paint dark cabinets

[peterbrinson]

Beginner question, big time.

We want to paint dark wood cabinets. Do we use a particular primer? We want to paint them a lighter color than they are now.
ty

 

[Shiftless]

I painted some dark wood kitchen cabinets. I cleaned them with diluted Simple green and then applied a high quality primer. I like Stix. After priming, apply 2 coats of your favorite color. Use high quality paint designed for cabinets and trim. Use a good brush unless you are set up to spray. You might have to pay close to $100 for a gallon, but it’s worth it.

 

[The Cobbler]

When I did this for a kitchen @ the volunteer warehouse, I degreased all surfaces,patched dings & holes with bondo & spot putty, fine sanded to dull the finish so paint can adhere, sprayed 2 coats of self etching automotive primer. fine sanded & sprayed 2 coats alkyd base enamel.
It was a lot of work and very time consuming. I was donating my time so it didn't matter, but to quote a charge for a job like that , and be profitable...
probably seldom get any work .

 

[Jlanciani]

Clean with real TSP, prime with BIN (white pigmented shellac), paint with your choice of topcoat.

 

[Zeke]

How much lighter? IOW, how much color vs. white. Primer can be tinted in the direction of the final color.

Are these kitchen cabinets? If so, and they are stained now, preparation is 90% of the job in front of you. I'll leave it at that until I know more. I've done this professionally more times than I care to remember.

 

[peterbrinson]

Probably a dark color.
BUT I should have lead with this. Images attached and:

(Remember I know nothing) --> The house flippers put these in before we bought...and you can be certain it was the cheapest thing Home Depot had to offer. It's sort of like wood but almost as smooth as plastic. And tapping them....they are quite hollow and very light.

With that in mind, how do I prep this for somewhat dark paint? Thank you.

 

[Stobal]

Another vote for Bin shellac primer. Not the cheapest but easy to apply, drys quick, and sticks to most everything and most everything sticks to it.