What kind of paint should I use for bathroom cabinets?

by Karen
(Chesterfield, Virginia)

I have light cherry cabinets in my kitchen. I would like to paint my cabinets in the bathrooms to compliment my kitchen to save money.

I don't like white and would like something like a stain or brown look. I don't know what kind of paint to use to get the effect I want. I painted one bath white and want to change it and the other cabinets are stock cabinets in an oak color and I don't care for it.

Answer

Painting your cabinets is one option. The type of finish paint I like for cabinets is oil based enamel which is very hard and durable. A high quality acrylic will also give good results and is easier to use. Paint will give you the color you desire, but this will be a solid color unlike a stain which shows the wood grain.

Another option is to "restain" the cabinets using a gel stain. This involves a similar procedure as refinishing kitchen cabinets. Instead of using a standard wiping stain use a gel stain applied with a white bristle brush. Applying a gel stain to already finished cabinets can be tricky and requires some practice. Purchase a prefinished cabinet door that approximates your current cabinet color from your local home improvement center and do some experimenting with this option.