White Wash Cabinets in Just a Few Simple Steps
If your kitchen cabinets are looking a little dated or dull, whitewashing them can give them a bright, refreshed facelift without the high cost of replacing them. White washed cabinets have a timeworn, distressed style that adds cozy farmhouse character to a kitchen.
Whitewashing cabinets is an easy DIY project that can be completed in a weekend. With just some cleaning, sanding, white paint, and a few simple painting techniques, you can transform the look of your kitchen on a budget.
Prep Cabinets for a Smooth White Wash Makeover
Proper prep is key to achieving an even, flawless white washed finish on your cabinets. Here are the basics steps:
- Remove cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware. Having the cabinet frames free of hardware will make it easier to thoroughly clean and paint them.
- Clean cabinets with a degreaser or mild detergent solution. Let them dry completely.
- Fill any holes or cracks with wood filler; sand until smooth. Lightly sand cabinets to rough up the surface for better paint adhesion.
- Clean and sand doors, sides, and drawers. Remove any stained areas on the wood.
- Clean all hardware like knobs and hinges to remove dirt and grease buildup.
Prepping your cabinets properly will ensure the new white wash paint adheres smoothly and evenly across the wood surfaces for a seamless updated look.
Picking the Right White Wash Paint
For whitewashing cabinets, an oil-based paint formulated especially for cabinets will provide the most durable finish. The oil allows the paint to penetrate and adhere well. Options like gel stains, chalk style paints, or milk paint are also suitable.
Choose a bright white shade without yellow or cream undertones for a crisp, clean finish. Semi-gloss or high gloss sheens will make the white really pop.
Gather Essential Supplies for Whitewashing
In addition to white cabinet paint, having these supplies on hand will make the whitewashing project go smoothly:
- Paintbrushes in a few sizes
- Paint rollers and tray
- Primer for sealing bare wood
- Sandpaper in 150 and 220 grit
- Tack cloths for removing dust
- Drop cloths or tarps to protect floors
- Painter's tape for edges and hardware
- Denatured alcohol for distressing
Paint Cabinets with a White Wash
Once you have prepped the wood and gathered supplies, you're ready to transform your cabinets with a bright white wash. Follow these steps:
- If cabinets are bare wood, apply an oil-based primer first. Let dry completely.
- Mix your white paint, thinning it slightly with water according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Use a brush to apply white wash generously and evenly across frames and doors. Load the paint to fully saturate the bristles.
- Before the paint dries, use a rag or sponge to "distress" the finish. Wipe off some of the paint in layers to create an uneven, timeworn look.
- Apply at least 2-3 coats, allowing each to dry overnight. Sand lightly between coats for more distressing.
The beauty of whitewashing is the irregular, lightly worn finish it creates. The layers of white paint peeking through give dimension and an antiqued cottage charm.
Distressing Techniques for Whitewashed Cabinets
There are a few techniques you can use while painting to give your white washed cabinets extra distressing:
- Sand or scrape paint between coats to reveal wood underneath
- Use wadded up plastic and dab onto the wet paint to add texture
- Rub on denatured alcohol with a cloth to break up the paint
- Lightly sand the outer edges and corners to simulate natural wear
Adding Too much distressing can make cabinets look dingy. Focus on a few key areas like edges and corners.
Finishing Touches for White Washed Cabinets
Once your cabinets are painted, whitewashed and dry, a few more steps will complete the refreshed new look:
- Seal the finish with a clear polyurethane or wax sealer. This prevents yellowing over time.
- Reattach doors, hardware and drawers. Make sure hinges are aligned properly.
- Move appliances and sink back into place if removed during painting.
- Stock cabinets with cookware, dishes and pantry items.
- Enjoy your budget-friendly, whitewashed cabinet makeover!
Tips for Best White Wash Results
Follow these tips to get the most flawless, even white washed finish:
- Work in a well-ventilated area to allow paint to cure properly
- Apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat for best coverage
- Allow at least 24 hours drying time between coats
- Add water to thin white wash paint for easy application
- Keep your paintbrush saturated as you apply white wash
Taking your time with adequate drying between coats will reward you with durable, beautiful whitewashed cabinets.
FAQs About Whitewashing Cabinets
What is the Cost to White Wash Kitchen Cabinets?
The cost to whitewash cabinets is approximately $50-$150 depending on supplies needed. Having to buy primer, brushes, paint and sealant can add to costs. But whitewashing is still extremely budget-friendly compared to cabinet replacement.
Can You Whitewash Cabinets Without Sanding?
Lightly sanding cabinets prior to painting allows for better paint adhesion. However, if cabinets are already smooth with a clean surface, sanding may not be completely necessary.
Should Cabinets Be Primed Before Whitewashing?
Priming is recommended if painting over stained wood or veneer coated particle board. Priming seals the wood for a more even coat of white wash paint.
How Long Does White Wash Paint Last on Cabinets?
Properly applied white wash can last 3-5 years on cabinets before needing to be refreshed. Using a sealant helps the paint withstand daily wear and tear.
Chalk style paint or milk paint work well, but an oil-based paint formulated for cabinets provides the most durable finish that stands up over time.
Breathing fresh life into worn cabinets is easier than you think with a white wash makeover. With some simple cleaning, sanding, priming and paint application using a few DIY distressing techniques, you can stylishly transform your kitchen on a budget.