Cabinet Refinishing · Jun 2021
Wood kitchen painted white with navy island
Wood kitchen painted white with navy island. These are before and after photos from the job, taken Jun 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
Honey Wood Kitchen Cabinets Painted White Uppers with Navy Lowers and a Navy Island
This L shaped kitchen started with honey toned wood cabinets with cathedral arch upper doors, beige counters, and cream walls. The before photo shows the wood looking orange under the recessed lights, with a matching wood island and light tile floors. In the after photos, the upper cabinets are a bright white with the arched panel detail still crisp. Long brass bar pulls run along the doors, and the crown molding above the uppers is white too. The base cabinets and the island are a deep navy blue with a smooth semi gloss sheen that shows a soft reflection in one close up. Brass pulls repeat on the lower drawers and doors. White counters, a gooseneck faucet in brass, and light gray walls make the navy feel sharp instead of dark. The tile floor stayed the same, and it now reads lighter next to the blue. The photos were taken in Jun 2021.
How We Painted These Wood Cabinets White and Navy
- We took off all doors, drawer fronts, and old hardware, labeled each piece, and set them up for cleaning and finishing away from the kitchen.
- The cabinet boxes, island, and crown molding were degreased, since wood cabinets around a range collect cooking film that blocks good paint adhesion.
- We sanded the wood to dull the old clear coat and added extra primer where needed so the open grain would show less through the paint.
- A bonding primer went on every surface, then the uppers got two coats of white and the lowers and island got two coats of navy blue.
- Doors and drawer fronts were finished on racks, flipping each one so both sides and all edges dried smooth without runs or sticking.
- We rehung the doors, adjusted hinges for even gaps, and drilled and mounted the new brass bar pulls in matching positions across the kitchen.
Paint Colors Similar to This White and Navy Kitchen
These are similar colors to consider for white upper cabinets and a navy island. They are not the exact paints used in this kitchen.
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154
A deep, classic navy close to these base cabinets and island, strong enough to anchor the room while pairing well with brass pulls.
Sherwin-Williams Naval SW 6244
A rich dark blue with a slightly bolder look, a good choice if you want a navy island that feels more saturated.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65
A clean, crisp white similar to these upper cabinets, bright beside navy lowers and white counters without leaning yellow.
Questions About Painting Wood Cabinets White and Navy
Will oak grain show through painted cabinets?
Oak has an open grain, so some texture often shows through paint. If you want a smoother look, a grain filler or extra coats of high build primer can reduce it. Some homeowners like a little texture. It is worth deciding before the work starts, since the prep is different.
Is navy a good color for kitchen base cabinets?
Navy is a popular choice for lower cabinets and islands. It hides scuffs from feet and bags better than white, and it pairs with white, brass, nickel, and wood tones. Keeping the upper cabinets light helps the kitchen stay bright while the navy adds depth near the floor.
What sheen is best for painted kitchen cabinets?
Satin and semi gloss are the most common cabinet sheens. Semi gloss is a bit easier to wipe clean and shows a soft shine, like the navy in this kitchen. Satin hides small flaws better. Both hold up well to cleaning once the paint has fully cured.
Get a Free Estimate for a Project Like This
We’re not just a painting company. We’re your personal painter.