How to Change Your Kitchen Cabinets to White

Transforming your kitchen cabinets to white can give your space a fresh, modern look. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring you achieve the best result for your kitchen.

Gather Painting Supplies

Durable paint brushes Paint tray and lid Paint rollers and roller covers Paint spatters shield Paint scraper for clean up Paint tray and lid Drop cloth and masking tape

Remove Cabinet Doors, Drawer Fronts, and Hardware

To ensure the best possible results, it's essential to remove cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. This will allow you to treat the surfaces more effectively and make it easier to reach all areas.

Clean the Cabinetry

Before beginning the painting process, clean the cabinetry thoroughly. Use a degreasing solution to remove any dirt, grime, or grease.

Repair Scuffs and Nicks with Wood Filler

Any scuffs or nicks should be filled in using wood filler. Sand the filled areas smooth before moving on to the next step.

Sand the Cabinet Doors

Sand the cabinet doors using a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface and prepare it for painting. Be sure to sand both the front and the back of the doors.

Apply a Coat of Primer

Apply a coat of primer to the sandpapered cabinet doors. This will ensure better adhesion for the paint and enhance the final result.

Sand the Cabinet Doors Again

After the primer has dried, sand the cabinet doors once more to smooth out any ridges or bumps. This will provide a smoother surface for the paint.

Paint the Kitchen Cabinets

Once the cabinet doors and any other surfaces are prepared, it's time to paint. Use a roller for the main surfaces and brushes for the detailed areas. Apply two to three coats of white paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.

Whitewashing Soft Woods

Whitewashing is a popular technique for soft woods like pine. It involves applying a clear sealer or paint mixed with lime and water to create a light, translucent white. For harder woods like oak, a pickling stain might be more appropriate.

Work on Cabinet Frames and Doors Separately

To achieve the best results, it's recommended to work on the cabinet frames and doors separately. This allows you to focus on each component more effectively.

Remove Cabinet Doors Using a Drill

Use a drill to remove the cabinet doors from their frames. It's a good idea to label the screws to ensure you can return them to their original positions later.

Thoroughly Clean the Doors and Frames

Before whitewashing, clean the doors and frames using a heavy-duty degreaser. Apply the degreaser to both the front and back surfaces, and repeat these steps as necessary until the surfaces are clean.

Treat the Wood Surfaces

Whitewashing requires a clean surface for the wood stain to take. Use paint strippers if needed, but be sure to follow safety guidelines, including excellent ventilation or a respirator, safety goggles, neoprene/latex gloves, and a drop cloth to protect your floor.

Apply one coat of paint stripper with steel wool, then wipe with a rag once the finish has dissolved. Dispose of the used steel wool and rag in a sealed metal bucket.

Hand or Power Sanding

Uncover the natural color of the wood by sanding it by hand or using a power sander. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain for the best results.

By following these detailed steps, you can successfully transform your kitchen cabinets into a striking white design, bringing a fresh new look to any home kitchen.