Cabinet Refinishing · Apr 2021
Kitchen cabinets painted black under navy walls
Kitchen cabinets painted black under navy walls. These are before, in-progress and after photos from the job, taken Apr 2021. 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
White Kitchen Cabinets Refinished Black Under Deep Navy Walls
This kitchen already had deep navy walls, a textured vaulted ceiling and white crown molding. The before photos show white painted cabinets with satin nickel pulls, a wine rack hutch near the dining area, a tile backsplash and marble-look counters, all set against the dark blue walls. The in-progress photos show the work up close. One open hutch shows a dark coat brushed over the wood, with green tape lining the inside of each opening and the shelves still stocked. Another shot shows a cabinet end panel getting the same dark coat, with blue tape and brown paper protecting the floor and counter. In the finished kitchen, every upper, base, pantry and hutch cabinet is black. Some of the wood texture and a hint of lighter edges show through, which gives the cabinets a softer, hand-finished look. The nickel pulls, stainless appliances and tan tile backsplash stand out against the black and the navy walls.
How We Took These Cabinets From White to Black
- We covered the floors with paper and taped plastic and paper over counters, appliances and the backsplash edges. Dark finishes show every drip, so the masking had to be tight.
- Inside each cabinet opening, we taped the edges with green tape so the dark finish stayed on the face frames and the shelves stayed clean.
- All cabinet surfaces were cleaned and sanded to remove gloss and grease. Doors and drawer fronts came off and were labeled to keep them in order.
- We brushed the black coat on the frames, end panels and hutch, working with the grain. The first pass shows streaks, as seen in the progress photos.
- Additional black coats built up the color until it looked even. The doors and drawers got the same finish so every surface matched.
- After the finish dried, we reinstalled the doors, drawers and nickel pulls, adjusted the hinges, and removed all the tape and paper.
Paint Colors Similar to These Black Cabinets and Navy Walls
To get close to these black cabinets and navy walls, try sampling the colors below, which are similar shades and not the exact paint used.
Sherwin-Williams Caviar SW 6990
A soft, deep black close to these finished cabinets. It looks rich beside navy walls and works with both nickel and brass pulls.
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154
A deep navy similar to the walls in this kitchen. It pairs with black cabinets for a dark, cozy room with plenty of contrast to white trim.
Sherwin-Williams Extra White SW 7006
A clean white for crown molding and window trim like the pieces here. It frames dark walls and black cabinets with a crisp line.
Questions About Painting Kitchen Cabinets Black
Can white painted cabinets be refinished black?
Yes. The existing paint needs to be cleaned and sanded so the new coats bond. Dark colors usually need more than one coat to look even over white. Prep also matters more, because black shows dust, brush marks and drips more clearly than lighter colors.
Will black cabinets make my kitchen feel too dark?
They can if the room has little light. In this kitchen, recessed lights, a large window, light floors and light counters keep it balanced. Pairing black cabinets with a lighter backsplash or counter, and keeping the ceiling and trim white, helps the room stay comfortable.
Do black cabinets show fingerprints and dust more?
They can show dust and smudges more than white or wood. A satin sheen helps hide them better than high gloss. Wiping cabinets with a soft damp cloth keeps them looking clean, and a durable cabinet finish handles that regular cleaning without wearing through.
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