How to sponge paint cabinets?

Question

Our old kitchen cabinets were stripped and painted with a white gloss about ten years ago. Looked great, but not anymore. We are remodeling and getting new kitchen cabinets in late 2009, so dh is NOT interested in redoing ANYTHING right now but I am itching to do SOMETHING. I was wondering if it would be possible for me to sponge paint over these cabinets, if I clean them up. I know they will have some buildup of grease on them, even though I have tried to keep them clean over the years. But they look icky to me and I figured sponge painting would be quick, cheap, dh wouldnt have to do any work, and I could maybe even do it in a day before he even gets home. Would it work, or will nothing stick to an old white gloss? Or if it will, what kind of paint should I use to sponge over the white? It's not even going to be around for 2 years but I am just aching to do something to these cabinets and dh is adamant that he is not taking cabinet doors off hinges, stripping, and all the other tedious details. Any tips or ideas would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Like Richard said, you would want to remove the gloss so the paint will stick.  You can use acrylic craft paints or latex wall paint.  You will probably want to get some clear glaze to mix with the paint.  This slows the drying time so you can work with it and also gives you a little transparency, if you want, depending upon how much you use.  Mask off the areas you don't want painted. Sea sponges are great for sponging and are available at the big hardware stores.  When it is all dry and beautiful you can put a clear coat of polyurethane over top of it in a gloss finish.  Have fun!    

Answer 2

being a painting contractor, you can do a couple of things. the proper way is to sand off the sheen and prime the cabinets. then put two thin coats of paint. this is however a lot more work than people think. the second way which i don't recommend but will work is to use a product called PESO. this is a deglosser, which you will simply wash the surface with this and then prime and paint. if you don't want to take the time to prime you can paint with benjamin moore aura or fine paints of europe. these are the only paints that i would trust to stick to an unprimed surface. i hope this helps. have a good day.