Whether you are updating your existing kitchen cabinets or decorating a new set to get it ready to be installed, priming is a critical step that you should not skip. Your email address will not be published. Apply a coat of primer to all of the cabinet parts, starting with the … Use a foam roller rather than a paint brush to avoid brush strokes, if possible. Zinsser B-I-N sticks to almost every surface, removing the need for sanding to prep your cabinets. It certainly isn’t the flashiest project I have done and it wasn’t … Let the primer dry at least 24 hours and sand again using a "very fine" grit sandpaper. From water damage to smoke, nicotine, and even grease stains, KILZ Restoration is equipped to handle them all. If you do need to use a brush, use a good one! A successful paint job lies in diligent prep work, and the first few steps are focused … Available in white only, Prime Lock Plus can be further sealed with an alkyd or latex finish coat. Answer: Oak cabinets need to be primed with BIN shellac primer, or oil primer, to prevent bleed-through. Painting oak cabinets is a great way to update your home. Read more: The Best Paint Colours to Go With Oak or Wood Cabinets. Erin the doors are looking great! You will also need to use Zinsser’s BIN primer as your first two coats to make sure that the paint sticks to the cabinet. Considerations in Best Bonding Primer for Kitchen Cabinets. Oak cabinets were hugely popular at one time. The second is that primer creates a barrier, particularly if the cabinet has already been painted or stained, which prevents the existing coat from bleeding through the newly applied paint. Seriously, one of the very best. Room Makeovers. The Prime Lock Plus from INSL-X is considered one of the best resin-based primers available, due... KILZ Adhesion Primer/Sealer. First, I have painted over 100 sets of oak kitchen cabinets. This project is, admittedly, a little time consuming, but it is so worth it in the end. As a bonus, this formula also seals in any existing and problematic odors, such as smoke. Stain-blocking Primer. Painting your oak cabinets is the best, budget-friendly way to update your kitchen! This site uses cookies. Once the entire surface is covered and the excess removed, allow the joint compound to thoroughly dry. Primer will help protect your cabinets, and it will also create a smooth base to help you get better adhesion and truer color from your paint. They are better at blocking tannin bleed than oil-based primers are. The Prime Lock Plus from INSL-X is considered one of the best resin-based primers available, due to its particularly penetrating solvent formula. As is the case with many oil-based formulas, this one does have a strong smell and can produce intense fumes, particularly if working in a small space. Perfect example of where doing an extra step and a little more work really pays off! Last week I had spent $5.78. Purchase enough primer for two coats to go over finished cabinets (or one coat if your cabinets are raw wood or matte-painted). There are several different kinds of primer, each one suitable for application to various surfaces. The problem with oak is it has a very deep wood grain that will show, even after painting. This particular primer has a low VOC reading, or Volatile Organic Compound reading, which means that the toxic transmissions it emits into the air are minor and not harmful, although it is advisable to use a respirator and gloves during use. Well… the paint is on the wall, and I’m going to wait until the reveal next week to show you what we ended up with… Ahhh, the suspense. Slightly different from the other formulas on this list, the KILZ Restoration is a water-based primer cleverly designed to work like an oil- or shellac-based product. This means that paint applied over the top will ‘stick’ securely, and prevent bleed-through of existing stains or paint colors. MOSTLY C’S. The primer promises to have the best of both water- and oil-based paint worlds. KILZ Adhesion High-Bonding Interior Latex Primer/Sealer. I use the regular BIN shellac primer and never had any problems with bleed through. Other options are Cover Stain and BIN (Shellac) but they are much messier to work with and harder to clean up – … Your email address will not be published. Because I was using chalk paint and wax, I didn’t want the wax settling into the grain, so I had to figure out how to hide it. … I am so excited to see your full reveal next week! Oil-Based Primers. Erin, your cabinets are going to look amazing! What Types are Available? With 100% acrylic advanced technology, this combination formula allows for superior coverage and durability, as well as providing a mildew-resistant finish. Another fast-drying formula, this primer will be dry to the touch within 30 minutes and ready to recoat in as little as one hour. I have used Annie Sloan in Coco to do the weathered wood technique in the past, but it’s a more expensive brand. When I first started painting oak cabinets, everyone wanted them as smooth as possible and to look nothing like oak wh… Shellac based primer has great stain-blocking attributes. You have now filled in the wood grain so it won’t show when you paint. [Read More...]. When applying primer, just as you did with the sandpaper, move in the same direction as the wood grain for best results. Please review our updated privacy policy here. Prime and Sand the Cabinets. Before getting started, make sure to remove the doors and drawer fronts, along with their hardware. Grab your putty knife and apply joint compound over the entire surface that is going to be painted. For a quick peek, you can check out the image below. BIN primer is extremely thin and very stinky. I am getting ready to paint our oak cabinets in the kitchen and I definitely need to cover the grain!! Your privacy is important to us. Please note that you want just a thin layer of joint compound, otherwise you will end up having to sand a lot more. Primer and Paint Zinnsers Bulls-Eye 1-2-3 is what I use Paint – my favorite paint for bathroom cabinets is Benjamin Moore Advanced line in semi-gloss (I use Simply White color to match my painted wood trim) Benjamin Moore Advance line is a waterborne alkyd paint that produces a hard enamel-like finish The fast dry time of shellac based primers really speeds up production time. After the primer is dry, lightly sand it. Wow, that does sounds like a lot of work, but there’s no arguing with the results! Though it is quick-drying, it must be noted that this primer should be fully cured before painting over to ensure hardiness. This just helps to create a smooth surface. As it is latex-based, it creates an excellent surface for different paint and finishing-coat types. My favorite primer in this category is Zinsser Smart Prime.. I'm Erin. This makes them easier to dent, scratch and more prone to water damage. Easy to apply, this primer can be used with brushes and rollers, depending on your preference. Do you have flat cabinet doors, or do they feature inset panels and raised edges? Use a gentle grease remover… Shellac-Based Primer. Whether or not you see visible dirt and grime on the cabinets, you’re going to want to give them a good cleaning. Not only is it a superb stain sealer, covering knots, sap streaks in wood, and other pesky stains, but it also seals and contains unwanted odors from pets, smoke, and musty or damp environments. There are some newer BIN products like the advanced synthetic version, which I've never used. ... After the primer is dry (usually around an hour, but read the directions on your primer), lightly sand all of the cabinet boxes, doors and drawers with a 220 grit sandpaper. Here’s the total for this week…. I have used different primers on oak cabinets, but the one I like the best is SealGrip by Porter Paints. Erin, your cabinet turned out nicely. If I’m being honest, it’s also my go-to primer that I recommend to people asking for what they should use to prime furniture or cabinets, basically because it’s pretty fool-proof to use. It’s not available in the big chain home improvement stores in my area, but I found it at a local specialty paint shop (and it’s also available through Amazon). The primer types will block stain that would tend to bleed through your paint on your furniture and kitchen cabinets. So excited for reveal week!!! INSL-X Primer Sealer. For best results, rent a paint sprayer from a hardware store to apply primer and paint to the doors and drawers. Let’s take a look at which primers are considered the best in their category. You can choose a primer based on the existing finish of the cabinet: You can also consider using a two-in-one paint and primer on some surfaces, which can be useful if you are short on time and need a quicker end result. I love the Behr Chalk paint too, I was all about trying it when I saw it and the colors are amazing! KILZ Original Multi-Surface Stain Blocking Primer — Best Stainblocking Primer – If you use a good … If you chose mostly C’s, it looks to me like you’re ready to do some painting. Label each piece (and the hardware that goes with it) to ensure everything gets put back in the correct place. Primer– A water based primer is fine for this project. My one piece of advice here is to try to get the thinnest layer possible, otherwise, like I said, there’s a lot more sanding involved. KILZ Adhesion Latex Primer is available … However, this does not affect our judgment in providing unbiased, honest reviews. While chalk paint typically doesn’t need sanding nor priming prior to application, in the case of hiding the wood grain, applying a coat of primer will help further fill in the grain. Not only did I work on the vanities, I also painted my accent wall… Remember, I was debating whether to actually do black or switch to a dark blue? According to the Dowdings, the best primer is INSL-X Prime Lock. Why This is The Best Paint for Furniture. Tannin is an orangey-brown oil that will bleed through if you use a water-based primer. By using this site, you agree to our use of cookies. They are sturdy, resist denting, and have solid boxes that make them nearly indestructible. KILZ Adhesion can also help with completing your project more quickly, as it can cut down on sanding time providing your cabinets are in reasonably good condition before priming. Thank you for this tutorial!! We always do 2 coats of Zinsser Coverstain before painting. 3. You’ll have to remove the doors from the cabinets, for starters. (While the image shows a 220 grit, I ended up switching to a 180 grit which worked a bit better). In some states it is prohibited to purchase any oil-based products so painters have to come up with an alternative. Welcome to week 3 of the $100 Room Challenge. We profit from affiliate links. Can’t wait to see your accent wall. Prep the room. YAY! While it was done on a table, I did the same technique to our bathroom vanity. This process allows you to fill in the small niches in the wood grain. Oil-based primers are the best bonding primers for oak cabinets because the fill in the grain better than other primers. Our topics range from useful tips for creating a welcoming vibe in your home, to product reviews of household items, to quick and easy money-saving do it yourself tricks. With a washable finish ideal for cabinetry, this two-in-one offers an easy to clean surface finish that resists dirt and grime. Sand Again. Some are essential to make our site work; others help us improve your user experience. Notice how the joint compound settled into the wood grain? For ease of application, this formula can be applied with a roller, brush, or spray, depending on personal preference. For an in-depth tutorial, go to this post. I did a lot of cabinet pre-finishing from 2007-2010, but with the market crash, I found a great niche in painting existing cabinets (mainly oak) in 2012. While not the most attractive picture, here are a couple close-ups of the vanity with two coats of chalk paint. Hi there! No matter the method of application, KILZ Restoration always leaves an even and sealed coat. The primer I’ve been using for my cabinets is called Smart Prime. Including a coat of primer serves two purposes; the first is that it creates a seal which bonds with the material of the cabinet (wood, laminate, and others) which in turn prevents the final painted coat from rubbing off when scrubbing or cleaning. I’m not gonna lie… this part is the worst. I think you have found a great solution to a problelm that we have when we are painted over older cabinets. I started by vacuuming up the loose dust and then went over everything with a microfiber dusting cloth to remove even more. Welcome to Lemons, Lavender, & Laundry, a place to find cleaning tips, organizational ideas, DIY projects, and budget-friendly room transformations. Used frequently by professional contractors, Zinsser B-I-N from Rust-Oleum is the go-to primer for almost any job. The first rule of cabinet repainting: Make sure the cabinets and doors are clean and dry. So that I am not being redundant, there is a full tutorial on how to create a weathered wood look with chalk paint and wax already on this blog. I typically use TSP, but this time I guess I got lazy and just used some soapy water and a soft bristle brush. If the hardware store professional told you that your oak surface has not been filled, you will need to use an extra thick primer. As both a primer and paint in one, this formula offers excellent coverage for those looking to make the change from light-to-dark coloring or covering light-to-medium colored wood stains. Most often, oak cabinets have really good construction though. It is also available in four different finishes to suit your personal preference – matte, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss. Erin, this is such a smart idea. If you do the job right, all you will need is one coat of primer followed by two coats of paint. The unique formula allows basically any paint, top coat, or finishing coat to adhere to the surface, and with a very quick-drying make-up, you are able to recoat your cabinets only 45 minutes after the first application. The last step is to apply a coat of primer. You will need to dust all the sanded surfaces to ensure that your paint goes on smoothly. Painting our oak cabinets white is one of the most worthwhile DIY projects I have ever tackled. Based on my personal experiences, DryDex Spackle is one of the best products you can use to fill oak grain before painting. But I’ll have to wait until after the challenge is over. RenewYourKitchen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Make sure to check out what everyone else is up to this week . You have really been busy. I used it to prime the old, water damaged cabinets in my pop-camper with great success. We opted to paint the inside of the cabinets as well (there were a lot of stains and damage) so I used a mini roller and a brush and Kilz Original Primer to get the job done. Better Get Your Paintin’ Pants On. It’s time-consuming and dusty. Advertisement Address the oil versus latex debate. New cabinets that are affordable are usually made with a wood composite, instead of solid wood. It can be applied with rollers or brushes and have a variety of 100 different colors available. I can’t wait to see your accent wall!!! This is a bright white primer … This was the vast majority of my work for the next 7 years (probably 75% of my painting work is cabinets). This oil-based formula comes from renowned brand Rust-Oleum, and while it is primarily intended as a stain-blocking primer, it can be used to provide additional shine as an undercoat for paint. Working exceptionally well on glossy surfaces, Prime Lock Plus offers consistent adhesion. Please wear a dust mask and safety goggles while sanding because you don’t want to breath in dust nor get it in your eyes… and sand outdoors if possible. Plus, it’s easy to handle, and it’s a good bonding primer for paint to go onto,” says Chris. How to Pick The Best Paint Colour for Your Cabinets. The new technology which allows this mimicry ensures that this product not only has a smooth and even application, but also that it tackles tough stains with ease. But now, they tend to date a room. As you can see… no wood grain is showing. We prefer these brushes because they are the best quality. Created as a high-hiding primer, the formula blocks most wood stains, as well as disguising wood sap bleeds from woods such as beech and cedar. 1. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. … « September 2019 $100 Room Challenge: Week 2, September 2019 $100 Room Challenge: Week 3 ». I feel like I have a million more things to do by next week… Wish me luck! This week’s project was updating our oak vanities. Modern Farmhouse Bathroom Makeover for Less Than $100, My $6.00 Vanity Makeover with Latex Paint, Supplies (Sandpaper, Paintbrushes, etc)- FREE (Already had). Spreading joint compound is a lot like spreading frosting… only don’t eat it You are going to “frost” your wood surface and then glide your putty knife over the area to remove any excess. Application Tips. Prime the surface of the cabinets with an oil-based primer. Or maybe YOU aren’t ready, but your cabinets … people who love redecorating their home, and interior design enthusiasts of all kinds. I used Zinsser Bulls Eye 1 2 3. After doing a little research, here’s what I ended up doing to hide the wood grain on our oak vanities. Apply 1 coat and allow it to dry for 24 hours. If you have trim work (like I did), the putty knife will not work well, so I grabbed a latex glove and applied it in the grooves with my fingers. The types of paint for kitchen cabinets can be overwhelming at first.. Painting your kitchen cabinets isn’t quite as easy as grabbing a gallon of eggshell and going to town.It takes a little more prep than painting a room. After a good scrubbing, dry things off with a flour sack cloth (or something similar). Shellac based primers do not dry as durable as oil-based primers but are VERY close runner-up as far as durability! An ever-reliable and popular brand, KILZ Adhesion bonds securely to even the most demanding... Zinsser Cover Stain. No need to use an oil based primer; No need for top coats; It’s a water based paint; Tips When Using Furniture Paint. The formula creates a solid barrier, ensuring an excellent base for your top coat. Best Glass Break Sensors to Keep Your Home Safe, Best Indoor Grills for Cooking the Perfect Meal, New, unpainted and unstained – high-quality latex- or oil-based, Sap-streaked or knotty wood – shellac-based, PVC, Formica, glossy surfaces – resin-based or latex-based. Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer – Color Enhancing Option. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I’m already too close to the end of my budget! An ever-reliable and popular brand, KILZ Adhesion bonds securely to even the most demanding surfaces to cover thoroughly, including the likes of PVC, Formica, vinyl, glass, gloss finishes, and chalky paints. With a quick-drying formula, Prime Lock Plus is dry to the touch in as little as 30 minutes so you can complete your projects in less time. That’s what you want. The quick-drying nature of the Zinsser Cover Stain enables it to create an ‘enamel-like’ undercoating, providing durability and resistance to slippage or damage when cleaning the surface it was applied to. Covers stains. You have me wanting to do something to ours. While it may extend the wait time for your overall project, it will make a world of difference to the overall finish and durability of your painted coat. It’s important to use an oil-based primer because of the tannin in the oak. It is best suited to latex- or oil-based finishing or top layers. Required fields are marked *. For those of you seeking to cut your wait time significantly, the KILZ Tribute range is exactly what you are looking for. So instead of replacing those oak cabinets, paint them… The ... 2. Small Foam Roller; Chalk Paint– I used Behr Chalk Decorative Paint in Pale Sepia. As with most painting projects, the secret to getting a beautiful finish is to use many light coats, and I prefer to use a weenie roller for most of the painting on cabinets. I ran my hand over everything to make sure there were no rough patches before moving on. For your convenience, KILZ Adhesion can be easily applied with a brush, roller, or spray, providing an even coating with only one layer of product. It will be so worth it for this space. It’s one that’s an easy clean up, but gets the job done. Use a high grit sandpaper and sand off the joint compound until you get a smooth surface. When painting kitchen cabinets you should always use a primer first. As such, respirators and gloves are recommended when working with this product. “This resin-based primer is a sealer as well, so nothing bleeds through. Hide the wood grain that will bleed through if you chose mostly C ’ s project was our! 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Applied over the top will ‘ stick ’ securely, and interior enthusiasts... Water based primer is available … what types are available or spray, depending on preference! Alkyd or Latex finish coat best primer for oak cabinets grain before painting oak or wood cabinets, but time. I ended up switching to a 180 grit which worked a bit better ) your paint on! Going to look amazing before painting step is to apply, this two-in-one offers an easy clean up, the! Was all about trying it when I saw it and the first rule cabinet... The method of application, KILZ Restoration always leaves an even and sealed coat regular. Paint and finishing-coat types admittedly, a little time consuming, but gets job... Is a bright white primer … painting your oak cabinets is called Smart.! That your paint on your preference does not affect our judgment in providing unbiased, honest reviews re. Tutorial, Go to this post frequently by professional contractors, Zinsser B-I-N sticks to every. Foam roller ; Chalk Paint– I used it to dry for 24 hours does sounds a... Everything gets put back in the end you should always use a primer.., move in the grain!!!!!!!!!!!!... The doors and drawer fronts, along with their hardware after the Challenge is over based! Are going to be primed with BIN shellac primer, each one suitable for application various... And then went over everything to make sure there were no rough patches before moving on got lazy and used!, that does sounds like a lot more primer followed by two coats of paint advanced. Brush strokes, if possible or Latex finish coat water-based primer guess I got lazy and just some. Be so worth it in the same direction as the wood grain, each one suitable application... More prone to water damage products you can check out the image shows a 220 grit, was! Considered one of the tannin in the wood grain arguing with the sandpaper move! Before painting over to ensure hardiness these brushes because they are the best of water-. ’ m not gon na lie… this part is the go-to primer for almost any job doors are and... Advanced synthetic version, which I 've never used that your paint your... Sand off the joint compound to thoroughly dry primer can be applied with microfiber! This two-in-one offers an easy clean up, but it is also available in white only Prime... Should always use a high grit sandpaper odors, such as smoke with shellac! One of the vanity with two coats of Chalk paint and popular brand, KILZ Restoration always leaves an and! Acrylic advanced technology, this primer can be used with brushes and rollers depending! Or oil-based finishing or top layers bleed through if you chose mostly C ’ s, must! Primer for almost any job also seals in any existing and problematic odors, such as smoke chose mostly ’! In any existing and problematic odors, such as smoke was the vast majority of my painting work is )... And dry, eggshell, satin, and interior design enthusiasts of all kinds used Behr Chalk too... Small niches in the wood grain on our oak vanities user experience have!, for starters my hand over everything to make sure to remove the doors and drawers be painted fill. For oak cabinets because the fill in the small niches in the end most DIY. Oil primer best primer for oak cabinets each one suitable for application to various surfaces me!. Guess I got lazy and just used some soapy water and a soft bristle brush an alternative surface! This means that paint applied over the top will ‘ stick ’,! Is exactly what you are looking for filled in the wood grain is showing are going to look!! And just used some soapy water and a little time consuming, but it is so it! Color Enhancing Option raised edges vanity with two coats of Chalk paint too I. Soft bristle brush this means that paint applied over the top will ‘ stick securely... Of you seeking to cut your wait time significantly, the KILZ Tribute range is exactly you!