How to Whitewash Cabinets and Give Your Kitchen a Breath of Fresh Air
Is your kitchen looking lackluster? Do your cabinets seem dark and dated? Whitewashing is an easy and budget-friendly way to give new life to worn kitchen cabinets without a full remodel.
Whitewashing involves painting cabinets with a wash of white or off-white paint to brighten up the space. The result is a light, airy look that feels clean, fresh and bright. In this tutorial, we'll walk through the full process of DIY cabinet whitewashing so you can revitalize your kitchen in just a weekend!
Before You Start Whitewashing
Before breaking out the paintbrushes, take some time to make sure you have the right supplies and prep your cabinets properly. Rushing into whitewashing without proper prep will likely lead to a disappointing outcome.
Choose the Right Paint
The type of paint you choose will affect the finished look and durability of your whitewashed cabinets. Here are some good options:
- Chalk paint - Provides a matte, slightly powdery finish that looks hand-painted
- Milk paint - Offers excellent adhesion and a smooth, subtle sheen
- Latex paint - Most affordable option; best for a bright white, polished finish
Consider whether you want a matte, satin, or semi-gloss finish. Matte has no sheen and looks the most worn-in. Satin and semi-gloss offer subtle to bold shine.
Prep Your Cabinets
Proper prep ensures paint adheres well for a long-lasting finish. Here's how to get your cabinets paint-ready:
- Remove doors, handles/knobs, and hinges
- Clean surfaces thoroughly with a degreasing cleaner to remove grime and oils
- Lightly sand cabinets to rough up the finish so paint can grip
- Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth
Pick Your Tools
Having the right tools on hand will make whitewashing much easier. You'll need:
- Angled sash paintbrush for grooves and edges
- Foam roller and tray for large, flat surfaces
- Lint-free rags and tack cloth
Gather all equipment before starting so your workflow isn't interrupted mid-project.
Whitewashing Step-by-Step
Now that your space and supplies are prepped, it's time to start whitewashing. Follow these steps closely for best results.
Prime Cabinets
Priming ensures the whitewash paint bonds tightly to the cabinet surfaces. Opt for an oil-based or shellac-based primer formulated especially for slick surfaces like cabinets and laminates. Apply a smooth, even coat using a brush and/or roller.
Paint Cabinet Boxes and Doors
Start with the main cabinet boxes and frames. Use a paintbrush to carefully coat all grooves, edges, and detailed areas. Then quickly roll over large, flat expanses. Allow to fully dry then lightly sand any bumps or drips.
Apply a second coat, then a third for the smoothest coverage. Finally, repeat the process for the doors, drawers, and any detachable trim.
Distress and Antique (Optional)
For a worn-in, vintage look, you can distress your cabinets after painting. Gently rub off paint along the outer edges and corners using coarse sandpaper. You can also rub a dark glaze or wax into the crevices to accentuate grooves.
Seal and Protect the Finish
The final step is applying a clear protective topcoat over the painted cabinets. Polyurethane works great for this. Carefully apply 2-3 coats using a foam brush, lightly sanding between each application. The end result will be a durable, long-lasting finish.
Achieving Different Whitewashed Looks
While most whitewashing aims for a light and airy vibe, you can customize the look in many different ways including:
- Farmhouse: Multiple coats of antique white paint for a timeworn but cozy look
- Shabby chic: Heavily distressed paint and glaze to accentuate cracks and crevices
- Modern: Bright white paint and semi-gloss sheen for a sleek, polished look
Whitewashing can transform the feel of a kitchen in countless ways - the options are limited only by your imagination!
Whitewashing FAQs
If you're new to DIY whitewashing, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long does it take?
For an average sized kitchen, expect the entire whitewashing process to take 1-3 days depending on drying time.
What sheen is best?
This comes down to personal preference, but satin offers a nice compromise between durability and a soft finish.
How do I clean whitewashed cabinets?
Use a mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing to prevent damaging the finish.
Can I whitewash thermofoil or laminate cabinets?
Yes, as long as you properly prep and prime the surface first so paint adheres well.
What about whitewashing cabinet hardware?
Absolutely! Remove hardware, lightly sand, prime, and paint with white spray paint for a cohesive finished look.
Whitewashing kitchen cabinets is an easy, budget-friendly way to give your space a breath of fresh air. With some quality primer and paint, along with a bit of elbow grease, you can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen in just a weekend.
Follow this comprehensive tutorial closely while prepping properly, applying primer and paint with care, and finishing with a protective topcoat. Before you know it, you'll be enjoying a light, airy kitchen that looks like you splurged on a major renovation.
So grab your paintbrushes, turn up your favorite music, and get ready to see amazing results from this simple kitchen makeover. We hope this guide has inspired you to give your cabinets a whitewashed facelift!