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Question
I currently have oak cabinets and would like to change the color of them. I am not a fan of the grain. I have come across a few websites promoting a grain filler. Can I use a grain filler on Oak cabinets and then paint over it with a white paint? If so, will the grain be visible? I'm trying to find the best possible way to change the look of the oak without having to purchase new cabinet doors.
Hi Sandra, a pore filler can only be used on bare, unfinished wood if you really hope to fill the pores to the point where they are not seen. That, in combination with a sanding sealer will fill the pores, but it's a HUGE job to do to a kitchen full of cabinets....they would have to be chemically stripped to facilitate this type of refinish. NOT something I would recommend, even to a skilled finisher, let alone an amateur. It just isn't worth it, and you'd be better off refacing or replacing the cabinets if you want to rid the Oak of the Oak characteristics.....Even the best paint job will not even come close to the durability and life span of a factory applied colored finish, as they use Catalyzed and high tech materials on these finishes that are sprayed on and offer outstanding wear and durability characteristics that can't be matched by paint. Post back if need be, but I'd say if you want that drastic a change, save for refacing or replacing. Regards- Greg
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| Comment | Okay. Thank you. I think I'm just going to have them painted and then in time when money is more readily available I may have them replaced. I don't mind a little grain showing through, just the current look is ugly. Thanks again. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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