How to Whitewash Oak Kitchen Cabinets for a Fresh, Airy Look

Whitewashed oak cabinets are having a major moment in kitchen design. This antique painted finish gives oak cabinets a breezy, coastal vibe that works in all different decor styles. By watering down white paint and applying it to oak in layers, you can create a light and airy look that allows some warm woodgrain to show through. Whitewashing oak cabinets yourself is an affordable way to update the heart of your home.

Achieving the whitewashed cabinet look takes a little elbow grease, but the payoff is worth it. This step-by-step guide to DIY whitewashed oak cabinets will have you channeling chic farmhouse style in no time.

Whitewashed Oak Cabinet Inspiration

Whitewashed oak cabinets have a casual, relaxed feel that fits right in with today's laidback design trends. This painted finish bridges the gap between trendy modern farmhouse style and classic white kitchens. Whitewashed oak cabinetry pairs beautifully with vintage farmhouse sinks and open shelving. But it also provides the perfect anchor for more contemporary elements like quartz countertops and brass accents.

You'll often see whitewashed oak in cottages and beach houses, but this finish works in any home style. For traditional decor, try rub-through whitewashed oak cabinets in a classic shaker style. In modern kitchens, the light and breezy look of whitewashed oak provides welcome warmth. This adaptable cabinet finish works with any color scheme from bold brights to soothing neutrals.

Farmhouse Style

Nothing says farmhouse chic like whitewashed oak cabinets paired with butcher block counters and an apron front sink. For a casual cottage look, try open shelving flanking a large whitewashed oak hutch. Contrasting black hardware pops against light cabinets.

Coastal Style

Whitewashed oak cabinets feel right at home in coastal cottages. Pair them with beachy elements like beadboard backsplash, driftwood accents and turquoise appliances for a breezy, Hamptons-inspired kitchen vibe.

Traditional Style

For a classic take on whitewashed oak cabinets, choose a recessed panel style in an off-white paint wash. Brass hardware and antique-inspired lighting keep the look refined. Darker painted lowers ground the light uppers.

Contemporary Style

The softness of whitewashed oak keeps contemporary kitchens warm and inviting. Try open-concept designs mixing white uppers with light wood lowers. Opt for flat panel styling and sleek metal hardware. Whitewashed oak also pairs beautifully with marble, concrete and other modern surfaces.

Should You Whitewash Your Oak Cabinets?

Replacing kitchen cabinets can blow through a remodeling budget. Whitewashing lets you transform the look of your existing oak cabinets for a fraction of the cost. But there are a few factors to weigh first when deciding whether to whitewash.

Pros

- Very affordable compared to new cabinets - Lightens up space instantly - Allows you to keep well-built oak cabinets - Shows some warm woodgrain through paint

Cons

- Process is irreversible - Painted cabinets show more wear over time - Oak needs to be in good shape for whitewashing - Fully covers wood grain unlike staining

Oak Cabinet Condition

Whitewashing works best on oak cabinets that are structurally sound without damage or decay. Look for surface level flaws like scratches that can be prepped and painted over. Badly damaged or worn oak won't take paint well. Replacing warped or broken cabinets is advised.

Desired Look

Keep in mind that whitewashing shows more woodgrain variation than an opaque solid white paintjob. Knots and some staining will remain visible. If you want a seamless white finish, consider painting or refacing instead.

Preparing Oak Cabinets for Whitewashing

Proper prep work ensures your whitewashed finish adheres nicely. Plan to spend a day thoroughly cleaning and lightly sanding cabinets before painting. Remove doors, drawers and hardware to make the process easier.

Cleaning

Start by removing all cabinet contents and wiping down all surfaces. Use a degreasing cleaner and rinse several times. Let cabinets fully dry before sanding or priming. Fill any holes, gouges or cracks with wood filler.

Sanding

Lightly sand cabinets with 220 grit sandpaper. This helps the paint adhere evenly. Focus on scuffed or damaged spots that need smoothing. Avoid over-sanding, as you don’t want to remove the oak’s natural patina. Just scuff and smooth it.

Remove Doors and Hardware

Painting will be much easier if you remove cabinet doors, drawers and knobs beforehand. Mark each door to match the corresponding cabinet frame. Clean hardware before removing or mask hinges and handles if not removing.

Choosing Paint for Whitewashed Oak

The options for whitewashing oak cabinetry have expanded in recent years. Advancements in chalk and milk paint technology mean fewer layers. But tried and true latex and oil paints also work beautifully. Consider the level of distressing you desire when selecting whitewash paint.

Paint Types

- Latex: Most user-friendly option, easy soap and water cleanup - Oils: Slow drying but provide rich patina - Chalk paints: Adhere easily with minimal prep - Milk paint: Water-based but very durable finish

Paint Colors

- White: Brightens dramatically - Antique white: Warmer, cozier effect - Dove gray: Soft, subtle contrast on lower cabinets - Alabaster: Hint of creaminess, cottage feel

Paint Finishes

- Matte: More casually distressed - Satin: Subtle sheen, more polished look - Semi-gloss: Gives depth but minimal glare

How to Whitewash Oak Cabinets

Now comes the fun part! With proper paint supplies and some simple techniques, DIY whitewashed oak cabinets are totally possible. We’ll walk through the process step-by-step.

First Coat

The first coat of paint gives you a blank slate and ensures full coverage. Thin out the paint slightly with water or mineral spirits to help it sink into the oak grain. Use a high quality angled brush and apply liberally, pushing paint into the cracks and crevices. Let dry fully.

Distressing Techniques

Here’s where you achieve that worn, chippy whitewashed look. Lightly scuff corners and edges with sandpaper once the first coat has fully dried. A paint scraper works to chip paint away along corners and sides to mimic natural wear. Remove as much or as little paint as desired in this step.

Second Coat

Apply a second thin coat of paint using a rag or sponge. Let areas of wood show through for contrast. Blotchier coverage works better for distressed whitewash rather than smooth and even painting. Allow the second coat to dry fully before sealing or waxing.

Optional Third Coat

For more opaque coverage, a third coat of paint may be needed. Evaluate after two coats and only do a third if certain areas seem uneven or transparent. The distressed character of whitewashed cabinets comes from layers of thin paint.

Sealing

Once paint is fully dry, apply a protective sealer like polyurethane. This helps the finish hold up to normal wear and tear. For interior cabinets, satin or matte polyurethanes work well. Choose an outdoor grade sealer for exterior whitewashed cabinets. Apply 2-3 thin coats with a foam brush or rag, following product directions. The sealer minimizes yellowing over time.

Whitewashed Oak Cabinet Upkeep

Maintaining your freshly whitewashed oak cabinets helps them retain their beauty. Take steps to properly cure the paint and use care when cleaning. Touch up worn spots as needed over time.

Curing Time

Allow several days, preferably a week, for paint to fully cure before hanging cabinet doors and drawers again. Rushing this step risks sticking and tackiness. Placing heavy dishes or other items inside cabinets too soon can also disturb uncured paint.

Cleaning

Use a soft rag dampened with warm water for routine cabinet cleaning. Avoid abrasive sponges and products with chemicals, vinegar or lemon juice, as they can react with paint. Promptly wipe up spills and water spots to prevent stains.

Touch Up Paint

Save leftover paint for minor touch ups down the road. Marks or paint chips in high wear areas can be quickly fixed with brush touch ups followed by sealer reapplication. Perform more extensive paint repairs if cabinets ever need a refresh.

Transforming Your Kitchen with Whitewashed Oak Cabinets

The light and casual vibe of whitewashed oak cabinetry pairs beautifully with many styles. Rustic, modern, traditional and eclectic kitchens benefit from this flexible finish. Now is the fun part of pulling your whole kitchen design together!

Countertops

Butcher block, concrete, quartz and marble all complement whitewashed cabinets. Lean into the distressed cottage look with butcher block. For contemporary kitchens, white quartz or gray-veined marble ties in nicely.

Backsplash

Subway tile, beadboard and wood paneling make charming backsplash partners for whitewashed cabinets. Mosaic glass or metallic tiles pop nicely against light cabinetry. Create contrast with bold black subway tiles.

Flooring

Hardwood flooring looks fabulous with whitewashed oak cabinets, for a cohesive distressed wood aesthetic. But painted cabinets also pair well with tile, concrete floors, linoleum and cork. Use large floor tiles or planks to expand smaller kitchens.

Hardware

For a classic farmhouse kitchen, black iron pulls or knobs play nicely off whitewashed cabinets. Oil rubbed bronze hardware suits transitional spaces. Modern designs deserve hip brass accents. Display your personality through eclectic hardware.

Finish your whitewashed oak kitchen with fun accents. Open shelving shows off pretty dishes and herb gardens. Set out fragrant fresh flowers and lush potted plants. Eclectic rugs, cozy curtains and a chalkboard menu complete the farm fresh vibe.

With the right prep, paint and technique, you can affordably transform your oak kitchen cabinets with a light and airy whitewashed finish. Rustic, coastal, cottage, modern – whatever your kitchen style, this adaptable look delivers. No need to replace quality oak cabinetry when all it takes is a fresh coat of paint to give this heart of your home a stylish new life.