Update Cheap Ugly Apartment Issue Oak Cabinets?

Question

i desperately want to update these. we already sunk 9K into the bathrooms so hubby is not likely to allow me to spend too much on these cabinets.

I would like to brighten them and make them look more expensive with paint but also willing to consider other methods. i'll be doing the work pretty much by myself. how do i do this? i know i have to sand first then what.

What wood tone or color would you recommend to allow me to get what i want and consider the future buyer?

in general i need suggestions and DONT send me to HGTV that sight is a pain in the butt.

Answer 1

IKEA has really nice cabinets for reasonable prices, but you could also paint them white and then distress them a little, it looks really nice

ikea kitchen site:http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/catego...

if you go to their store they have a whole section where you can design and order your cabinets, and they have everything, from the wire basket drawers to k***s and pulls.

Answer 2

If the finish is wearing off I would paint them a bright white or cream to match your trim, and paint the walls a soft mocha or green depending on your tile color.

Sand them wall and use a very good quality primer on them, probably two coats of primer.  

Spraying the doors will give you a better finish then using a brush, but if you use a brush just put on thin coats and watch for drips.  Use a semi gloss or a satin paint, something specifically designed for easy washing.

Also, take off all hardware, including hinges and buy new in a polished chrome or whatever will match the rest of the bathroom.

The directions here:http://www.ehow.com/how_2083535_paint-wo... are good, but I disagree with using a foam brush for priming.  Use a good quality paintbrush like I said above.

Good luck.

Answer 3

For resale value I wouldn't paint them. Paint is a maintenance issue. If their design is ok, I would consider refinishing them. A good sanding, a stain or bleach depending on how light or dark they are and several coats of polyurethane for protection would be the way I did it.