Paint or NO Paint

[61sovereign]

The PO of my 61 Sovereign painted all of the cabinets/drawers/hinges/knobs in the entire trailer. I have started stripping the paint from the cabinet doors and drawers and I was planning on staining them but the wood seems to be very thin. My Wife wants a retro look with Black/chrome/stainless. Would it be terrible if I painted the cabinets Black?.......Just getting feed back

[Bill M.]

well, if they are painted already, what is the issue.

[61sovereign]

Originally Posted by Bill M.

well, if they are painted already, what is the issue.

Just wanted to see if anyone else has painted cabinets or would it look better to go back with stained cabinets.

[wasagachris]

I would stay away from black as a color choice. You're in a small enogh space as it is without making it look smaller by painting everything black.

[PINKBIKE]

Black may be a great choice,If you have a nice contrasting/or complimentary color.Talk to a Interior Designer if need be.

[Schools Out]

It's a myth that dark colors make a space look smaller. A designer's trick is to paint a small room a dark color...makes the walls recede, & the corners disappear...creating just the opposite effect. Dark finishes will suck the light from the space, so you'll have to add more lighting to compensate. It doesn't seem that black painted cabinetry would be any different than a dark wood stain though.

[mojo]

If you have the chance, take a look at a CCD trailer. They have black wood grain cabinets mixed with white or gray mica counters and bright color accents. It looks good and it is far from dark and oppressive.

[LI Pets]

It's your trailer do what you want not others, but black can work fine.

[casa3805]

Originally Posted by LI Pets

It's your trailer do what you want not others, but black can work fine.

Best thing about being the "Current" owner! You get to do whatever you want. (as long as the wife agrees, of course)

[rkuhns956]

It's yours, do what you like. If you're asking for opinions. Back when I restored cars, it seemed that you tried to put everything as it came form the factory. In fact, I remember many times spending more money for an original thing-a-magigy then a new, nice, better replacement. However, when it comes to Airstreams, I think it's just the opposite. I think most people would tell you to do it your way, make it your home.

Now if you are asking about how it would look. Buy a pack of construction paper with the colors you like, some aluminum duct tape (to represent the chrome or SS) and some scotch tape, and knock yours out and use your imagination (pretend it's painted and not paper). And see if you like it, or if it makes your room shrink or what ever.

[61sovereign]

Originally Posted by mojo

If you have the chance, take a look at a CCD trailer. They have black wood grain cabinets mixed with white or gray mica counters and bright color accents. It looks good and it is far from dark and oppressive.

Thanks....where can I find pictures of it.

[61sovereign]

Thanks for all of the replies....looking foward to the painting process!

[Aage]

If you go with black cabs, I would use a very light counter-top and floors.

[Yodaforce]

NICE! About to start restoring the wood and interior furnishings in mine. Wasn't sure about stain options yet but that black stain is royal! Definitely a consideration now.

[61sovereign]

Originally Posted by Aage

If you go with black cabs, I would use a very light counter-top and floors.

Now that's what I am looking for. I think the black cabinets with white and silver accents will look great. Thanks for the pictures.

[dkottum]

Careful of the black. Note that the CCD's are loaded with recessed lighting to add light, and have reflective aluminum walls to add lots of depth (like mirrors).

You may want to compare the black CCD with the Serenity interiors. Basically the same interior but different color cabinets/partitions. The CCD black is also offset by bright upholstery, where the Serenity has coordinating upholstery.

doug k