painting or refinishing grainy cabinets

[abseptember17]

The house we are buying has grainy oak cabinets that I don't love but are in excellent condition.  Has anyone painted or refinished grainy oak cabinets?  What product did you use and how did it turn out?

[tarheels]

Grainy oak will always look like grainy oak, no matter its stain. I painted mine (siggy). Definitely add an additive (some people like Floetrol) to eliminate brush strokes.

[pitterwoo]

How to Paint Grainy Oak

See this post from Jenny @ Little Green Notebook where she paints her cabinets and uses something to fill the grain pattern.

[Ramz-ee]

Do you want to just paint them or have them stained? Because I think grainy oak cabinets would look fabulous refinished with a rich dark gel stain. The grain will show through and it will look like it was stained.

Gel stain essentially is stain that goes on like paint.

[abseptember17]

Jan 20, 2013 18:08:40 GMT -5 tarheels said:

Grainy oak will always look like grainy oak, no matter its stain. I painted mine (siggy). Definitely add an additive (some people like Floetrol) to eliminate brush strokes.

Do you have any up close photos of your cabinets?  Your kitchen looks fabulous!

[abseptember17]

Jan 20, 2013 20:13:45 GMT -5 Ramz-ee said:

Do you want to just paint them or have them stained? Because I think grainy oak cabinets would look fabulous refinished with a rich dark gel stain. The grain will show through and it will look like it was stained.

Gel stain essentially is stain that goes on like paint.

I've never heard of that type of product so I will definitely look into it.  I'll try to get some pics of the kitchen b/c I need some color opinions to go with the tile.  I was thinking of going with ivory but definitely have not made a decision.