I'm working on refinishing some cabinets and I've come across a few concerns. After sanding and applying Kilz, I've heard that oils can sometimes bleed through when painting. Is this a common issue, or could it be that I'm not sanding enough? Also, would using a low-odor stripper help with this problem? Are there specific cabinet paints that are better than others? And lastly, is there any way to avoid home improvement projects that my wife suggests?
1 Answer
Most cabinets are made from hardwoods, and oil bleed-through isn’t a typical issue unless there are knots in the wood. I’m a bit confused about what you meant by staining before priming with Kilz. If you’re priming and painting, there’s usually no need to stain first. If you have concerns about bleed-through, though, consider using a knot-blocking primer from Zinsser. It’s oil-based and works well. Just make sure it’s fully cured before topcoating with a urethane or enamel, since latex isn't suitable for cabinets.
Oh, I meant to say sanding, not staining. My mistake!