Cabinet Refinishing · Dec 2019
Oak kitchen painted white
Oak kitchen painted white. These are before and after photos from the job, taken Dec 2019. 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
Honey Oak Kitchen Cabinets Painted a Soft White
The before photos show a kitchen full of honey oak cabinets with cathedral-arch upper doors, raised-panel lowers, and round brass knobs. A tall pantry cabinet and a desk area with upper cabinets sit beside the fridge, and dark speckled granite tops the counters. The oak grain and orange tone made the room feel dated next to the dark wood floors. In the finished photos, every cabinet door, drawer, box and crown piece is a soft white with a smooth satin finish. The arched door shapes still show clearly. The brass knobs were changed to dark bronze knobs that tie in with the dark granite. A white subway tile backsplash now runs behind the range and under the desk cabinets. The light gray walls, dark floors, black appliances and red accents look cleaner and brighter against the white cabinets.
How We Painted This Oak Kitchen White
- We removed doors, drawer fronts and the brass knobs, then labeled each piece so the doors would go back on the same hinges in the right order.
- Cabinet boxes were degreased around the range and sink, where cooking oils build up. Paint needs a fully clean surface to bond.
- Every surface was scuff-sanded to break the old clear coat. Oak has deep, open grain, so we cleaned dust out of the pores before priming.
- We used a stain-blocking primer. Oak can bleed tannins that yellow white paint, and primer stops that and gives the finish an even base.
- Two coats of white cabinet enamel went on doors, drawers and boxes. Doors were finished flat so the paint leveled smoothly into the arched panels.
- After the paint cured, we rehung everything, installed the new bronze knobs, and adjusted the hinges so each door closed straight and even.
Paint Colors Similar to These White Kitchen Cabinets
These are similar whites and wall colors to consider for an oak kitchen like this one. They are not the exact paint used on these cabinets.
Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17
A soft white with a touch of warmth, close to these cabinets. It looks gentle next to dark floors and dark granite counters.
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008
A creamy white that keeps painted oak from looking stark. It works with bronze hardware and white subway tile like this kitchen.
Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray SW 7016
A light, warm gray for the walls around white cabinets. It gives enough contrast so the cabinets do not blend into the walls.
Questions About Painting Oak Cabinets White
Will the oak grain show through white paint?
Oak has deep grain, and some of that texture can show through paint. Many homeowners like the subtle texture. If you want a smooth look, a grain filler can be applied before priming. That adds work but gives a sleek finish. Your painter can show samples of both.
Why do some white painted cabinets turn yellow?
Yellowing can come from tannins in the wood bleeding through, or from certain paint types aging in low light. A stain-blocking primer helps stop tannin bleed. Choosing a quality cabinet enamel and keeping the kitchen well lit also helps white cabinets stay white longer.
Should I replace hardware when painting cabinets white?
It is a good time to do it. Brass knobs often look dated against white, while black, bronze or nickel look fresh. If new hardware uses different holes, the old holes are filled before painting. Hardware can be added after the paint has cured so it does not scratch the finish.
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