Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Paint Kitchen Cabinets To Look Like Wood

Faux wood painting is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to bring the rich look of natural wood to already painted or non-wooden cabinets, instead of replacing them entirely. Follow these steps. Does this Spark an idea?


Instructions


Preparation


1. Prepare a large flat work area for painting the cabinet doors.


2. Remove the hardware and cabinet doors.


3. Mask off adjacent walls, trim and flooring that needs protection.


4. Spread an ample sized drop cloth to protect the floor.


5. Mildly sand the cabinets and doors, moving in the direction of the grain. (If cabinets are already painted, sand and apply a chemical de-glossing agent to help the shiny surfaces absorb paint. Ask your paint dealer.)


Apply the Base Coat


6. Using the brush, apply the base coat, again brushing in the direction of the grain.


7. Allow the base coat to dry thoroughly, at least 24 hours, depending on the humidity.


8. After the base coat has dried, sand lightly in the direction of the grain.


9. Wipe the surface clean with a rag dampened with mineral spirits to make the surface smooth and clean.


10. Allow to dry.


Apply First Stain or Glaze Coat


11. Using the foam brush, apply the first coat of stain or glaze.


12. Cover lightly and evenly.


13. Allow to dry.


Apply Second Coat of Stain and Grain Tool


14. Working in sections at a time, apply a second coat of stain or glaze, followed by immediate application by the wood graining tool.


15. Move the tool across the surface with consistent contact and pressure.


16. When wood graining is completed, allow to dry for 15 to 20 minutes.


17.Using a dry, soft brush, gently stroke the surface to blend and soften color.


18. Allow this coat to dry, then wipe off the dust in preparation for final finish.


Apply Protective Finish


19. With foam or brush, apply a smooth, even coat of satin polyurethane.


20. Allow to dry.


21. Lightly sand or rub with steel wool over first coat of protective finish. Wipe down dust.


22. Apply a second coat of polyurethane.


23. Allow entire project to cure (at least 36 hours) before reinstalling the cabinet doors.







Tags: brush apply, cabinet doors, direction grain, Allow Apply, already painted, base coat, coat stain glaze