Painting over Lacquer on Kitchen Cabinets
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Advice on applying oil or latex paint over existing lacquer. March 25, 2007
Question
I need advice on painting over lacquer kitchen cabinets with either latex or oil to keep the client happy. I can not spray in the environment. Can I sand light and then prime and paint?
Forum Responses
(Finishing Forum)
From contributor E:
Call your lacquer supplier and ask. Also call the paint company technicians for the brand you would use.
From contributor A:
Do a test panel on a drawer back.
- Sand the surfaces 220g.
- Apply 1 coat premium oil primer, Kills, or Bullseye 123 oil.
- Let it dry.
- Sand it all nice and smooth 220g.
- Apply whatever topcoat enamel you like in a WB or an oil. Use only premium grade or better products.
Should work fine. You can also test the Bullseye latex to see if it will stick as a primer.
From contributor B:
You can also apply a couple of thin coats of
Minwax Polycrylic over the latex or oil-based paint for a little more protection. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's recommendation for care of the finish after applied.
From contributor W:
One thing to remember is your primer and lacquer must be lacquer base... They have to be. If not, then whatever material you're spraying will not be compatible - major chemical reaction. Why can't you spray in the environment?
From contributor S:
He is asking about latex and oil-based paints, not lacquer.
Minwax polycrylic is a water-based product that can go over latex and oil. I have done this myself many times when hand painting distressed pieces.
From contributor S:
Clean with solvent or TSP, then scuff sand, then apply Bins or Kilz for barrier coat.
