try sanding them-wipe clean,use sherman williams primer
toned to a p-5
two coats of primer
paint-sherman williams black gloss 3-coats

the cost-tape,drop cloth paint brush,1-quart of primer
1-quart of paint-------$60.00
and some sweat



good luck...

I was thinking of doing the same thing. I don't have the answer, but I'm looking forward to what everyone else has to say.

Why would anyone want to cover up beautiful oak by painting it black. You should ask a professional decorator to help you as I don't think black adds anything to a kitchen where the more light , the better.

Sears will give you a free estimate.

Distressed black has become very popular and is offered by major manufacturers. To get an idea if the painting price is out of line I would suggest comparing it to purchasing new cabinets of that finish color. The company I work for sells cabinets online and we have a black distressed finished called onyx. Take a look at the prices of maple with a style similar to yours and add 15%. That will probably tell you if it is worth the painting price or not. My parents had their oak cabinets painted off white by a professional and they now have problems with chipping. I think they paid $1500 in a rural PA area.