How to paint cabinets

Question: Hi Tim, A couple of questions about repainting an old cabinet. I have one here that I'm trying to convert to a liquor cabinet. This cabinet appears to be originally redwood, but not sure after years and years of probably numerous restainings(I just started on this project). I would like to repair a little and repaint this old cabinet. Question is, how to prepare this surface for repainting? Should I sand first with course SP, then with Fine? and should I prime this cabinet before painting. the Color I believe I'm going with is a Burgundy, or some other darker color. and what paint manufacturer would you recommend? Lastly, how would I resolve deep gouges in the cabinet? Wood Putty? or is the better caulk available for this? Thanks

Answer: Hi Paul,
Thanks for stopping in.

Refinishing Cabinets
This can be an enjoyable project you will take pride in for years. It can also be rather time consuming and the prep work a little daunting. But if you are ready, we will dive in!

Finish level
The first thing you will need to determine is how fine a finish you want. The better/smoother the finish, the more work it takes. Here is a list of supplies you should have on hand.

Supplies
1. Sand paper (I like Norton 3x) in various grits including 80, 120, and 220 or the equivalent sanding sponges. You may also want a nylon sanding pad for between coat sanding.
2. Some clean rags.
3. Denatured alcohol.
4. Flowtrol or Penatrol.
5. Oil based stain blocking primer like Cover Stain or BIN from Zinsser.
6. Paint. Oil or latex. Special "cabinet paint" is available. It's formulated to give a harder finish (similar to oil) than typical latex paint.
7. Shop vac with brush attachment.
8. Wood filler.

Prep work
As you know, sanding for a smooth finish is important. Since you do not need to sand down to the bear wood, starting with 120 grit normally works. The procedure I use when doing work like this is: sand, sweep, wipe. Sand is obvious, sweep up the dust with the shop vac and wipe off the remaining dust with a damp cloth if you are done sanding. Then wipe your piece off with denatured alcohol on a cloth to remove any surface oils from your hands.

The primer needs to be put on with the same care as the top coat. You can use the Penetrol (at about 1/2 the label recommendation) to thin the oil base primer. The main thing Penetrol does is makes the brush marks level out better so they are less visible. It also gives you a longer "open" time to work with the paint. The piece does not need to be a solid white for the primer to work. You only need a second coat if there is bleed through. If you're using a darker color, have it tinted gray.

Paint Selection
The first thing to decide is what seen you would like. Traditionally, satin, semi-gloss and gloss are used. Semi-gloss is the most popular. The higher the sheen the easier to clean is the phrase often heard.

The type of paint is an important choice. Paint is divided into two main branches - latex (water base) and oil/alkyd. Oils are harder so most people think they are better. But most people do not know they yellow over time and never stop getting harder, which leads to cracking.

Water base is divided into several camps. The "consumer" grade (like depot store brands), commercial grade and specialty, and are in ascending quality. The best advise I've heard is to buy the best product you can afford. Examples of specialty paint is Cabinet Coat from Coronado Paints. It's one of the best cabinet paints available. Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore and others also have special cabinet paint.

Painting
When you decide on sheen, color and paint, it's time to start with the top coat. If you're using latex paint, use Flowtrol for the same reasons as Penetrol. I like starting with the edges. That way you don't mess up the front of the door trying to get a little roll over. So do three edges, then work your way out from the middle if it's a door. If it's a self, start at the back and work your way out. Use a high quality brush from Wooster, Purdy or Corona.

There is more, of course. But this should get you started.

Hope that helps,
Tim Hoeffel
Better Painting