How to Change Espresso Cabinets to Cream White

Give cabinets a creamy makeover

A good way to revitalize an old kitchen or bathroom is by painting the cabinets. Espresso-colored cabinetry can make a room look heavy and dark, even with a light wall color. Cream-colored paint gives the kitchen or bathroom a light, balanced look. Before painting, it is important to be prepared. Remove all cabinetry from the hinges, along with any hardware, before beginning. Also, wood furniture often has a layer of varnish over it that will prevent paint from sticking. That is why a few additional steps need to be taken before applying paint.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Drop cloth
• Sandpaper
• Wood filler (optional)
• Tack cloth
• Paintbrushes
• 2 paint trays
• Primer
• Cream paint

Instructions

1. Remove your cabinets from their hinges using a screwdriver. Remove all hardware, such as decorative elements, handles and knobs. Lay the cabinets on a drop cloth.

2. Sand the surface of the cabinets in the direction of the wood grain, if possible. This will give the surface of the cabinet a "tooth," which will give the primer something to adhere to. Clean the sanding dust with a tack cloth.

3. Fill any holes using wood filler. This is helpful if you plan to reposition the handles or knobs and the original holes from the hardware still exist. Let the wood filler dry, then sand the area flat. Wipe the areas with a tack cloth to remove residue.

4. Brush on one or two coats of primer. Most interior furniture can be coated in water-based latex primer; however, for cabinets with high traffic, an oil-based primer can be used. Let dry.

5. Apply the cream paint to the cabinets. One or two coats may be needed, depending on the paint type. Let the paint dry between coats.

Tips & Warnings

• Some cabinetry will have a wax coating. In this case, purchase a wax stripper from any home improvement store and remove the wax before beginning this process.

References

• Art Sparx: Basic Surface Preparation
• Art Sparx: Understanding Your Materials