How to Easily Paint Your Honey Oak Cabinets White

If your kitchen features dated oak cabinets with a honey-colored stain, you've likely considered ways to breathe new life into the space. Painting over wood cabinetry may seem daunting, but with proper preparation and painting techniques, you can easily transform the look of your kitchen by painting your honey oak cabinets white.

Painting cabinets white is one of the most popular kitchen trends, as it creates a bright, airy aesthetic that makes the space feel larger. The dramatic change also allows outdated oak cabinets to look fresh and modern again. With some time and care taken to prep and paint the cabinets, you can do this project as a DIY and save thousands over the cost of installing brand new cabinetry.

Preparing Your Cabinets for a Smooth Painted Finish

Before painting can begin, take the time to properly prepare your cabinets for the best results. Rushing through or skipping prep work can lead to issues like peeling or chipping paint down the road. Here are the key steps:

Clean and Degloss the Cabinets

Start by cleaning all cabinet surfaces with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water to remove any dirt, oil or grime. Pay special attention to areas around the knobs and handles where kitchen grease can collect. Once cleaned, wipe all surfaces down with a liquid deglosser such as Krud Kutter to etch the shiny cabinet finish so the new paint can properly adhere.

Lightly Sand the Cabinets

Use 100-120 grit sandpaper to scuff up the surface of the oak cabinets just enough to allow the primer and paint to grab on. Be sure to sand both the exterior and interior surfaces of cabinet boxes and doors. Sanding cuts through the existing stain or sealant and gives the paint something rough to cling to. Take care not to gouge the wood.

Fill Any Holes or Imperfections

Examine the oak cabinetry for any holes, gouges or cracks and fill them with a quality wood filler. Allow the filler to fully cure and sand it smooth. address any imperfections now so they won't show through the new paint job.

Apply a Primer Coat

Priming is a crucial step that seals the wood surface so your paint color looks its best. Opt for a high-adhesion primer like Zinsser BIN Shellac-Based Primer that grips on wood and blocks stains, knots and tannins from bleeding through. Use a paint sprayer, roller or brush to evenly apply the primer over all cabinet surfaces. Allow the primer to completely dry before painting.

Achieving a Flawless Painted Finish

With the right painting techniques and products, you can achieve a smooth factory-like finish on your painted oak cabinets. Here are some tips:

Use Quality Cabinet Paint

Look for a premium latex paint formulated specifically for kitchen cabinetry, rather than standard wall paints. The cabinet paints provide much harder, more durable finishes that won't show fingerprints or feel sticky when dry. Brands like Sherwin-Williams ProClassic and Benjamin Moore Advance offer great results.

Apply Paint with a Sprayer, Roller or Brush

While brushing on paint is certainly an option, using an airless paint sprayer allows you to achieve the smoothest finish much faster. If spraying, apply thin coats and keep the sprayer moving to prevent drips or runs. Alternatively, use a short-nap foam roller or high-quality angled trim brush.

Paint Cabinets in Thin, Even Coats

Experts recommend applying at least 2-3 thin, even coats of your chosen cabinet paint color. Thinner coats create a more durable finish than thick coats. Lightly sand with fine 220 grit sandpaper between coats for an ultra-smooth finish. Allow proper drying time between coats.

Finishing Touches for Your White Oak Cabinets

You're so close to being done! Here are some final steps:

• Wipe cabinets with a tack cloth before the final coat to remove any dust.
• Let the paint cure fully for at least 7 days before rehanging doors and drawers.
• Clean your paint sprayer thoroughly after finishing the job.
• For a cohesive but unique look, use an accent color on the island or range hood area.
• Install updated knobs or pulls for some finishing flair.

How Does Painting Compare to Refinishing Oak Cabinets?

While refinishing your oak cabinets with a gel stain or darker colored stain could also give them an updated look, painting the cabinets white provides a much more dramatic shift. Painting also allows you to cover any existing stains or flaws in the oak that are difficult to remove with refinishing alone.

However, refinishing preserves the wood grain look, whereas painted cabinets take on a more uniform, smooth appearance. Weigh your options, but keep in mind that painting can be an easier DIY job for most homeowners to tackle versus refinishing.

As you can see, with proper preparation, materials and painting technique, you can easily paint your dated honey oak cabinets white for a gorgeous new look. Taking things step-by-step and being patient as your painted cabinets cure will ensure you achieve long-lasting, stunning results.

Why live with an outdated oak kitchen when you could have a light, bright space with on-trend white cabinets? Roll up your sleeves and dive into this satisfying DIY project. Soon you'll have the contemporary kitchen of your dreams!