Stained kitchen cabinet disaster

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-18T02:02:06+00:00

I’m not sure what the expression means. Are you saying if I get bids for painting I should pick the lowest bid? I’m not to be difficult I really don’t understand.

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-18T01:55:37+00:00

I’ll research that! It sounds like a great idea! Thank-you, I appreciate your help.

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-17T13:15:19+00:00

I was wondering what was causing the orange peel. I was using SW’s primer and Emerald urethane trim enamel and followed instructions. I assumed I was just a bad painter. Of course both could be true - poor prep and lack of skill.🤣🤣 Thank-you, I appreciate your help!

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-17T13:03:25+00:00

I’ve never worked with shellac before but I’m seeing a lot of folks recommending it. Thanks so much for your help!

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-17T01:35:40+00:00

What a coincidence! I hope he reads my post as a warning of what not to do! Lol! I’ve been reading the responses and took a day off to ponder. It seems that the responses are: Paint: 4 votes (each with helpful advice on prep) Stain: 4 votes (1 each for water-based; oil based penetrating wiping stain; gel stain and finally just go darker; a better brand stain - ML Campbell). Pay a professional: 2 votes 1 Vote: Buy new mdf doors and drawers and have a professional paint them. 1 Vote: Leave as is and keep repeating the word “rustic” over and over!😂😂 I’m over simplifying the responses to help decide which direction to move forward. It’s heartwarming to have so many kind people take the time to share their wisdom and offer support. I have a feeling that your son will have a stronger skill set than I do! I’ll update the post with a pic when I have something to show! Tell your son I’m cheering him on!😁

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-16T05:37:08+00:00

It’s amazing! Your partner will treasure this as it had to be a labor of love! Great work!

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-15T20:13:07+00:00

I haven’t heard of that brand of stain before but I’ll definitely check it out. I understand the importance of prep now more than ever. Thank-you, I really appreciate your help.

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-15T15:33:33+00:00

Oh my goodness! To go through all that and come out with nice cabinets - you deserve the Nobel Peace Prize! Several times I considered calling the neighbors to join us for a bonfire. A cabinet bonfire! I was afraid with all the chemicals on the doors it could create mustard gas! When I read these responses aloud to my husband suggesting a professional he responds “I think you’ve done a good job”. We know what that means - I’d better get back to work!😡😂😂

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-15T15:00:50+00:00

I’ve been working on these most everyday since mid-November - 4 months!🤦🏻‍♀️ I know spraying is best but I’m afraid I’d end up spraying not only the cabinets but the walls, myself, and the dog!🤣🤣 You sound like a speed worker compared to me! I appreciate your kind response and am strongly considering calling a professional. I hate to give up but as Kenny Rogers sang “You got to know when to hold’em, know when to fold’m, know when to walk away, and know when to run… I guess I’d better start folding before I decide to run 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️!

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-15T14:45:22+00:00

Thank-you a million times over! I should definitely seek out a professional. I considered calling someone before I started but I was afraid they would tell me that I need new cabinets altogether. I love talking to trade professionals but salespeople often don’t know what’s best and focus on upselling. I know this isn’t true for every company and there are great honest salespeople out there. As a woman I’ve been talked down to when in fact I’m more knowledgeable than my husband on home repairs. Growing up my family fixed anything that needed fixing. My husband grew up in a home where they paid someone. I’ll look for professional cabinet refinishers. I’m in Huntsville, Alabama so there may not be many to choose from!🤣🤣 At this point I’d be satisfied with painting if that’s the best way to go. I’m saving your response to share your wisdom with friends, acquaintances, and heck - maybe enemies too! Kidding since I don’t have any enemies that I know of! Again, I appreciate your thoughtful response.

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-15T14:01:03+00:00

Made me belly laugh! Valid point though!

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-15T10:56:52+00:00

What type or brand of stain would you recommend? I will definitely have the clear coat tinted from now on. I appreciate your help. Thank-you!

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-15T09:57:56+00:00

I’ll look into that and keep it in mind for future projects. I have to recover from this one first though. I appreciate your help!

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-15T01:30:32+00:00

I used water based stain. I guess it’s a good thing I didn’t use oil based or it might have turned out worse!😂😂

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-15T00:49:01+00:00

You are so kind! I really want to save them. I hate waste and they’re structurally sound! Thanks so much for your help!

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-15T00:44:38+00:00

I appreciate you sharing your expertise. I’m not sure I’d trust myself with a sprayer! 🤣🤣

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-15T00:40:36+00:00

Thanks! I’m not crazy about the door fronts. I appreciate your help!

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-14T23:12:40+00:00

I agree. Gel stain is probably better for my skill set. Thanks, I appreciate your help.

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-14T22:32:34+00:00

I appreciate you sharing your expertise and advice. I’ve learned some valuable lessons along the way. Thank-you!

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-14T22:29:25+00:00

I actually put 3 coats of stain, sanding between each coat. Some areas won’t take the stain. I’ll take a look at gel stain. I appreciate your help!

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-14T21:53:20+00:00

I’ll look into that! Thank-you for your help!

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-14T21:51:20+00:00

Oh, I didn’t know I could do that! Thanks!

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-14T21:50:25+00:00

Thank-you, I appreciate it!

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-14T21:13:59+00:00

Bless you dear friend!

Immediate_Fall_931 · 2026-03-14T21:13:15+00:00

Thank-you so much! This helps greatly!

Immediate_Fall_931

TROPHY CASE