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Expert: - 2/2/2011


Question

Tired Dark Old Oak Ca
Greg,
My question is...after doing all of the necessary steps to paint my super dark oak cabinets, will the grain/dark color show through? I have started on the inside with a deglosser and primer (Klitz laytex primer/sealer/stain blocker) and enamel latex paint and it seems that the dark color is bleeding through after two coats of primer and two coats of enamel. I guess I must apply another coat of enamel.
This worries me as I purchased 'Rusoleum Cabinet Transformations' kit for the outer part of cabinets and doors. I will be using the 'light color kit' and want my cabinets to be white with the glaze applied as well. I am very worried about the grain/dark color showing through. Do you recommend that I follow the instructions with the kit along with sanding the outer cabinets? If so, do I sand before washing and deglossing? Please help single mother wanting a kitchen face lift.

Thank you for your time,
Sincerely,
Lori

Answer
Hi Lori, what process did you use to clean and prep the cabinets? The Rustoleum kit uses a specially designed Bond coat/sealer/primer, that's likely better suited for blocking the darker colors....did you watch the video on their site? Nothing should be 'bleeding' through your primer coat though...I prefer the Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3 Primer, but proper cleaning/degreasing/and prep, including a fairly thorough scuff sand after the cleaning process with some 220-320 sandpaper is imperative.I am not a fan of "deglosser" liquids...mechanical means of deglossing are better, (abrading/sanding)after thorough cleaning/degreasing and drying.The video outlines the process pretty completely, but omits the scuff sanding step, which in my opinion is a mistake. Sanding smooths the surface, but also scratches the surface minutely, while physically deglossing, to increase the grip of the primer, which being the first barrier coat, is the key to the paint being able to hold on well...the grain may show through, (another reason to sand as that will help minimize the depth of the pores, and also maybe a reason to carefully but thoroughly sand with a heavier grit like 150-180 on the doors and panels), but that's different than the color showing through...here's a link to the video, I would recommend watching it in it's entirety, to really get a feel for the proper way to approach the job and the way the steps work and are applied. It's a lot of work to do a proper job, but well worth the effort, because it will result in a higher quality, more durable outcome.Hope that helps- post back if need be- I'll be here- Greg


http://cabinets.rustoleumtransformations.com/


Comprehensive How to video located bottom right on the page.  
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentGreg, I'd like to thank so much for the help! I will follow all advise/instructions carefully. If it's ok, I'd like to post the finished project later on... Thank you again! Lori


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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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