Oil-based primers are the best primers for kitchen cabinets. Existing cabinets almost always have a smooth painted finish or lacquered finish that is difficult for paint to adhere to. Oil-based Primer is the glue that provides a good base for the first coat of paint.
A fast drying, low odor and very low VOC primer, KILZ 3® Premium provides exceptional adhesion and durability – ideal for high traffic and high touch surfaces including kitchen cabinets and drawers.
Sand the surfaces of the doors, drawer faces and cabinet frame to create a smooth surface for priming. Do a first pass with 100-150 grit sandpaper then finish with a second pass of 180-220 grit sandpaper. Remember, the higher the “grit" number, the smoother the finish.
KILZ 2 All-Purpose Interior/Exterior Primer
For a multi-surface primer, opt for KILZ 2 All-Purpose Interior/Exterior Primer. This primer seals almost all surfaces, and can cover stains and previous colours, making it one of the best primers for oak cabinets.
Depending on what kind of primer you're using and the state of the cabinets, you will need 1-2 coats of primer. For many cabinets, one coat is plenty, but if you're uncertain, a second coat won't hurt as long as it's not applied too thick. When it comes to the actual paint, you will need at least two coats.
Both Slavik and Fiorilli agree—using a paint sprayer is the best way to achieve the most professional cabinet finish as well as save time. That doesn't mean that a brush or roller should never be used though.
Best Primer For Kitchen Cabinets Without Sanding
Oil-based primer is the best bonding primer for laminate kitchen and oak cabinets. The Best Oil-Based Primer for Kitchen cabinets is Zinsser Coverstain.
Mix a small amount of vinegar or dish soap with warm water and use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the cabinets. For tougher stains or grime, sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth and scrub gently. Baking soda acts as a gentle natural abrasive to help remove dirt and grime.
KILZ® Original Primer has been trusted by pros for over 40 years and the KILZ Original lineup includes a primer formulated for outdoor projects. KILZ® Original Interior | Exterior Primer is an all-weather sealer with excellent adhesion to even the toughest to paint surfaces like masonry or bare, porous wood.
If the cabinets are heavily stained, use a stain-blocking primer, which dries quickly and seals knots and other surface defects that might bleed through the topcoats. In most situations, however, stain-blockers shouldn't be necessary, and an oil-based or 100 percent acrylic latex primer will work just fine.
Primer doesn't have to look perfect. Its purpose is to cover the surface and provide a good base for the finish paint. Work on one area at a time.
This fast-drying primer's excellent adhesion makes it ideal for use on interior and exterior surfaces including wood, drywall, plaster, stucco, paneling, masonry, brick, and more. It works with oil and water-based paints, giving you plenty of color options for your kitchen or any future DIY project.
For oak cabinets, since oak is a very grainy, and naturally yellow wood you want to make sure you seal it, and seal it well. Since it has been finished with stain and a top coat, the best primer to use is Zinsser BIN Shellac. Apply 2-3 coats with either a 4″ Mini Foam Roller and brush, or with a sprayer.
Chalk paints have become an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom cabinets thanks to their superior coverage, low VOCs, and durability. Many people view chalk paint as one of the best paints for cabinets, as it requires little to no prep work before you can get started.
Can You Paint Over Cabinets Without Sanding? Skipping the sanding step is OK if you're making a change from one newly painted surface to another, or painting raw, unvarnished wood cabinets.
Do you need to sand cabinets before painting? Skipping this time-consuming step is a surefire way to lead to a messy finished product. Sanding helps fresh paint adhere to surfaces and will help prevent chipping down the line. It's also better to sand twice (first to remove old paint, then to smooth out the wood).
Whether you're starting with wood cabinets or dark paint, primer will create a barrier so your chosen paint color can shine. If the surface you're starting with is smooth and shiny, primer can also generate some traction so the paint will stick. Just be sure to use the right primer for the cabinets you're painting.
It doesn't matter if you brush or roll primer, but make sure you do a good job of it! When you prime your cabinets, it helps to sand in between each coat with a fine sanding sponge or 220-grit sandpaper.
Applying primer: 1-2 hours. Painting the first coat of paint: 2-4 hours. Painting the second coat of paint: 2-4 hours. Drying and curing time: 24 hours.
You certainly don't want to skimp on the number of coatings you apply to your cabinets, but you also don't want to go overboard. Slapping on too many coats of primer or paint during cabinet refinishing can hinder adherence, interfere with proper drying, and result in strange lines and patterns on the finished surface.
You can expect to use 2-3 gallons of primer and 3-5 gallons of paint on most cabinet refinishing projects.
Primer should dry for about one hour before applying paint. Primer may dry to the touch in about 30 minutes. But let another half-hour elapse before applying paint or another coat of primer.