How do you paint oak cabinets?

Paint oak cabinets by sanding them down, sealing the wood and using an oil- or water-based paint. You need sandpaper, wood pore filler or liquid sanding sealer, a paintbrush and oil- or water-based paint.

1. Sand the oak cabinets

   Use sandpaper to sand down the oak cabinets. Use a medium grade 80- to 100-grit piece of sandpaper, and then go over the surface with 150-grit sandpaper. Remove the old varnish, as well as any buildup of cleaners and polishes. Sanding gives the cabinets a rougher surface so the paint adheres more easily.

2. Remove the dust

   Use a vacuum or wet rag to remove any sanding dust from the cabinets.

3. Seal the wood

   Seal the large oak pores using either a wood pore filler paste or a liquid sanding sealer. Sealing the oak cabinets allows a smoother painting surface. For pore filler, use a putty knife to apply the paste. Apply the liquid sanding sealer with a paintbrush.

4. Sand the surface again

   If using pore filler paste, sand the surface again.

5. Paint the cabinets

   Paint the oak cabinets using oil- or water-based paint. Apply the paint with a brush, and wait for the first coat to dry before adding a second one.