I need some tips on cabinet painting. I recently tried painting a cabinet that was unfinished when I bought it from Home Depot, but unfortunately, the finished surface turned out textured and streaky. I primed it with Zinsser water-based primer and then used Benjamin Moore paint. I applied the paint with a brush and then used small velour rollers to smooth it out, but it didn't work well. What am I missing?
3 Answers
It sounds like the unfinished hardwood grain might be causing problems when using a water-based primer. It’s usually better to go with an oil-based primer first, followed by a light sanding to help achieve a smooth finish. Just keep in mind that without using a grain filler, some texture is pretty much unavoidable on hardwood cabinets.
Honestly, the combination of paint and roller can be tough for getting a smooth result. You might want to try to avoid drying the roller too much and don't overwork the paint. Also, it could help if you post a picture of your project so we can see what's going on!
A couple of things to check: first, you should definitely sand lightly after priming—220 grit with a sanding sponge works wonders. Second, make sure you’re using a cabinet or trim enamel instead of just regular wall paint. If you’ve got the right paint, your technique might just need some tweaking; you can use a brush and roller combo, but the key is to apply a thick enough coat for it to self-level without running.