Expert: Eileen Cronk - 12/12/2006

Question
Our kitchen has dark cherry finished solid wood cabinets. The finish is like a painted on finish meant to look like wood, not a stain. It has been nicked and in places scratched from use. Can this finish be stripped down to bare wood to refinish easily? Or would it be better to paint the cabinets. A painter suggested a base of oil based primer, followed by 2 to 3 coats of acrylic on top. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Answer
Hi Steve
Nice to hear from you.
In this case you must listen to the painter..He's right on target with this call.
This painted on finish was not applied over nice wood.
The only thing wrong (and my guess is you did not hear him correctly) is the oil based primer with water based over top.
Always use water paint over water paint and oil over oil.
Personally I would use the oil based primer then apply 2 coats of melamine paint which is oil and very durable.
I have done this many many times.
Hope this helps