Instantly Take Your Kitchen from Dated to Dramatic with Whitewashed Cabinets
Is your kitchen stuck in a design rut with outdated oak cabinets and worn laminate countertops? Are you looking for an affordable way to give your kitchen a fresh, modern update without a full remodel? Transforming tired wood cabinets with a whitewash staining technique can instantly take your kitchen from dated to dramatic.
Whitewashing involves painting cabinets with a thinned white paint or stain to create a distressed, chippy painted finish. This white washing technique covers wood cabinet surfaces with an opaque, rustic whitewashed look. Whitewashed cabinets have a charming vintage farmhouse vibe that breathes new life into worn and dated kitchens.
Gather Supplies for DIY Whitewashing
With some basic supplies from your local hardware store, whitewashing cabinets is a doable DIY project for novice painters. Here's an overview of what you'll need:
Cabinet Paint Supplies
The essential ingredients for whitewashing cabinets are primer, white paint, and a whitewash pickling stain. You'll also need painting tools like brushes, rollers, and rags:
- High-adhesion primer
- White cabinet paint - semi-gloss or satin finish
- Pickling stain whitewash mixture
- Paintbrushes, foam rollers, rags
- Sandpaper - 220 to 400 grit
- Steel wool - fine grade
Safety Gear
Protect yourself and your floors from paint splatter with tarps and safety equipment:
- Drop cloths, painters tape
- Gloves, respirator mask
Cleaning Agents
To prep soiled cabinet surfaces, you'll need:
- TSP cleaner
- Degreaser like Simple Green
Prep Cabinets for a Smooth Whitewash Finish
Prepping your cabinets thoroughly before painting is crucial for getting an evenly distressed whitewashed finish. Plan to spend at least a full day prepping the cabinets for painting.
Remove Doors and Hardware
Detaching the doors and removing hinges and knobs makes the painting process easier. Number doors and drawers to ensure proper reinstallation.
Clean Surfaces
Use TSP or a degreaser like Simple Green to remove any grease, dirt or grime on cabinet surfaces and allow to fully dry.
Lightly Sand Cabinets
Gently sanding smooths any rough areas and helps primer and paint better adhere to the wood. Use 220 to 400 grit sandpaper.
Fill Holes and Imperfections
Fill any holes from old hardware with wood filler and let dry completely. Sand smooth.
Apply Primer
Priming ensures painting results that last. Apply 1 to 2 coats of high adhesion primer, allowing sufficient drying time between coats.
Paint Cabinets White
With the preliminary prep work complete, you're ready to paint the cabinets white. This neutral white base allows the whitewash to really pop.
First Paint Coat
Use a brush to carefully paint white cabinet paint on all cabinet box surfaces, including the cabinet back and inside surfaces.
Second and Third Coats
Allow each coat to dry fully - at least 24 hours between coats. Gently sanding between coats helps the paint adhere and smoothes brush marks.
Create Whitewash Mixture
The secret to whitewashing is diluting white paint with water to create a thin, translucent stain.
Thin White Paint
Add water to thin down white chalk or cabinet paint until it has the consistency of milk. The more water, the more transparent the whitewash.
Test Whitewash on Wood
Brush a sample on scrap wood to test the whitewash. Adjust the consistency until it's opaque but allows some wood grain to show through.
Whitewash Cabinets
Now for the fun part - whitewashing the cabinets! Work in small sections for the most control over the finish.
Apply Whitewash
Use a brush or rag to apply the thinned whitewash mixture over the white painted cabinets. Let the first coat fully dry before applying a second coat.
Distress Cabinets
Once dry, use rags or fine grit sandpaper to gently remove paint from edges and corners, revealing wood tones and creating a worn, chippy look.
Touch Up Paint
Spot paint any raw wood or primed areas that get exposed to blend with the whitewashed finish.
Seal and Protect the Finish
Protecting the finish ensures your freshly whitewashed cabinets stand the test of time.
Apply Protective Topcoat
Use a clear sealer like polyurethane or acrylic over the whitewashed paint. Allow the topcoat to fully cure before use.
Reinstall Doors and Hardware
With the paint fully dry, attach the newly whitewashed doors, drawers and hardware to complete your kitchen's makeover.
Tips for Maintaining Whitewashed Cabinets
While the distressed whitewashed finish will naturally wear over time, there are tips to help your cabinets maintain their chippy chic look:
- Use cabinet liners and mild cleaners to protect cabinet surfaces
- Avoid placing small kitchen appliances directly on cabinets
- Re-seal cabinets annually to protect the whitewashed finish
- Spot touch-up paint any nicks or worn areas
With some elbow grease, you can take your kitchen from lackluster to lovely with a DIY whitewashed cabinet makeover. The translucent stained finish gives worn cabinets new life with vintage-inspired charm and character.
Rather than replacing outdated oak cabinets, whitewashing offers an affordable way to update your kitchen with on-trend painted cabinets. The soft white distressed finish pairs beautifully with many kitchen design styles from modern to farmhouse.
Ready for a kitchen refresh? Grab your painting supplies and unleash the full potential of your existing cabinets with a whitewash staining makeover. In just a weekend, you can take your kitchen from dated and dreary to light, bright and beautiful with dramatic whitewashed cabinets.