Do you have to strip the old stain first?

No. We sand and prime over it. Stripping to bare wood is only needed for refinishing, not painting.

Will the old stain color show through?

Not with a stain-blocking primer. That coat exists specifically to lock the old color down.

Degrease twice. Years of kitchen grease sit on stained cabinets. Paint cannot bond to it.
Sand. We scuff the old finish so the primer grips. No need to strip to bare wood.
Stain-blocking primer. This stops tannins and old stain from bleeding through the new paint.
Spray. Two finish coats for the flat, factory look.

Dark stain needs an extra primer coat for full coverage, but it paints just as well. Cherry, mahogany, dark walnut — all fine.

Stained oak needs grain filling for a smooth finish. See oak cabinet painting.

Call (301) 679-9193 for a free visit.

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