Cabinet Refinishing · Mar 2023
Kitchen with two islands: white cabinets painted dark
Kitchen with two islands: white cabinets painted dark. These are before and after photos from the job, taken Mar 2023. 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 Raised-Panel Kitchen Cabinets and Two Islands Refinished Deep Espresso
This large kitchen began with cream white raised-panel cabinets running to the ceiling, glass-front uppers, an arched hood area and two islands. One island has a stacked bar top with a fluted column. The other is a table-style island with turned square legs in a soft putty color. Gray and white veined stone counters, stainless appliances and walnut floors fill out the room. The backsplash had been removed, leaving bare wall behind the under-cabinet lights, and finish cans sit ready on the counter. In the after photos, every cabinet box, door, drawer front, island panel and table leg is a deep espresso that reads almost black. The darker color makes the white counters, the crystal pendant lights and the brushed nickel bar pulls stand out. The raised panels, fluted trim and leg details still show crisp shadow lines under the new finish.
Our Steps for Refinishing These Kitchen Cabinets Dark
- We removed the doors, drawer fronts and pulls, labeled each one by location, and took them to our shop so they could be sprayed flat in a clean space.
- We masked the stone counters, appliances, walls and walnut floors in the kitchen, and covered both islands around their tops so no overspray could reach them.
- We degreased every surface, especially near the cooktop and pulls, then scuff sanded the old white finish so the new coating would bond tightly.
- We filled any dents and open seams, then sprayed a bonding primer on the cabinet boxes, island panels, fluted column and table legs in the kitchen.
- We sprayed the doors and drawer fronts with the deep espresso finish in thin coats, sanding lightly between coats to keep the raised panels smooth.
- We sprayed the cabinet frames and islands on site to match, paying close attention to the turned legs and corners where drips can form.
- After the finish cured, we rehung the doors, set the drawer fronts, reinstalled the brushed nickel pulls and adjusted the hinges so every gap lines up.
Paint Colors Similar to These Espresso Kitchen Cabinets
If you want a dark kitchen like this one, these are similar colors to consider. They are not the exact color used on these cabinets and islands.
Sherwin-Williams Black Fox SW 7020
A very dark brown with a near-black look, close to this espresso finish. It keeps a warm feel next to walnut floors and white stone.
Sherwin-Williams Caviar SW 6990
A soft black with a slight warm cast. It suits cabinets and islands where you want deep contrast with light counters and pendant lights.
Sherwin-Williams Urbane Bronze SW 7048
A brown-gray bronze that is a little lighter than this kitchen. It is a good choice if you want dark cabinets that still feel soft.
Questions About Painting White Kitchen Cabinets a Dark Color
Is it harder to paint white cabinets dark or dark cabinets white?
Going from white to dark usually covers in fewer coats, because a deep color hides a light base well. Going from dark to white often needs a stain-blocking primer and extra coats. Either way, the prep is the same: clean, sand, prime and spray in thin coats for a smooth, even surface.
Do dark painted cabinets show more wear?
Dark cabinets can show dust, fingerprints and small chips near pulls more than mid-tone colors. A durable cabinet coating and a sheen like satin help them hold up and wipe clean. Many owners keep a small amount of touch-up paint for edges and high-use drawers.
Can a table-style island and a regular island be painted together?
Yes. Painting both islands and the perimeter cabinets the same color, as in this kitchen, ties the room together. Some owners pick a contrast color for one island instead. Turned legs and fluted columns take more care, so spraying them is often the best way to keep the details sharp.
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