Light Up Your Kitchen With White Cherry Cabinets
Dark cherry wood can add warmth, but may make spaces appear smaller and darker.
By painting them crisp white, you can completely transform the look of your kitchen into an airy oasis.
Overview of Painting Cherry Cabinets
Painting over rich cherry cabinetry to a light white shade brings many aesthetic benefits. It makes rooms instantly appear larger and brighter. The light color reflects more light, opening up small spaces. It also lends a clean, contemporary look. White cabinetry feels fresh and makes kitchens look more modern. Painting refreshes cabinets without the high cost of full replacement.
Benefits of White Cherry Cabinets
- Creates an airy, expansive look
- Reflects light for a brighter space
- Makes small rooms appear larger
- Provides a clean, contemporary style
- More affordable than cabinet replacement
Step-by-Step Process
Prep Work
Proper prep work ensures the new paint adheres smoothly and evenly to the cherry wood. First remove all hardware, doors and drawers. Clean thoroughly with a degreasing agent like TSP substitute to eliminate residue. Use wood filler to patch small holes or imperfections. Sand surfaces lightly with 220 grit sandpaper to rough up the finish so paint can grip better.
Priming
Priming is a crucial step when painting cabinets white. The white primer helps block wood stains from altering the paint color. Without it, you may need extra coats of paint to fully cover the cherry tone. It also allows the top coat of paint to adhere more smoothly. For painting over cherry wood, an oil-based primer formulated for woods with tannins is best. Apply in thin, even coats according to manufacturer directions.
Painting
When selecting cabinet paint, choose a high grade option designed for kitchens and bathrooms. These durable finishes stand up well to moisture and everyday wear and tear. For the white top coat, a satin or semi-gloss paint offers a subtle sheen that is easy to clean. Use a high-quality brush to apply the paint in smooth, thin layers. Allow proper drying time between coats. While the number of coats varies, typically expect to apply at least three coats for full coverage over cherry cabinets.
Distressing
For a charming, antique look, consider lightly distressing your white painted cabinets. Use fine grit sandpaper to rub paint along the edges and corners to mimic natural wear over time. You can also use painter's tape to create neat lines and evenly spaced "chips" in the paint. Distress evenly across doors and drawers for a cohesive look.
Protection
Once fully cured, apply a clear protective topcoat like polyurethane or acrylic. This adds a barrier against moisture damage, grease splatter, and yellowing over time. For cabinets, three coats of water-based poly, lightly sanded between coats, offers durability along with fast drying time.
Maintaining White Cherry Cabinets
Care for your updated white cherry cabinets by cleaning regularly with a gentle soap and water solution. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Since the white paint will show marks more easily, touch up any nicks or paint chips right away with leftover cabinet paint. You can also refresh the protective clear topcoat as needed over time.
Beautiful, Light-Filled Kitchen
Following the proper process for painting cherry cabinets white delivers stunning results. The lighter color makes small spaces shine brighter. Rooms feel clean, expansive and contempoary. Crisp white cabinetry pairs beautifully with any wall color, countertop, flooring or accessories.
Enjoy your fresh kitchen for years to come. With some care and maintenance, your painted cherry cabinets maintain their like-new beauty while increasing functionality.
Painting rich cherry cabinets white brings new life and a lighter, contemporary style. With detailed preparation and care taken in choosing finishes, the glowing results are well worth it.
- Paint refreshes look without replacing cabinets
- Proper prep work allows paint to adhere evenly
- High-quality paints made for cabinets provide durability
- Added clear topcoat protects paint over the long term
You can illuminate your entire kitchen with white painted cherry cabinets with patience. Enjoy the transformation!