How To Whitewash Kitchen Cupboards For A Farmhouse Look

What is whitewashing kitchen cabinets? Whitewashing kitchen cabinets is a simple painting technique that lets you create a weathered, rustic look, ideal for achieving a farmhouse style in your kitchen. It involves applying a diluted coat of paint, often white, to your cabinets and then wiping some of it away to let the original wood grain show through. Read on to discover everything you need to know to get beautiful, DIY whitewashed cabinets.

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Why Whitewash Your Kitchen Cabinets?

Whitewashing is a fantastic way to refresh your kitchen without a complete remodel. Here’s why you might consider it:

• Farmhouse Charm: It instantly adds a cozy, rustic feel to your kitchen, creating a warm and inviting space. Farmhouse kitchen cabinets whitewash are a classic design element.
• Cost-Effective: It’s much cheaper than replacing your cabinets.
• DIY Friendly: Whitewashing is a relatively easy project that most homeowners can tackle.
• Hides Imperfections: The technique helps to disguise minor scratches and dents.
• Brightens the Space: White reflects light, making your kitchen feel brighter and more open.
• Showcases Wood Grain: It enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain, giving your cabinets character.
• Versatile: You can adjust the amount of paint you wipe away to achieve your desired look.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these essential materials:

• Cleaner: A degreasing cleaner (like TSP or a similar product).
• Sandpaper: Medium-grit (120-150) and fine-grit (220) sandpaper.
• Tack Cloth: To remove sanding dust.
• Primer (Optional): A stain-blocking primer if your cabinets are dark or stained.
• Whitewash Paint: Latex or chalk paint in white or a light neutral color. Best whitewash paint for cabinets often depends on the wood type and desired effect.
• Water: For diluting the paint.
• Paint Brushes: A good quality paintbrush (synthetic or natural, depending on your paint) and a small artist’s brush for details.
• Lint-Free Rags or Cloths: For wiping away the paint.
• Drop Cloths or Plastic Sheeting: To protect your floors and countertops.
• Painter’s Tape: To mask off areas you don’t want to paint.
• Screwdriver or Drill: For removing cabinet doors and hardware.
• Topcoat (Optional): A clear, matte or satin topcoat for added protection.
• Mixing Containers: For diluting the paint

Step-by-Step Whitewash Kitchen Cupboard Tutorial

Here’s a detailed guide to achieving the perfect whitewashed look on your kitchen cabinets:

1. Preparation is Key

• Clear the Area: Remove everything from your countertops and cabinets. Cover your floors and countertops with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
• Remove Hardware: Take off all cabinet doors, drawers, knobs, pulls, and hinges. Label each piece of hardware and cabinet door so you can easily reassemble them later. Store the hardware in a safe place.
• Clean the Cabinets: Thoroughly clean all cabinet surfaces with a degreasing cleaner to remove any grease, dirt, and grime. Rinse with clean water and let dry completely. This step is crucial for paint adhesion.

2. Sanding (May or May Not Be Required)

• Assessing the Need: Whitewashing cabinets without sanding is possible, especially if your cabinets already have a matte finish. However, sanding is generally recommended for glossy or previously painted surfaces to create a better surface for the paint to adhere to.
• Sanding Process: If sanding, use medium-grit sandpaper to lightly sand all surfaces. The goal is not to remove the existing finish completely but to create a slightly rough surface. Focus on areas that are particularly glossy or have imperfections.
• Smooth It Out: After sanding with medium-grit sandpaper, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or scratches.
• Remove Dust: Use a tack cloth to remove all sanding dust from the cabinets. This will ensure a smooth and even finish.

3. Priming (If Necessary)

• When to Prime: Priming is essential if your cabinets are made of dark wood, have a strong stain, or were previously painted with a dark color. Primer helps to block the stain from bleeding through the whitewash and ensures better paint adhesion.
• Applying Primer: Apply a thin, even coat of stain-blocking primer to all cabinet surfaces using a paintbrush or a foam roller.
• Drying Time: Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Light Sanding (Optional): After the primer is dry, lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to create an even smoother surface. Remove any dust with a tack cloth.

4. Preparing the Whitewash

• Diluting the Paint: This is where the magic happens. The key to whitewashing is diluting your paint with water. A common ratio is 1 part paint to 1 part water, but you can adjust this depending on the look you want to achieve. For a more transparent effect, use more water. For a more opaque effect, use less water.
• Mixing Thoroughly: Mix the paint and water thoroughly in a mixing container until you have a consistent, milky mixture.
• Testing the Mixture: Before you start painting your cabinets, test the whitewash mixture on a small, inconspicuous area to see how it looks and adjust the dilution as needed.

5. Applying the Whitewash

• Brush Technique: Dip your paintbrush into the whitewash mixture and apply a thin, even coat to the cabinet surface. Work in small sections and follow the grain of the wood.
• Wiping Away the Paint: Immediately after applying the paint, use a lint-free rag or cloth to wipe away the excess paint. The amount of paint you wipe away will determine the final look. Experiment with different techniques, such as wiping in the direction of the grain or using a swirling motion.
• Achieving the Desired Look: Continue applying and wiping away the paint until you achieve the desired level of transparency and wood grain visibility. Remember, you can always add more paint if needed, but it’s harder to remove it once it’s dry.
• Dealing with Details: Use a small artist’s brush to apply whitewash to any intricate details or hard-to-reach areas. Wipe away the excess paint with a small cloth or cotton swab.

6. Drying Time

• Allow to Dry: Let the whitewash dry completely, usually for at least 2-4 hours, depending on the humidity and temperature.
• Assessing Coverage: After the first coat is dry, assess the coverage and decide if you want to apply a second coat. If you want a more opaque look, apply another thin coat of whitewash and wipe away less paint.

7. Optional: Apply a Topcoat

• Why a Topcoat?: While not always necessary, a topcoat provides added protection to your whitewashed cabinets, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen. It will help to prevent chipping, scratching, and staining.
• Choosing a Topcoat: Choose a clear, matte or satin topcoat for the most natural look. Avoid glossy topcoats, as they can detract from the farmhouse aesthetic.
• Applying the Topcoat: Apply a thin, even coat of topcoat to all cabinet surfaces using a paintbrush or a foam roller.
• Drying Time: Allow the topcoat to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Light Sanding (Optional): After the topcoat is dry, lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to create an even smoother surface. Remove any dust with a tack cloth.
• Second Coat (Optional): For added protection, apply a second coat of topcoat, allowing it to dry completely.

8. Reassemble

• Reattaching Hardware: Once everything is completely dry, reattach all the cabinet doors, drawers, knobs, pulls, and hinges.
• Adjusting Doors: Make sure the cabinet doors are aligned properly and adjust the hinges if necessary.

Different Whitewashing Techniques

• Dry Brushing: Dip your brush lightly into the paint and wipe off most of it onto a paper towel. Then, lightly brush the paint onto the cabinets, following the grain of the wood. This technique creates a subtle, textured look.
• Limewash: Limewash kitchen cabinets offer a more traditional and textured appearance. Limewash is a type of paint made from slaked lime, and it creates a unique, chalky finish. It requires a specific application process.
• Antiquing: Antiquing kitchen cabinets with whitewash involves adding a glaze or stain after the whitewash to create a more aged look. Apply a dark glaze to the cabinets and then wipe it away, leaving the glaze in the crevices and details.
• Layering Colors: Apply a base coat of a different color before whitewashing. This will add depth and dimension to the finished look.
• Whitewashing Oak Kitchen Cabinets: Whitewashing oak kitchen cabinets can subdue the strong grain pattern of oak, creating a softer, more modern farmhouse look. Oak tends to absorb more paint, so you might need to adjust your paint-to-water ratio or apply multiple coats.

Troubleshooting

• Uneven Coverage: If you have uneven coverage, try applying another thin coat of whitewash and wiping it away more evenly.
• Too Much Paint: If you applied too much paint, use a damp cloth to wipe away the excess while the paint is still wet.
• Paint is Peeling: If the paint is peeling, it’s likely due to poor preparation. Make sure to clean and sand the cabinets thoroughly before applying the whitewash.
• Yellowing: If your whitewashed cabinets are yellowing, it could be due to the type of paint you used or exposure to sunlight. Use a high-quality, non-yellowing paint and consider applying a UV-resistant topcoat.

Maintaining Your Whitewashed Cabinets

• Cleaning: Clean your whitewashed cabinets regularly with a mild soap and water solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the finish.
• Touch-Ups: If your cabinets get scratched or chipped, touch them up with a small amount of whitewash paint.
• Protection: Consider using placemats and coasters to protect your countertops and cabinets from spills and stains.

Fathoming Different Paint Types

Choosing the right paint is important for a successful whitewashing project. Here’s a quick look at two popular options:

Latex Paint

• Pros:
  • Easy to work with and clean up (water-based).
  • Dries quickly.
  • Available in a wide range of colors and finishes.
  • Durable and long-lasting.
• Cons:
  • May require a primer for dark or stained cabinets.
  • Can sometimes look too “perfect” for a rustic farmhouse look, needing more aggressive wiping.

Chalk Paint

• Pros:
  • Excellent adhesion, often requiring minimal to no sanding.
  • Creates a matte, chalky finish that is perfect for a farmhouse look.
  • Easy to distress and create an aged appearance.
• Cons:
  • More expensive than latex paint.
  • Requires a sealant or wax to protect the finish.
  • Limited color options compared to latex paint.

Table: Paint Type Comparison

Feature	Latex Paint	Chalk Paint
Sanding Required	Often	Rarely
Finish	Varies, can be glossy	Matte, Chalky
Durability	High	Moderate (needs sealant)
Cost	Lower	Higher
Ease of Use	High	High

FAQs

• Can I whitewash cabinets without removing the doors? While possible, it’s not recommended. Removing the doors allows for easier and more even application.
• How do I prevent the wood grain from being too prominent? Use a thicker whitewash mixture or apply multiple coats.
• How do I create a distressed look? After whitewashing, use sandpaper to gently rub away the paint on edges and corners.
• What kind of topcoat should I use? A clear, matte or satin topcoat is best for maintaining the farmhouse look.
• Is whitewashing only for white paint? No! You can use any light-colored paint for whitewashing, such as light gray, beige, or even pale blue.
• Will whitewashing hide wood imperfections? It will minimize them, but the wood grain and some imperfections will still be visible, contributing to the rustic charm.

By following these steps and tips, you can transform your kitchen with beautiful, farmhouse kitchen cabinets whitewash. Enjoy the process and the refreshed look of your space!