Cabinet Refinishing · Jul 2021
Kitchen oak cabinets painted gray, vaulted ceiling with beam
Kitchen oak cabinets painted gray, vaulted ceiling with beam. These are before, in-progress and after photos from the job, taken Jul 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
Golden Oak Cathedral-Arch Kitchen Cabinets Painted a Medium Gray
This kitchen sits under a vaulted ceiling with a single stained wood beam. Before the work, every cabinet was golden oak with cathedral-arch upper doors, raised-panel lowers and a tall pantry next to the hallway door. The oak matched the light strip floors and the trim, so the whole room read as one orange tone. The in-progress photo shows the change in action. One upper door is half covered in white primer, the doors beside it are already gray, and the first few drawer fronts are gray while the rest are still oak. In the after photos, the uppers, lowers, peninsula, pantry and crown trim are a medium gray with a smooth satin look. The arched door shapes still cast clean shadows. Brushed nickel pulls, the glass mosaic backsplash and the white marble-look counters now stand out, and the wood beam and oak doors stay as warm accents.
How We Painted These Oak Cabinets Gray
- We removed the doors, drawer fronts and pulls, and labeled each piece so every door returned to the same opening with the same hinges.
- We covered the counters, glass backsplash, appliances and strip floors, and masked the walls along the top and sides of each cabinet box.
- We cleaned the oak with a degreaser, since kitchen grease near the range and pulls can keep paint from sticking, then scuff sanded every surface.
- We applied a bonding primer to the oak, which also helps block the open grain and tannins from showing through the finished gray color.
- We sprayed the doors and drawer fronts with the gray cabinet finish in two coats, sanding lightly between coats so the arched panels stay smooth.
- We brushed and rolled the cabinet frames, pantry, peninsula and crown trim on site with the same gray so every surface matches.
- After the paint cured, we reinstalled the doors and drawers, put the brushed nickel pulls back on, and adjusted each hinge for even gaps.
Paint Colors Similar to These Gray Kitchen Cabinets
These are similar gray colors to consider if you like this kitchen. They are not the exact color used on these cabinets, so try samples first.
Sherwin-Williams Dorian Gray SW 7017
A balanced medium gray close to these cabinets. It looks clean next to white counters and keeps some warmth beside oak doors and floors.
Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray SW 7016
A slightly lighter warm gray. It suits a kitchen with a vaulted ceiling where you want painted cabinets that still feel bright.
Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC-168
A deeper gray if you want more contrast with white counters. It pairs well with a stained beam and black appliances like the ones here.
Questions About Painting Oak Kitchen Cabinets Gray
Will the oak grain show through painted cabinets?
Oak has deep, open grain, and some texture usually shows through paint. A primer and two finish coats soften it. For a fully smooth look, a grain filler can be applied before priming, which adds time and labor. Many owners like a little grain showing because it looks like real wood under the paint.
Should I paint the trim and doors too when I paint my cabinets?
Not always. In this kitchen, the oak interior doors and stained beam were left as warm accents, and that works well with gray cabinets. If the trim feels too orange next to the new color, painting it can help. Look at the full room before you decide, since every space is different.
What sheen is best for painted kitchen cabinets?
Satin and semi-gloss are the most common choices for cabinets. Satin hides small flaws and has a soft glow, while semi-gloss wipes clean very easily and shows more shine. Flat and eggshell are not good choices for cabinets because they mark easily and do not hold up to frequent cleaning.
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