Upcycle Your Kitchen Cabinets with Chalk Paint Whitewashing

Is your kitchen looking tired and dated? Do the cabinets make the space seem dark and gloomy? A quick DIY makeover with chalk paint is an easy way to give your kitchen a whole new look without the hefty price tag of a full remodel.

Whitewashing cabinets using chalk paint is an beginner-friendly project that transforms the space in just a weekend. The matte chalk paint adheres to surfaces easily without requiring sanding or priming. Plus, you can distress the finish to give cabinets a vintage, timeworn style.

Chalk Paint Delivers a Flawless Whitewashed Finish

Chalk paint, sometimes called mineral paint, provides excellent coverage and a smooth matte finish ideal for whitewashing kitchen cabinets. The creamy paint formula adheres to surfaces without sanding or priming first. This makes application much faster compared to traditional latex paint.

Brands like Annie Sloan and General Finishes offer all-in-one chalk paint and wax products designed specifically for refinishing furniture and cabinets. The paint resists chipping and scratches. Once sealed with a protective top coat of wax, the finish is durable and washable.

Other Whitewash Paint Options

In addition to chalk paint, milk paint is another top choice for whitewashing cabinets with a smooth, opaque finish. It has similar benefits as chalk paint for easy application. The main downside is limited color selection, as milk paint comes in more muted, antique-inspired hues.

Regular latex or acrylic paint can also work for whitewashing. Priming first helps the paint adhere better and provide a more uniform look. Opt for matte cabinet paint in a bright white or antique white shade.

Prep Cabinets Properly for a Flawless Painted Finish

While chalk paint doesn’t require the intensive sanding and priming of traditional paint, properly preparing cabinets is an important first step. Start by removing all doors, drawers and hardware.

Give cabinet surfaces a thorough cleaning using a degreasing cleaner or TSP substitute to remove all grease, dirt and grime. This helps the paint stick. Next, lightly sand using fine 220-grit sandpaper to rough up the surface a bit.

Finish prepping with a wipe down using a tack cloth to remove dust. Your cabinets are now ready for a smooth, even application of whitewash paint. Proper prep ensures the finish will last for years to come.

Achieve an Even Whitewashed Paint Coat

When painting cabinets, use high quality bristle or foam brushes that make applying the chalk paint smooth and easy. Load your brush evenly and apply the paint in even, slightly overlapping strokes.

If working on larger cabinet surfaces, a small foam roller can help you achieve a uniform finish without visible brush marks. Maintain a wet edge as you paint, and work methodically to prevent drips or uneven coating.

Apply at least 2-3 thin, even coats of paint allowing drying time in between. The finished look will be a clean white washed finish.

Distressing Creates Rustic Whitewashed Appeal

For a timeworn, antiqued look, try distressing techniques after painting cabinets white. Lightly sanding the edges and corners of cabinets mimics natural wear over time. You can also use painter’s tape to create “chippy” distress lines.

Other options include gently rubbing the paint with a damp cloth to create white-on-white distressed accents. Or apply a dark wax glaze over the top to define edges and give depth to the whitewashed finish.

Distressing results in a imperfect, rustic style that works great in farmhouse, cottage and vintage kitchen designs. The bonus? Distressed surfaces hide imperfections better!

Seal and Protect the Finish

Once painting is complete, seal and protect the finish with a top coat of wax. Wax enhances the look while also making the surface more durable and moisture-resistant. Use a soft cloth to apply the clear wax liberally over the cabinets.

Let the wax cure fully per manufacturer’s instructions, usually at least 24 hours. Finish by buffing the wax coating with a clean cloth to reveal a beautiful, subtle sheen and smooth feel.

For added protection, some painters follow up with a layer of polyurethane or matte varnish over the wax. This is optional but can further guard against scratches, food stains and grease splatters that can damage the finish over time.

Incorporate Design Details

Don’t forget finishing touches like reattaching the hardware, drawers and shelves once painting is complete. Paint or replace any visible hinges, knobs and pulls to complement your bright white cabinets.

Look for visible ways to incorporate extra trim and molding accents painted white. This could include adding shiplap panels, trim around the tops of cabinets or open shelves, or column-like trim details on corners or islands.

Tie in Kitchen Elements for a Cohesive Look

White kitchen cabinets pop even more against contrasting floors and countertops. For a beachy vibe, try whitewashed cabinets paired with light oak floors and breezy white tile backsplashes accented with touches of navy blue.

In modern spaces, team freshly painted white cabinets with darker woods or patterned vinyl floors and solid surface countertops in grey hues. The choices are endless for creating a pulled-together, stylish kitchen design.

What kind of paint should I use to whitewash my kitchen cabinets?

Chalk paint or milk paint are great options for whitewashing cabinets on a budget as they don't require sanding or priming. Regular latex paint can also work but may take more prep.

Do I need to sand my cabinets before painting them white?

Some light sanding helps the paint adhere but is not absolutely necessary if the cabinets are already in decent condition. At minimum wipe with a tack cloth to remove any dirt or grease.

How do I get a distressed whitewashed look?

After painting, you can lightly sand edges and use a damp cloth to rub off paint in areas you want to distress. Waxing over the paint and buffing can also create a worn, antique look.

What sheen is best for whitewashed cabinets - glossy or matte?

A matte or eggshell sheen is best for a classic whitewashed look. Glossy paint is harder to distress. Satin is between gloss and matte if you want a bit of sheen.

Lighter wood or tile floors complement whitewashed cabinets well. For a cohesive look, use floor paint in a similar off-white tone if your current floors are dark or outdated.