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Achieving the Perfect White Washed Finish for Kitchen Cabinets

White washed kitchen cabinets can transform the look of your cooking space. The lightly distressed paint finish adds dimension and vintage appeal to oak, ash and other wood cabinetry while giving the room a fresh, coastal vibe. If your existing cabinetry feels dull or dated, read on to learn the process of white washing to create the perfect updated finish.

White washed kitchen cabinets evoke breezy beach cottages and chic farmhouse style. The soft, opaque paint allows the wood grain to show through while concealing any imperfections or discolorations in older cabinetry. White washing infuses warmth and light into your kitchen design without the need for a full renovation.

Benefits of White Washed Kitchen Cabinets

There are many excellent reasons to consider using the white wash technique when refinishing tired oak or maple cabinets.

Creates a Light, Airy Look

The muted, opaque white paint lightens up the space visually, making the kitchen feel more open and airy. For small or dark spaces, white washed cabinets keep things bright and prevent your kitchen from feeling closed in or cramped.

kitchen cabinets white washed

Makes Space Feel More Open and Spacious

In addition to reflecting more light, the pale whitewashed finish makes walls appear farther apart. The eye is drawn to the soft variations in the paint, helping expand the perceived size of the room.

Has a Clean, Fresh Aesthetic

Dingy oak or yellowed veneers instantly get revived with a coat of white wash. The clean, updated look is perfect for achieving a more modern farmhouse or coastal inspired style.

Gives a Coastal, Beachy Vibe

Whitewashed cabinets pair perfectly with other breezy beach elements like wicker baskets, driftwood accents, and pops of sea glass green or coral. The weathered paint finish adds to the relaxed, cottage feel.

Achieving the White Washed Look

While white washing cabinets may sound intimidating, it's actually a very accessible DIY project for most homeowners. Here's an overview of the process.

Choose the Right Cabinets

The white wash technique works best on unfinished wooden cabinets or those that have been previously painted. The distressed, opaque finish allows the wood grain to show through. Oak, ash, maple and birch cabinetry are all suitable choices.

Prep the Cabinets

Proper prep is crucial for good paint adhesion. Clean cabinet surfaces with a degreasing agent like TSP. Then lightly sand to rough up the surface. This helps the first coat of primer adhere better.

Apply Primer

For oak cabinets with heavy tannins, use a primer specifically formulated to block stains and tannin bleed. Two coats may be needed. For previously painted cabinets, one coat of adhesion primer is usually sufficient.

Paint Cabinets

Using a paintbrush, roller or sprayer, apply your topcoat in thin, even layers. For white wash, mix the paint with water to dilute it slightly. Once painted, let it fully dry before distressing.

Distress and Sand Paint

This step is key in achieving the timeworn whitewashed look. Lightly sand the surfaces and use rags or abrasive pads to rub away paint. Target the corners, edges and raised sections of cabinet frames.

White Paint Techniques and Options

There are a few different methods and paint choices to consider when planning your white washed cabinet project.

Mix White Paint with Water

For white washing, you thin out the paint by diluting it with water. Start with a ratio of 50/50 paint to water. This transparency lets the wood grain show through. You can adjust to more or less water depending on the look you want.

Use a Brush, Roller or Sprayer

Applying white wash is easiest with a sprayer, but it can also be brushed or rolled on. Use high quality synthetic bristle brushes and short nap or foam rollers designed for smooth finishes.

Try Different Whites

Benjamin Moore's classic White Dove is a popular choice, but you can also try Decorators White, Oxford White or Cloud White for different undertones. Opt for semi-gloss or satin sheens.

Add Glaze Over Paint

For extra dimension, try applying a translucent grey or white glaze over the top of your white washed cabinets. Remove excess glaze with cheesecloth for an antiqued look.

Design Ideas for White Washed Cabinets

Ready to implement white washed cabinets in your kitchen design? Here are some stylish ways to showcase them.

Choose Light, Neutral Counters and Backsplash

Pair white washed cabinets with lighter granite, marble, quartz or butcher block countertops. Crisp white subway tile or stone mosaic backsplashes enhance the breezy vibe.

Use Open Shelving and Glass Cabinet Doors

Incorporate transparent materials like glass and wire mesh cabinet inserts. Open shelving gives breezy texture contrast to the white washed cabinet boxes.

Contrast with Natural Wood or Black Accents

Prevent an all-white kitchen from feeling sterile by contrasting painted cabinets with exposed wood beams, live edge details and matte black hardware.

Add Pops of Color

Cheerful pops of coral, turquoise or chartreuse on your stools, kitchen aid mixer and decorative accents really make white washed cabinets sing.

Maintaining White Washed Cabinets

Caring for your painted and distressed cabinetry will help it look its best for years to come.

Use Gentle Cleaners

Clean white washed cabinets with a soft cloth and mild dish soap diluted with warm water. Avoid harsh cleansers or abrasive pads.

Reapply Protective Topcoats

Sealing your cabinets annually with a protective water-based polyurethane will help limit staining and damage.

Spot Treat Any Stains

Promptly wipe up spills and splatters on cabinet surfaces using a damp cloth to prevent stains from setting.

Plan on repainting your white washed cabinets every 2-3 years to keep the finish looking its best.

White washed cabinets can give your kitchen a stylish update. The opaque, gently distressed paint finish adds warmth and texture to brighten up existing cabinetry. Achieving the perfect white washed look involves proper prep, paint mixing and distressing techniques. Maintain the finish with gentle cleaning methods and protective topcoats. White washed oak or maple cabinets deliver a casually elegant look with lots of charming coastal appeal.