Brighten Your Kitchen Overnight With An Easy Whitewash Cabinet Facelift

Is your kitchen looking a little dull and dated? Do you long for a lighter, brighter, more rustic style but can't afford a full remodel? Refreshing kitchen cabinets with a simple whitewash technique can give your space a whole new look overnight, without breaking the bank.

Whitewashing cabinets is an easy DIY project that transforms wood surfaces with a light wash of white paint. This paint picks up the natural grain of the wood, creating a timeworn, distressed effect. With just a few inexpensive supplies and one day of work, you can give your kitchen a bright, airy new feel that looks professionally done.

Preparing Cabinets for a Whitewash Makeover

Achieving a flawless whitewashed finish starts with proper cabinet preparation. Taking your cabinet doors off the frames provides easier access for cleaning, sanding, and painting. Number each door and drawer to ensure accurate reinstallation.

Use a degreasing cleanser to remove greasy residue and dirt buildup from cabinet surfaces and frames. This removes contaminants that could prevent proper paint adhesion. Allow cabinets to dry completely before moving on to sanding.

Lightly sand cabinets, doors, and drawers using 220 grit sandpaper. This smoothing evens out the surface and opens the wood grain to better accept the whitewash. Be sure to wipe away all dust with a tack cloth when finished.

Choosing the Right Whitewash Supplies

For whitewashing cabinets, a pickling stain offers better results than thinned paint. Pickling stains contain whitening pigments but remain thin enough to create a transparent, stained look.

Opt for an interior grade whitewash pickling stain formulated for use on cabinets and woodwork. White and antique white are classic color choices that brighten rooms without looking too stark.

Use a high-quality synthetic bristle brush to apply whitewash. Foam brushes don't offer enough control for smoothly brushing the stain on and off.

Have clean rags or cotton cloths on hand for distressing and removing excess whitewash. Lint-free cloths prevent stray fibers from getting caught in the finish.

Applying Whitewash Technique to Cabinets

Set up your work area with drop cloths to protect surrounding surfaces from drips and spills before starting to whitewash. Work in sections, completing one cabinet face or door before moving on to prevent lap marks.

Load your brush with a liberal amount of whitewash and apply a thin, even coat. Immediately use a rag to lightly wipe off some of the whitewash, distressing the finish and revealing wood undertones.

Allow the whitewash to dry following the manufacturer's recommended time before deciding if an additional coat is needed. Repeat the process until you've reached the desired whitewashed effect.

Sealing and Protecting Your Whitewashed Cabinets

Once fully dry, lightly sand cabinets with extra fine (220-400 grit) sandpaper to smooth any raised grain. Thoroughly wipe away dust before applying a protective clear topcoat.

Water-based polyurethane offers excellent protection for your whitewashed finish. Carefully brush on a smooth, even topcoat and allow a full 24 hours to cure before adding a second coat.

With a stunning whitewashed makeover achieved in just a weekend, you can reinstall your cabinet doors and hardware then put your kitchen back into service. A few simple supplies and techniques let you brighten your space overnight!

With the right care, your refreshed whitewashed cabinets can look like new for years to come. Follow these maintenance tips:

• Clean cabinets with a mild soap and water solution. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
• Immediately wipe up spills and splatters to prevent stains.
• Reapply a protective coat of polyurethane every 2-3 years.
• Spot treat minor scuffs and scratches with whitewash paint.

Give your kitchen a fresh new look overnight with this easy DIY whitewashing technique. With a little time and effort, you can affordably brighten your space with rustic farmhouse-style cabinets.