Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Painting oak cabinets

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Expert: - 8/25/2009


Question
I would like to paint my oak cabinets white and then use a dark glaze around the edges.  What type of sandpaper do I need and what other steps do I need to follow (sanding, primer, etc.)?
The cabinets are only 4 years old.  
Thank you,
Amber

Answer
Hi Amber, kind of a shame to paint over 4 year old cabinets....paint won't stand up nearly as well as the finish that's on there, which is likely a catalyzed clear coat designed to last and be maintenance free for 20+ years....you'll be lucky to get 5 years from a paint finish before it starts to show signs of wear. The first thing you'd need to do is to thoroughly wash the cabinets with a degreasing solvent, depending on the primer you choose, TSP is sometimes not advised. (like Zinsser's Bullseye 1-2-3.) Then you'd want to scuff sand the entire surface with 180-220 to prep it for primer. Prime the cabinets, and follow with 2-3 coats of your desired topcoat. Then apply whatever glazing technique you are using, and for maximum durability, probably a clear coat.There are many techniques and products available to do a finish like this, I couldn't begin to explain all the variables without writing many pages....the most important rule would be to do a test first on a drawer front or the back of a door, from start to finish....so you know where you're going and how to get there...and realize this is a huge job, with major consequences if it doesn't turn out right.There are many sources for guidance, the Library, online resources, websites like tauntonpress.com,etc.To get a really professional look, that's uniform throughout the entire kitchen is difficult, and takes a fairly high skill level, so approach the job with that in mind......post back if need be- Greg

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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