If you’re considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel, one of the options you might be considering is painting over varnished cabinets. Varnished cabinets, while durable and attractive, can become outdated or show signs of wear and tear over time. Painting cabinets can be a cost-effective way to update the look of your kitchen or bathroom without the need for a complete cabinet replacement. So, can you paint over varnished cabinets?
Yes, you can paint over varnished cabinets, but it does require careful preparation and execution to achieve a professional-looking result.
Varnish is a clear or tinted coating that is commonly used on wood surfaces, including cabinets, to protect them from moisture, UV damage, and wear. Painting over varnished cabinets can be a more challenging task compared to painting over bare wood or other types of finishes, as the varnish creates a smooth, hard surface that may not readily accept paint. However, with the right tools, materials, and techniques, you can successfully paint over varnished cabinets and give them a fresh new look.
Preparation for Painting Cabinets
One of the most critical steps in painting over varnished cabinets is thorough preparation. Proper preparation is key to ensuring that the paint adheres well to the varnished surface and provides a durable, long-lasting finish. Here are the steps you should follow for prepping varnished cabinets for painting:
- Clean the Cabinets: First thoroughly clean cabinet doors and drawer fronts with a clean rag to remove any grease, grime, or dirt that may have accumulated on the surface. You can use a mild detergent or mineral spirits for this task. Be sure to rinse the cabinets thoroughly with clean water and allow them to dry completely.
- Remove Hardware: Next, remove all the hardware from the cabinets, including knobs, pulls, and hinges. This will make the painting process smoother and allow you to paint the cabinets evenly without any obstructions.
- Sand the Varnish: Sanding is a crucial step in prepping varnished cabinets for painting, as it helps to roughen up the smooth surface of the varnish, allowing the paint to adhere better. Use a medium-grit sandpaper or a sanding block to sand the varnished wood surface thoroughly. Be sure to sand evenly and in the direction of the wood grain to avoid damaging the wood. Wipe off the sanding dust with a clean cloth or tack cloth.
- Use liquid deglosser on small areas – With most kitchen and bathroom cabinets there will be lots of little nooks and crannies that will be hard to get into, so you need this stuff! Deglosser or liquid sandpaper, which is a chemical that acts like fine-grit sandpaper and roughs the polyurethane coating so that your paint will adhere to it.
- Fill in Imperfections: Its a good idea to inspect the cabinets for any dents, dings, or holes and fill them in with wood filler. Smooth out the wood filler with a putty knife and allow it to dry completely. Sand the filled areas lightly to ensure a smooth and even surface.
- Prime the Cabinets: Applying a primer is essential when painting over varnished cabinets, as it helps the paint adhere better and provides a uniform base for the paint color. Choose a high-quality primer that is specifically formulated for use on varnished surfaces. Apply the primer evenly using a brush or a roller, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
- Choose the Right Paint: When it comes to choosing the best paint for varnished cabinets, it’s crucial to select a high-quality, durable paint that is specifically designed for use on cabinets or wood surfaces. Satin or semi-gloss finishes are often recommended for cabinets, as they provide a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. Consider the color and finish that will best complement your kitchen or bathroom décor and personal style.
- Apply the Paint: Once the primer is fully dry, you can start applying the paint. Use a high-quality paint brush or a foam roller for best results. Apply the paint evenly in long, smooth brush strokes, following the direction of the wood grain. Avoid applying too much paint at once, as it can create an uneven surface.
What Type of Paint for Varnished Cabinets
When painting varnished cabinets, it’s important to choose the right type of paint and the right primer to ensure a durable and long-lasting finish. Here are a few options:
- Oil-based paint: Oil-based paint is known for its durability and adhesion, making it a good choice for painting over varnished cabinets. It provides a smooth, durable finish that can withstand wear and tear, making it suitable for high-traffic areas like kitchen cabinets. However, oil-based paint can have a strong odor and requires longer drying times compared to other types of paint. It’s a good idea to use an oil-based primer as well for best results.
- Acrylic or latex paint: Acrylic paint is water-based paint and dries quickly, making it a popular choice for painting varnished cabinets. It has low odor and is easy to clean up with water, which makes it more user-friendly compared to oil-based paint. Acrylic paint also has good adhesion and durability on a wooden surface, although it may not be as durable as oil-based paint in high-traffic areas.
- Chalk Paint: Chalk paint is a unique type of paint that can be used on varnished cabinets without the need for priming or sanding. It adheres well to most surfaces, even stained wood, and varnish, and has a matte finish that gives a rustic or vintage look. Chalk paint is water-based and low in toxicity, making it a popular choice for those who prefer eco-friendly options.
In any case, before painting varnished cabinets, it’s important to clean and prep the surface properly by removing any dirt, grease, or grime, and lightly sanding the varnish to create a rough surface for better paint adhesion. It’s also recommended to use a primer or a bonding agent before applying the paint for optimal results. It’s always a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the paint can for best results and durability.
Applying Primer
Stir the primer thoroughly before applying. Using a paintbrush or roller, apply a thin and even coat of primer to the cabinets, working in the direction of the wood grain. Avoid applying the primer too thick, as it can lead to drips, runs, or a tacky finish. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which may vary depending on the type of primer used.
You should then sand (if needed) and then once the primer is dry, lightly sand the cabinets again with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections and create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Wipe down the cabinets with a clean cloth or tack cloth to remove any sanding dust.
Why Primer is Important
- Better Adhesion: Primer creates a bonding surface that helps the paint adhere to the cabinets more effectively. It promotes proper adhesion between the paint and the cabinet surface, ensuring that the paint sticks well and doesn’t peel or chip over time.
- Improved Durability: Primer creates a barrier between the cabinet surface and the paint, helping to prevent moisture, grease, and other substances from penetrating the paint and causing damage. This can help extend the lifespan of the painted cabinets and make them more durable, especially in high-moisture areas like kitchens.
- Enhanced Finish: Primer can help to even out the surface of the cabinets, filling in small imperfections, and creating a smoother base for the paint. This can result in a more professional-looking finish, with fewer visible brush strokes, roller marks, or surface irregularities.
Painting
Painting kitchen cabinets with a fresh coat of paint is the best way to update your kitchen. You will need to apply thin, even coats of paint, following the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time between coats. Use a paintbrush or roller, and work in the direction of the wood grain for a smooth finish. For an even smoother finish with no brush strokes, consider using a paint sprayer (which is also a lot faster!) Allow the paint to dry fully before applying the second coat and top coat.