Oil Based Paint to Transform Cabinets
Tired of staring at worn and dated kitchen cabinets? Give them new life with a fresh coat of oil-based paint. Transforming your cabinets with oil paint creates a durable, smooth finish that resists yellowing, chipping, and scratches. Although oil paint requires careful surface prep and has a strong odor during application, the long-lasting results are worth it.
Keep reading to learn the benefits of using oil paint on cabinets and how to achieve flawless, professional-looking results. Discover tips for choosing finishes, prepping surfaces, applying paint properly, and maintaining your transformed kitchen cabinetry.
Benefits of Oil Based Paint for Refinishing Cabinets
Oil-based enamels have long been trusted for painting cabinets and woodwork. Oil paints offer unparalleled smoothness, hardness, and durability that latex and acrylic paints cannot match.
The oil binders allow paint to flow out evenly over surfaces for a smooth, glass-like finish. As oil paint cures, it forms a harder film than water-based paints. This hardness makes finished surfaces highly scratch and chip resistant.
Other advantages of oil-based paint for cabinets include:
- Excellent adhesion to multiple surfaces
- Resistance to dirt, grease, and water
- Minimal brush marks
- Long-lasting color retention
- Easy stain-blocking
The right oil paint transforms even old, damaged cabinets into a kitchen showpiece. While oil enamels have some drawbacks like strong fumes and extended cure times, their durability outweighs these downsides.
1.1 Comparison to Other Paint Types
Acrylic paints offer easier cleanup and low odor but lack the hardness of oil paint. Over time, acrylic finishes become prone to chipping, abrasions, and water damage.
Water-based paints adhere well initially but lose grip as wood cabinets expand and contract. This results in bubbling or peeling paint over time. Multi-step sanding helps water-based paints grip better but doesn't prevent all adhesion issues.
No other paint can match oil enamel's durability and protective finish. With careful prep and application techniques, oil paint outperforms other options for refinishing kitchen cabinets.
Preparing Cabinets for an Oil Paint Finish
Achieving flawless results with oil-based paint starts with thorough prep work. Removing grease, wax, and grime ensures proper paint adhesion. Light sanding opens the wood grain so the paint can grip the surface.
2.1 Cleaning and Sanding for Adhesion
Use a degreasing cleaner formulated for wood on all cabinet surfaces. For glossy or waxed cabinets, scrub with an abrasive pad to completely degloss the finish. This helps the new paint coat grab onto the wood instead of sliding off the slick surface.
Wipe all surfaces with a tack cloth after cleaning. This picks up dust and debris that could ruin your paint job. For additional protection, wipe cabinets down with a 50/50 mixture of denatured alcohol and water.
Sand all surfaces lightly with 150-220 grit sandpaper after cleaning. This roughs up the finish so paint can adhere properly. Sand just enough to scuff the surface, not remove layers of wood. Pay special attention to damaged areas needing extensive prep.
2.2 Priming Cabinets Before Painting
Most pros recommend priming cabinets before painting for superior adhesion and blocking stains. Oil-based primers work best for preventing bleed-through from wood knots and water marks.
For the highest quality finish, opt for a primer made specifically for painting cabinets. These adhesion-promoting primers work with multiple paint types while blocking stains.
Apply primer evenly across all surfaces, including inside drawers and cabinet frames. This guards against moisture damage and creates a uniform foundation for paint. Allow primer to dry fully before painting.
Choosing an Oil Based Paint Finish
From flat to high-gloss, oil paints offer endless finish options for cabinets. Consider sheen, color quality, and durability needs when selecting your enamel paint.
3.1 Sheen Level Impacts Appearance
Flat finishes hide imperfections well but show scuffs and stains easily. They work best for distressed or rustic styles.
Eggshell and satin finishes offer enough sheen to resist staining between cleanings while hiding flaws. These popular choices work for almost any cabinet style.
Semi-gloss provides a bright finish that highlights wood grain beautifully. Keep surfaces cleaner than lower sheens to maintain appearance.
High-gloss creates an ultra-reflective surface that resembling porcelain. Flaws and messy painters are less forgiving but the shine is striking.
3.2 Other Paint Considerations
Higher quality oil enamels offer better flow and leveling for smooth finishes. The best cabinet paints resist yellowing and have excellent fade-resistance.
Custom tinting paint is advisable for color matching or unique hues. For white cabinetry, choose a bright white base. Soft white bases read "dingy" on cabinets over time.
Verify that your chosen paint provides sufficient film thickness. Multiple thin coats are prone to quick wearing. Opt for paint with higher solids by volume for better coverage and durability.
Application Tips for Flawless Oil Painting
Applying oil-based paint well requires patience as you work in thin layers. Adhering to paint manufacturers' instructions prevents common mishaps like runs and sags.
4.1 Brushes vs. Sprayers for Oil Paint
For the highest quality finish, most professional painters recommend brushing cabinets. High-quality Purdy or Wooster bristle brushes hold lots of paint while releasing it smoothly onto surfaces.
Angled sash brushes easily cut crisp lines along cabinet frames and panels. Wide brushes quickly cover flat areas. Maintain a wet edge while painting to prevent lap marks.
Airless sprayers provide faster coverage but risk more uneven finishes. Spraying works best on cabinet frames and new flat sections. Back-brush after spraying for optimum smoothing.
4.2 Technique Tips
Load your brush moderately and gently tap off excess paint before applying. Holding brushes at a consistent angle, lightly drag them along surfaces to smooth out brush marks. Work methodically section-by-section to prevent drips or missing spots.
Maintain temps between 65-85degF while painting. Cooler temps increase drying times, allowing more opportunity for dust to settle in the paint. Extend drying times before adding an additional coat.
For flawless coverage, apply at least three thin coats of enamel, sanding lightly between each. Thin coats level better than thick coats, which tend to sag.
4.3 Dry and Cure Time
Oil paint dries slower than other types, taking up to 24 hours before recoating. Cool temperatures, high humidity, and poor ventilation all slow dry times further.
Though oil paint dries to the touch within 5-8 hours, full curing takes about 30 days. Gentle use of cabinets during this period prevents damage to the finish.
Caring for and Protecting Finishes
The durable paint film provides ample protection for underlying wood. Adding a protective topcoat and using care extends the finish further.
Clear topcoats enhance surface protection from moisture, spills, and grime. Polyurethanes work well for their durability and moisture resistance.