Completely Transform Oak Cabinets With White Paint
If your kitchen features honey oak cabinets that are looking dated and worn, painting them white can give your space a gorgeous new look without the high cost of a full remodel. With the right prep work and paint products, you can change the whole feel of your kitchen by coating those oak cabinets in a fresh coat of bright white paint.
Painting over oak cabinetry allows you to modernize your kitchen on a budget. The crisp, clean look of white cabinets makes small spaces appear larger and adds an airy, light filled appeal. By following essential steps for proper preparation, application and protection, you can completely transform oak to achieve a flawless, professional looking white finish.
Preparing Oak Cabinets for a Smooth Paint Job
Preparing your oak cabinets thoroughly before painting is the most crucial step for achieving an attractive finish. Proper prep removes contaminants from the wood, creates a surface that paint can properly adhere to, and ensures the final coat will look smooth and cohesive.
Detach Doors, Drawers and Hardware
The painting process will be much easier if you remove all of the cabinet doors, drawers and hardware prior to starting. Be sure to label each door and drawer with painter's tape indicating the cabinet opening it came from. Carefully remove hinges and other hardware and place it in labeled bags for each cabinet door. Taking doors off the cabinets provides much better access for painting the cabinet boxes.
Clean and Degrease Cabinets
Make sure cabinets are completely free of grease, oil and dirt before painting. Clean cabinet surfaces with a degreasing agent like TSP substitute or Krud Kutter Gloss-Off, using a sponge or rag to remove grime. Avoid using soap, which can leave a film. Rinse with clean water and let cabinets dry fully before moving onto sanding.
Sand Cabinets Lightly
Use 320 grit sandpaper to scuff sand the cabinets, removing any gloss from the oak finish. Sanding creates microscopic grooves for the primer and paint to adhere to. Wipe sanded cabinets with a dry lint-free cloth to remove all dust. Vacuum up any sanding residue before priming.
Fill Holes and Imperfections
Examine cabinets for any nail holes, cracks or imperfections and use wood filler to patch. Allow filler to dry completely, then sand again until smooth. Filling holes leads to a flawless looking finish after painting.
Apply Oil-Based Primer
For the best results painting over oak, apply an oil-based primer first. The oil helps block tannins in oak that can cause staining or bleed-through. Opt for KILZ Original Oil-Based Primer or another similar product. Use a foam roller and angled brush, applying a thin, even coat according to manufacturer directions. Allow primer to fully dry before sanding.
Applying Cabinet Paint
With properly prepped and primed cabinets, you can now focus on applying cabinet paint for an updated white finish. Careful paint application and ample drying time leads to a durable, beautiful end result.
Selecting Cabinet Paint
Look for interior enamel paints designed specifically for painting kitchen cabinets, like Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Acrylic Alkyd Enamel. The satin finish offers a subtle glow while hiding oak grain. Semi-gloss options also work well. Avoid cheaper all-purpose latex paints which lack the coverage and performance needed.
Sanding Between Coats
Lightly sand painted surfaces with 320 grit sandpaper after the primer and between each coat of paint. Sanding removes any dust nibs in the finish and creates a smooth surface for the next coat. Wipe clean with a dry cloth before painting again.
Two Coats Minimum
Plan to apply at least two coats of cabinet paint, allowing sufficient drying time between coats. This ensures complete opacity and an even look on the final white finish. If grain is still visible, a third coat can be applied.
Cutting In With Brush First
When painting doors and cabinet boxes, use an angled sash brush to first cut in around edges, corners and trim. Then quickly fill in the center sections with the foam roller, blending the brushed edges before drying. Working methodically prevents drips.
Take care when painting around hinges or hardware holes. Use painter's tape to cover any areas at risk of accidental paint smears.
Work in Sections
Paint cabinets in sections for the easiest application and to prevent blotchiness. Starting with the cabinet boxes, fully paint one section before moving onto the next. Then repeat the process for doors and drawers.
Finishing and Reassembly
Once painted cabinets have cured fully, applying a protective clear coat and reattaching doors and hardware completes the renewal process.
Adding Clear Protective Topcoat
Consider applying 1-2 coats of a polyurethane or acrylic clear coat to the painted finish. This adds protection and makes the surface easy to clean. Use water-based polycrylic for low odor and quick drying.
Reattaching Doors and Hardware
Refer to the labels or Post-It note markings made earlier to reattach the cabinet doors and hardware to the correct cabinet frames. Reinstall hinges and test door alignment, adjusting as needed.
Once fully dry, the freshly painted cabinets should align and operate properly. Attach knobs, pulls or other hardware to finish off your updated kitchen.
With proper prep, patience and care taken through each step of the painting process, you can completely transform oak cabinets with a fresh coat of white paint. The end result is a bright, welcoming kitchen updated at just a fraction of the cost of new cabinetry.
Maintain your new finish by promptly wiping up spills and gently cleaning with a mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubs. With the right care, your painted white cabinets will look like new for many years before needing a refresh.