How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets to Look Like Wood

Faux wood painting is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to bring the rich look of natural wood to already painted or non-wooden cabinets, instead of replacing them entirely. Follow these steps.

Things You'll Need

• Base paint
• Stain or glaze
• Polyurethane satin for finish
• Paint tray
• Disposable painting buckets for mixing
• 1 1/2-inch to 2-inch natural bristle paint brush
• Rolling wood graining tool
• Foam painting brush
• Sandpaper
• Drop cloth
• Disposable protective gloves
• Painter's tape or masking tape for marking off
• Paint thinner for clean up
• Clean rags

Instructions

Preparation

1. Prepare a large flat work area for painting the cabinet doors.

2. Remove the hardware and cabinet doors.

3. Mask off adjacent walls, trim and flooring that needs protection.

4. Spread an ample sized drop cloth to protect the floor.

5. Mildly sand the cabinets and doors, moving in the direction of the grain. (If cabinets are already painted, sand and apply a chemical de-glossing agent to help the shiny surfaces absorb paint. Ask your paint dealer.)

Apply the Base Coat

1. Using the brush, apply the base coat, again brushing in the direction of the grain.

2. Allow the base coat to dry thoroughly, at least 24 hours, depending on the humidity.

3. After the base coat has dried, sand lightly in the direction of the grain.

4. Wipe the surface clean with a rag dampened with mineral spirits to make the surface smooth and clean.

5. Allow to dry.

Apply First Stain or Glaze Coat

1. Using the foam brush, apply the first coat of stain or glaze.

2. Cover lightly and evenly.

3. Allow to dry.

Apply Second Coat of Stain and Grain Tool

1. Working in sections at a time, apply a second coat of stain or glaze, followed by immediate application by the wood graining tool.

2. Move the tool across the surface with consistent contact and pressure.

3. When wood graining is completed, allow to dry for 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Using a dry, soft brush, gently stroke the surface to blend and soften color.

5. Allow this coat to dry, then wipe off the dust in preparation for final finish.

Apply Protective Finish

1. With foam or brush, apply a smooth, even coat of satin polyurethane.

2. Allow to dry.

3. Lightly sand or rub with steel wool over first coat of protective finish. Wipe down dust.

4. Apply a second coat of polyurethane.

5. Allow entire project to cure (at least 36 hours) before reinstalling the cabinet doors.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider which wood color matches or fits best in your overall design scheme. Attach color swatches from the paint store to your cabinets. Live with them for a few days before deciding on color. Experiment with different amounts of base paint combined with glaze or tint on a test strip, to achieve the the best effect.

• Avoid flat latex paints for the base coat. Satin or eggshell finishes allow the faux treatment to glide on evenly.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Wood graining tools
• Old Master's wood graining brochure
• That Painter Lady website