Create Texture with Whitewashed Kitchen Cabinets

Nothing brightens up a kitchen quite like whitewashed cabinets. This trendy technique gives you a budget-friendly facelift without the commitment of a full remodel.

Whitewashing allows you to transform the look of your existing kitchen cabinets with just paint, denatured alcohol, and a little elbow grease. The resulting finish adds inviting texture and distressed character to your space.

Materials You'll Need

While the products needed for a whitewash project are simple, proper preparation and application are key for achieving the desired look.

• Latex paint in a flat white or light gray
• Denatured alcohol
• Sandpaper
• Paintbrushes, rollers, and rags
• Drop cloths to protect surrounding surfaces

Prepping Your Cabinets

Before you can start painting, your cabinets need to be cleaned and lightly sanded to ensure proper paint adhesion.

Remove all hardware and doors to make the painting process easier. Use a degreaser or mild detergent on cabinet surfaces, then rinse and let dry completely.

Lightly sanding will help rough up the surface so the first coat of paint can grip. Wipe away any dust with a dry cloth.

Spread drop cloths over countertops, floors, and other areas to safeguard from drips.

Applying the Base Paint Coats

With your cabinets prepped, you're ready for painting. The first coat will act as a primer and sealer. Allowing adequate drying time between coats is crucial.

Most DIYers recommend applying at least three base coats of paint. This ensures full, even coverage. If changing to a lighter color from a dark stain, extra coats may be needed to achieve the proper base.

Use high quality brushes and mini rollers suitable for cabinet painting. Work methodically and wait the recommended recoat time for your paint before adding another layer.

Creating the Whitewashed Look

Here's where the magic happens! For the whitewash effect, you'll need paint mixed with denatured alcohol in a 1:1 ratio. The alcohol helps break down the layers of latex paint and allows it to penetrate the wood.

Dip a rag into the mixture and wring out any excess. With light pressure, wipe the solution over your cabinets in random areas. Let it rest for a minute before going back to gently remove paint until you get the desired distressed appearance.

The more whitewash layers applied, the more pronounced the texture and variation will be. Don't be afraid to keep adding coats until you're happy with the result!

Sealing Your Masterpiece

Once your whitewashing endeavors are complete, you'll need to seal the finish.

Polyurethane is commonly used, though some people prefer wax for a more organic, matte look. Multiple thin layers of your sealant are better than one thick coat.

Let your cabinets cure fully before reattaching any hardware. Then stand back and admire your budget-friendly kitchen transformation!

Customizing Your Whitewash

While the standard whitewash delivers beautiful results, part of the fun is tweaking the technique to suit your style.

Some alternatives to consider:

• Wet-on-wet painting for a more layered, textured finish
• Using a sea sponge or rag to apply the paint instead of a brush
• opting for a light gray base coat followed by white for a weathered appearance

Whitewashing opens up a world of possibilities! Have fun and get creative with your application.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

Like any DIY project, whitewashing comes with a learning curve. Be mindful of these potential mistakes:

• Skipping proper prep work
• Using the wrong sheen or type of paint
• Not allowing adequate drying time between coats
• Applying too much whitewash solution too soon

Patience and proper technique will help you steer clear of any issues. Take your time and follow the steps outlined here for foolproof results.

The Finishing Touches

Whitewashed cabinets pair beautifully with many design styles, from modern farmhouse to coastal cottage. Here are some ideas to complement your new look:

• Update hardware with bin pulls or knobs in a contrasting finish
• Incorporate open shelving or glass cabinet doors
• Paint the kitchen island a fun, bold accent color
• Style with breezy linen curtains and woven baskets

The distressed, textured appearance of whitewashed cabinets adds plenty of built-in character. Let them be the focus and keep other elements clean and simple.

Tackling a full kitchen remodel can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars. With some supplies and elbow grease, whitewashing delivers dramatic results at a fraction of the price.

Following the techniques outlined here, you can easily whitewash your kitchen cabinets in a weekend. Then stand back and admire your fresh, coastal-inspired space.

Ready for a change? Grab a paintbrush and embrace this hot trend for yourself. We hope this guide helps you create texture and transform your kitchen with whitewashed cabinets.