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Oak Paints Beautifully

The grain question, answered. Then the primer question.

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Question 1 of 4

What do you need painted?

Painting oak cabinets: the two decisions

Decision 1: the grain. Oak has open grain — tiny valleys in the wood. Paint follows the valleys. You can keep the texture (faster, cheaper, traditional feel) or fill it smooth (extra labor, modern glass look). We show you both at the estimate.

Decision 2: the primer. Oak bleeds tannins — brownish compounds that migrate into light paint. On any oak-to-white or oak-to-light job, stain-blocking primer is mandatory. We do not skip it. Ever.

The process on oak

Degrease. Sand. Fill grain if chosen. Stain-blocking primer. Two sprayed enamel coats. The oak's golden era ends. The kitchen's modern era begins.

Fairfax is oak country — Burke, Springfield, Annandale colonials and ramblers. We paint oak weekly. Call (301) 679-9193.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can oak cabinets be painted?

Yes. Oak is one of the best woods to paint — hard, stable, and it holds primer well. Most of our Fairfax work is oak.

Will the grain show through the paint?

Only if you want it to. We can fill the grain for a smooth finish or leave it for texture. Your choice at the estimate.

Does oak bleed through white paint?

Oak tannins can. Stain-blocking primer stops it. We prime every oak-to-white job accordingly.

Is grain filling worth the extra cost?

For a modern glass-smooth look, yes. For a farmhouse or traditional feel, the grain adds character. Neither is wrong.

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