Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/5/2008

Question
Hi,My husband & I are moving into the home that my in-laws built in 1975. The cabinets are made of barn wood, the wood is rough and doesn't looked 'finished'. I want to update the cabinets since they are dark and outdated. But they don't look like I can just paint them. Is there anything you can suggest? I know without seeing them it is hard. I have looked all over the web but what I see called Barn wood isn't what the cabinets look like. They are a dark almost greyish color. Help??

Answer
Hi Julie
Nice to hear from you.
I think I know what you have and you are correct they would be a nightmare to paint.
Here is my suggestion..for what its worth LOL.
The doors and drawers will need to be removed and you will have to work outside or get lots of protection on the garage floor for this.
I suggest a simple white wash treatment to lighten the wood.
I would use latex paint mixed with water.
The proportions will need to be refined by you but start 1/2 paint and 1/2 water and proceed from there.
Get a wider brush with fairly coarse bristles.
Simply slather (couldn't think of a better word) it on.
The excess will drip off.
And of course a test is a must.
Hope this has given you an idea at least.
Kind Regards
Eileen