The Complete Guide To DIY Whitewashed Oak Kitchen Cabinets
Dated oak cabinets getting you down? Brighten up your kitchen with a whitewash makeover. This budget-friendly technique lets you upgrade your existing cabinets to a fresh, farmhouse-inspired look in just a weekend.
Whitewashing oak cabinets is an easy DIY project that transforms the wood's warm golden tones to a bright white while still letting the beautiful oak grain show through. No need to splurge on brand new cabinets!
Supplies You'll Need
Whitewashing oak cabinets doesn't require many supplies. Here's what you'll need:
- Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
- Tack cloth
- Primer (oil-based or shellac)
- Paintbrushes and foam brushes
- Rags and drop cloth
- Protective gear (gloves, respirator, goggles)
- White latex paint, bleach and water solution, or white paint pigment powder
The sandpaper preps the cabinets by smoothing the surface and removing any existing finish. Tack cloths pick up dust between sanding and priming. An oil-based primer seals the raw oak wood so the whitewash adheres better. For the whitewash itself, you can use diluted white paint, a bleach solution, or special white pigment powder.
Prep Your Cabinets Thoroughly
Proper prep ensures your whitewash finish looks its best. Here are the key steps:
- Remove cabinet doors and hardware so you can work on them conveniently.
- Clean cabinet boxes and doors with an all-purpose cleaner and let dry.
- Sand vigorously with 120 grit paper to scuff up the surface, then use 220 grit to smooth it out.
- Use a tack cloth to wipe away all dust between sanding and priming.
- Mask off any areas like countertops or appliances you don’t want whitewashed.
- Lay down a drop cloth to protect floors.
Thorough sanding roughs up the slick surface so primer and whitewash adhere well. Any dust left behind will show through the finish, so wipe carefully with tack cloths.
Priming Oak Cabinets
Priming oak is an essential first step in the whitewashing process. The primer seals the porous oak grain and creates a surface for paint to stick to.
For whitewash specifically, an oil-based primer or shellac-based primer work best. The oil soaks into the wood while shellac seals in wood tannins to prevent bleed-through. Regular water-based primer won't block these as effectively.
Use a brush to apply primer liberally and evenly across the oak. Follow the product directions for dry times before moving onto whitewashing. Typically, primer needs at least 24 hours of drying time.
3 Common Whitewashing Techniques
There are three main ways to achieve a whitewashed look on oak cabinets:
Whitewash with Latex Paint
For this method, thin down white latex paint by diluting it with water. The consistency should be like melted ice cream - thin enough to wipe but still with enough pigment to brighten the oak.
Use a foam brush to apply the thinned paint across the wood. Before it dries, take a clean rag and wipe off the excess. This leaves paint just in the recesses and lets the glorious oak grain show through.
Apply two to three very thin coats, allowing drying in between. The second coat really kicks up the whitening effect. Let the final coat dry 24 hours before distressing or top coating if desired.
Whitewash with Bleach
For a paint-free whitewash, try using bleach instead. Make a dilute bleach solution by mixing 1 part bleach to 2 parts water. Wear gloves - the bleach can be harsh on skin.
Apply the solution with rags, scrubbing it into the grain. Let each section dry overnight before applying a second round of bleaching for maximum lightening.
Whitewash with Pigment Powder
Special white paint pigment powders are available for whitewashing. These mix with water to create a very thin, translucent paint ideal for a heavy-grain whitewash effect.
Mix the powder as directed on the package and apply with a brush, immediately wiping off excess. The pigment settles nicely into the oak grain for a weathered look.
Finishing Touches
Once your whitewashing coats are complete, there are just a few more steps to finish off your cabinets with flair:
- Carefully remove painter's tape and reinstall all doors and hardware.
- Seal the whitewash with a clear protective topcoat if desired.
- Clean brushes and tools thoroughly.
- Stand back and admire your budget-friendly farmhouse kitchen!
Tips for Flawless Whitewashed Cabinets
Follow these tips and tricks to ensure your DIY oak cabinet whitewash comes out picture-perfect:
- Keep coats extremely thin and wipe off excess for an authentic whitewashed look.
- Work in small sections so whitewash doesn't dry before wiping.
- Sand again lightly if any drips or globs appear.
- The second coat provides the most dramatic whitening effect.
- Sealing the finish protects it from dirt, grease, and moisture.
Whitewashing lets you transform oak cabinets from dated golden brown to a bright, airy white with just water, rags, and a weekend of elbow grease. Minor imperfections in the finish add to the rustic farmhouse vibe.
Tackle each step slowly and thoughtfully for the best results. Thorough sanding, proper priming, thin coats, and immediate wiping are the secrets to success.
In no time at all, you can upgrade your kitchen to an inviting farmhouse space with light and bright whitewashed oak cabinets. Enjoy the beauty of refreshed cabinets at a DIY budget!