I recently tried repainting my kitchen cabinets to save some money, but it turned out to be a total disaster. I watched a bunch of YouTube tutorials, sanded the cabinets down, and used a primer, but the paint I picked (latex, satin finish) looks really streaky and is peeling in some spots. I'm wondering if I didn't sand enough or if I used the wrong primer. It honestly looks worse than when I started, and my spouse is giving me some serious side-eye every time they walk in. I really don't want to give up, but I'm not sure how to move forward. Has anyone else experienced a botched cabinet repaint and managed to salvage it? Should I strip everything and start fresh or is there a way to fix the streaks without completely wiping it all out? Any specific products or steps you can recommend? I'd appreciate any advice!
3 Answers
Make sure you’ve cleaned all the grease and dirt off your cabinets first! It’s usually best to remove the doors completely and paint them flat. It gives you a way better finish and makes it easier to control the application.
First off, I totally feel your pain! It might be a good idea to sand the cabinets again, then try using Zinsser Cover Stain Primer. That stuff really sticks to just about anything! After that, go with a finish you like. Just a tip—skip the paintbrush; using a cabinet roller or spray gun will give you a much smoother finish!
I’d suggest switching to a paint specifically meant for cabinets, like melamine paint or Fusion Mineral Paint. You might not even need to strip the old paint; just give it a light scuff sand. It could save you a ton of hassle!
Great tip! I didn’t realize that cleaning thoroughly could impact the paint job that much. I'll definitely take that into account.