Cabinet Refinishing · Aug 2020
Kitchen dark cabinets painted white
Kitchen dark cabinets painted white. These are before, in-progress and after photos from the job, taken Aug 2020. This cabinet refinishing project was done by Larry Gaytos and the My Personal Painter crew. We are based in Florence, Kentucky, and our work is covered by a 2-year touch-up warranty.
Before and After Photos
Dark Espresso Kitchen Cabinets and Island Painted White
This large open kitchen had deep espresso cabinets from floor to ceiling, a big island with dark granite, a stainless range hood and a stacked tan travertine backsplash. Under-cabinet lights glowed on the stone, but the dark wood made the room feel heavy. The before photo shows one of our painters starting to take the doors off, with tape and supplies on the island. The in-progress photos show the doors and drawer fronts in our shop, laid flat on tall drying racks after spraying. Every panel is now a soft white with a smooth, even finish. In the after photos the whole kitchen reads bright and open. The white uppers, lowers, island and tall oven and refrigerator cabinets contrast with the dark granite, stainless appliances and dark wood floors. Dark knobs and pulls went back on, and the black stools and dark pantry door give the room strong accents.
How We Took These Cabinets From Espresso to White
- We took off every door and drawer front, labeled them by cabinet and bagged the dark knobs and pulls so nothing was lost or mixed up.
- The doors went to our shop. In the kitchen, we covered the granite, travertine backsplash, appliances and wood floors before prepping the frames.
- All surfaces were cleaned and scuff sanded. Dark factory finishes are often slick, so good sanding helps the primer get a firm grip.
- We used a high-hiding primer. Going from espresso to white takes more coverage, and the primer keeps the dark color from ghosting through.
- Doors and drawer fronts were sprayed with two finish coats and dried flat on racks, which you can see in the shop photos.
- The face frames, island panels and tall pantry and oven cabinets were painted in place, cutting in carefully along the stone and stainless.
- We reinstalled the doors and dark hardware, adjusted the hinges so the gaps were even and walked the kitchen for any touch-ups.
Paint Colors Similar to This White Kitchen With Dark Granite
These are similar colors to consider for white cabinets paired with dark granite and stone, but none of them is the exact paint used here.
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008
A warm, soft white close to these cabinets, and it suits the tan travertine backsplash better than a cold, stark white.
Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17
A gentle white with a touch of warmth that keeps dark granite and wood floors from feeling too harsh next to the cabinets.
Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore SW 7069
A deep charcoal near the dark pantry door here, a good pick for an accent door or a contrasting island.
Questions About Painting Dark Cabinets White
Is it hard to paint dark cabinets a light color?
It takes more work than going light to dark. A high-hiding primer is key, and sometimes an extra coat is needed so no dark color shows through. Edges and inside corners need the most attention. With good prep, dark cabinets can be painted white with a clean, even result.
Will white cabinets look dirty quickly?
White shows splashes and fingerprints, but a good cabinet enamel cleans easily with a soft cloth and mild soap. A satin or semi-gloss sheen is easier to wipe than a flat finish. Areas around the trash pull-out and sink usually need the most cleaning.
Should the island be the same color as the cabinets?
It is your choice. Keeping the island the same white, as in this kitchen, makes a large room feel open and calm. A contrasting island in navy, gray or black adds a focal point. Look at your floor, counters and lighting together before deciding.
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