Give Your Kitchen a Dramatic Blue Makeover with Distressed Cabinets

If your kitchen is looking tired and dated, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders. But why settle for an ordinary solid color when you can create a stunning, one-of-a-kind look with distressed cabinets? Distressing gives wood cabinets layers of depth and texture, while bold blue hues add dramatic impact. With some simple DIY techniques, you can transform the heart of your home into a unique showstopper.

Blue distressed kitchen cabinets offer the best of both worlds - modern color with vintage charm. From preparing the wood to choosing paint colors to antiquing finishes, we've got you covered.

Prep Cabinets for a Flawless Distressed Finish

Before painting, it's important to thoroughly clean cabinets and remove any debris that could interfere with paint adhesion. Fill any holes or imperfections in the wood with filler, then sand lightly to rough up the surface. This helps the first coat of paint grip better.

Next, remove all doors, drawers, and hardware. It's much easier to distress pieces separately from cabinet boxes. Number each door and drawer to ensure an accurate reassembly later. Use painter's tape to cover hinges, edges, and any areas you don't want painted. Proper prep prevents drips and mistakes down the road.

Select a Striking Yet Versatile Blue

When choosing a blue paint color, popular options like navy, powder blue, and robin's egg blue are perfect for creating depth with distressing. Test out swatches to visualize the completed cabinet look. Aim for a blue hue that feels classic yet fresh at the same time.

Opt for a flat or matte finish rather than high-gloss. The flatter the base paint, the easier it will be to sand and distress once dry. Multiple coats also add durability and help the color pop.

Get the Perfectly Imperfect Distressed Look

Here comes the fun part - distressing! There are several techniques you can use:

• Sanding - Focus on edges, corners, and raised sections. Use coarse 120-150 grit sandpaper to rub away paint and expose the wood below.
• Scraping - Chip paint using a screwdriver or putty knife to mimic worn spots.
• Sponging - Dab on glaze with a natural sponge for an irregular, mottled effect.

Distress each door and drawer separately from the main cabinet for maximum control. Build up various levels of distressing for visual interest - lightly sand some edges and heavily scrape other corners.

Seal and Protect Your Masterpiece

Once fully dry, your distressed blue cabinets should be sealed to protect the finish. Use a matte or satin varnish to retain the worn, non-glossy look. For longevity against daily wear, apply at least 2-3 protective coats, focusing on heavily distressed areas.

Today, many quality varnishes feature eco-friendly water-based formulas with less fumes. This makes finishing your project easier on both you and the environment.

Install Cabinets and Add Finishing Touches

When the sealant is dry, it's time for reassembly. Carefully mount doors and drawer fronts back onto cabinet boxes using hinges, tracks, and pulls. Fill any holes created during distressing with a wood filler that matches your base color.

Add knobs, pulls, and hinges to complete your newly distressed blue kitchen cabinets. Opt for vintage-inspired hardware to complement the timeworn look. Display pretty dishes and accent with natural materials like wood cutting boards, stone counters, or metal appliances.

With the right prep, paint, and distressing techniques, you can give your kitchen a dramatic blue makeover for a fraction of the cost of new cabinets. The layered, antiqued finish will infuse your space with character and authenticity.

Best of all, there are so many ways to customize distressed cabinets. Tailor the look to your unique style by adjusting the paint color, level of sanding, and hardware. For a sustainable remodel with loads of charm, blue distressed kitchen cabinets are just the trend you need.