks great.

I know there are additives that can be put into the paint to make it flow better is you must use gloss to match the other cabinets. Ask Sherwin Williams. They ought to have it. --75.11.xx.xx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Mapleaf18 [NY]) Posted on: Sep 15, 2023 9:28 PM
Message:

Floetrol added to enamel paint (I use Behr cabinet paint).

Just painted a bathroom vanity cabinet using fluffy microfibre trim roller. --64.246.xxx.xx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Oreo [WI]) Posted on: Sep 15, 2023 9:51 PM
Message:

One additive is called Floetrol, for use with latex paint. Another is called Advance. I had heard of Floetrol but couldn't remember the name. "Advance" came up when I googled; I haven't heard of it before. --75.11.xx.xx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: Sep 15, 2023 10:03 PM
Message:

In my opinion & experience: For a factory-smooth, glossy finish, a paint sprayer is #1.

Next best is foam roller. (the additive for smooth flow makes it even better)

3rd is the self-leveling paint with a high-quality brush.

BUT - what type of finish do the other cabinets have? If you'r not refinishing them all, you want them to look the same - right?

--68.229.xxx.xxx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Small potatoes [NY]) Posted on: Sep 15, 2023 10:28 PM
Message:

Foam not fluffy roller. I just used a cheap harbor freight hand held sprayer on lattice with the intent of using it for cabinets next. It was 79 bucks and performed well as long as you thin Paint to their instructions. Start by sanding the cabinets up to at leat 180 grit and finish wipe w tack cloth. Use the 4" foam roller well and you might not have to sand between coats or use a brush. 2 cabinets gloss white you might do well w spray can if you have the knack for it --172.59.xxx.xx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by MikeA [TX]) Posted on: Sep 15, 2023 10:38 PM
Message:

Sand with 220 or steel wool after the primer. Roll it with a foam roller, the 4" ones are the best. Many thin coats will give you a better result than thick coats. --69.145.xxx.xx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by don [PA]) Posted on: Sep 15, 2023 10:50 PM
Message:

Use oil base --73.141.xxx.xxx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Robert,OntarioCanada [ON]) Posted on: Sep 15, 2023 11:51 PM
Message:

Just painted kitchen cabinets in house where used Benjamin Moore high gloss paint where will have sand then reapply. If doors are placed on a flat surface then no runs. Apply a 1st. coat then reapply a second and third. There are special rollers which apply paint evenly. Avoid cheap paint where a 4 litre or one Us gallon should be adequate to paint all cabinets. White makes the kitchen look bright. --74.220.xxx.xxx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 16, 2023 12:00 AM
Message:

I use to have a pro paint airless sprayer that I used to paint rental house exteriors with. 2 years ago, I sold the $300.00 sprayer to the painter I fired last week. It would be nice to have that sprayer again. --71.207.xxx.x

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 16, 2023 7:41 AM
Message:

Thanks Small Potatoes for the tip on using a Tack Cloth. I assume that is used to remove the fine dust from sanding between coats? I was planning on using a shop vac but a tack cloth maybe better.

The sides of my cabinets have no veneers on them. They are just plain unfinished particle board. The left cabinet side will be butted up against the kitchen stove which means it will not show once the base cabinets are installed with new counter tops. However, the right side of this cabinet will be exposed and I will need to paint it also. Again, it is just ugly looking particle board and I have even considered using polyurethane on it instead of paint. Your thoughts here? --71.207.xxx.x

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Mapleaf18 [NY]) Posted on: Sep 16, 2023 8:34 AM
Message:

Another vote for tack cloth when sanding between coats. I have used foam rollers before and oddly enough have just as good experience with less mess using the microfibre roller providing top quality paint is used. JMO. --64.246.xxx.xx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Allym [NJ]) Posted on: Sep 16, 2023 8:44 AM
Message:

Roy how about gluing a piece of melamine or other panelling on the side the particle board is showing. --173.61.xxx.xxx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by zero [IN]) Posted on: Sep 16, 2023 8:57 AM
Message:

Roy, If you use poly then the new cabinets won't match the rest. Thought that you wanted them to match as much as possible?

If you are just getting close then roll them. Have a brush on standby for the inside corners and roll after. I think I used foam on my doors at my house. Might have been micro fiber tho as I remember going to SW and asking for the shortest nap they had.

Spraying would probably be best if you had the equipment available still. The only sprayer I have is an airless that you drop into 5 gallon pails. I don't use it any more as it takes longer to prep and clean after than to just do the painting a little at a time.

Been years since I had one of those Wagner type sprayers. That might work as well and then you would have it for other jobs.

Put extra coats on the side next to the stove. It's going to get dripped on with nasty stuff that will swell the particle board and ruin it for you in no time. At least that is what I have found to be true. --107.147.xx.xxx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 16, 2023 9:09 AM
Message:

Thanks Zero,

Yes, I know about the future tenants cooking grease that will coat the left side of this cabinet. I was thinking about putting polyurethane on that side too. Something that will repel the grease and not let it soak in. Based on your advice, I will paint the right side with real paint not poly. I do need a match on all exposed surfaces. Duh, what was I thinking?

I have unfinished cabinets calling my name right now. Check with you all later. Thanks for all of the expert advice here. It will come in handy in about one hour. --71.207.xxx.x

Painting kitchen cabinets (by tryan [MA]) Posted on: Sep 16, 2023 9:40 AM
Message:

I've always used an enamel and a disposable brush. Enamel being heavier "settles" with no brush marks and give more durability. --198.168.xx.xxx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 16, 2023 9:55 AM
Message:

Tryan

I am using SW Pro Classic Enamel Semigloss trim paint here. I hope this enamel will settle out like you mentioned. If it does not, I seriously doubt my Class C tenants will complain about it. If they did, it would be the worse mistake they ever made. --71.207.xxx.x

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID]) Posted on: Sep 16, 2023 10:20 AM
Message:

The only time I've painted cabinets, the paint was sprayed on by my good professional painter. It certainly updates a kitchen.

I prefer an oil stain on cabinets because touch-ups are so easy and it is really easy to freshen them up if needed. Which, of course does not work for you if you have to match existing cabinets. --76.178.xxx.xxx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by LTD [AZ]) Posted on: Sep 16, 2023 11:46 AM
Message:

I wouldn't use an airless sprayer with water based paint on cabinets. Do it right. Compressor sprayer with a water filter and oil paint (maybe a little penetrol) for a pro job. Not too much penetrol or it'll flat out some.

I have rolled with a foam roller and fine brush (not a chipping brush) with OK results.

Or stain them, then spray clear laquer or oil based spar varnish. --47.216.xx.xxx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Busy [WI]) Posted on: Sep 16, 2023 2:35 PM
Message:

Roy, and others, have you tried the hybrid paints at Sherwin -Williams? I haven't yet, but plan to on the reno I'm working on now. I, too, need something that stands up to cooking grease, lots and lots of cooking grease. I'd previously painted a couple of add-on cabinets in this kitchen with one of the better Behr water-based paints; did not stand up to wiping the grease off of cabinets. I'm sure the enamel is much better than what I used, but, is that enamel the same thing as what they called their hybrid paint? ( sounds like I should go to their website and research.

Years ago, I painted my own kitchen cabinets with Pratt and Lambert oil-base. Never a mark on those cabinets in almost twenty years, everything washed off. But, I have never fried foods in oil.

Thanks for asking about painting cabinets, Roy. I just started pulling my greasy cabinets down to start working on them. Had to come down anyway; previous owner installed them four inches from the ceiling. Good thing my tenant was tall! --72.135.xxx.xx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Busy [WI]) Posted on: Sep 16, 2023 2:52 PM
Message:

Emerald urethane trim enamel is the stuff I was talking about. Just looked at theirwebsite; it has mixed reviews. Seems those using a sprayer, and those painting dark, deep colors were where patrons were unsatisfied. I'll be using a brush and my color is Swiss coffee, so I think I'll give it a go. But, it will be some time before I get a 'round to--it', so won't be able to offe a useful review any time soon. Roy, yours'll be rented before I get to painting these cabinets....ah..price I pay for being a grandma who babysits.( but I love that!) --72.135.xxx.xx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Sep 17, 2023 12:56 AM
Message:

Roy,

Those are probably oak wood. Oak does not accept paint in it’s grain. Kilz and paint will look streaky like it needs another coat. No matter how many coats the grain will never accept paint.

Start with wood sealer. It soaks in so your paint does not.

Then grain filler from Amazon. It’s like car wax - wipe on, scrape off smooth. The finished project will still show the texture of the grain but they will hold paint.

NOW prime (not with Kilz) and paint. We use Sherwin cabinet paint with Floetrol. Tough and looks great.

We use a handheld Graco 360 sprayer for a perfect finish. $179 on Amazon, holds a quart of paint and SUPER easy to clean. We use 3. Great for toms of small spray jobs like doors, etc.

BRAD

--73.103.xxx.xxx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Sep 17, 2023 1:00 AM
Message:

Just remembered...

I did a move out yesterday. My first “paint your own” cabinets 30+ years ago. I used rattle cans Krylon? White gloss. Sprayed in place.

They show a little wear but pretty good for 30 years and $5 cans of paint!

I learned to buy one of those pistol grip handles for spray cans. My pointer finger still has an imprint from the nozzles!

BRAD --73.103.xxx.xxx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Sep 17, 2023 1:04 AM
Message:

Oh, and I learned I did not save any money AND ate up a bunch of my time doing the finishing.

Never again.

BRAD --73.103.xxx.xxx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 17, 2023 11:51 AM
Message:

Brad20K,

Where were you and your great advice yesterday before I began Primer painting these cabinets? Yes, they are dirt cheap oak cabinets! I spent most of yesterday putting on two coats of Valspar Bonding Primer and sanding with 220 grit paper. Today, I will go back and top coat them.

My good friend Brad20K, it is a little late for your expert advice now. I can't put the genie back in the bottle now! It is what it is. All I can do is move forward here and hope for the best. --71.207.xxx.x

Painting kitchen cabinets (by RB [T]) Posted on: Sep 17, 2023 6:04 PM
Message:

"It is what it is".

Than what isn't ? --24.183.xxx.xxx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 18, 2023 8:14 AM
Message:

Yesterday I put a 3rd coat of bonding primer on these cabinets. After 2 coats of primer, I could see what Brad20K was talking about. Today these cabinets will get top coated and on Tuesday the cabinets and countertop will be installed.

I hope to have this house posted on Zillow by Thursday of this week. My asking rent ($800) will be the highest this D neighborhood has ever seen (bum magnet house next door rents for $475). Once it goes live on Zillow, I will post the address here for you all to see my cabinet paint job. --71.207.xxx.x

Painting kitchen cabinets (by tryan [MA]) Posted on: Sep 18, 2023 9:13 AM
Message:

Quick shout-put to the Whizz roller .... once you use them you'll never look back . No streaks --198.168.xx.xxx

Painting kitchen cabinets (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 18, 2023 4:57 PM
Message:

Tryan,

Yes, I agree with you. The secret to eliminating brush strokes is to not use a brush and use a 4 inch sponge roller. I used a sponge roller on everything today. I am done with the cabinets too. They will be hung in the morning. --71.207.xxx.x

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Painting kitchen cabinets

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