How to Turn Oak Cabinets White
Oak cabinets are stylish and durable. While the natural color of oak is beautiful, adding a splash of white can give the cabinet a more modern feel. Turning the cabinets white can also help match them to certain room motifs or merely update the look.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Vacuum
- Mild detergent
- Water
- Rag
- 2 paintbrushes
- Shellac-based primer
- 220- to 320-grit sandpaper
Instructions
-
-
1
Vacuum all the surfaces and crevices of the oak cabinet with the vacuum's brush extension to ensure it is dust-free. Using a damp rag, clean the cabinet with mild detergent and water. Wipe it down again with clean, warm water to get rid of the soap residue.
-
2
Paint the cabinet with a shellac-based primer. Sand down any gaps or paint buildups between the panels, the door frames and any high spots to ensure a smooth surface. If you sand through the primer, re-touch these surfaces with primer. Allow the primer to dry.
-
-
3
Paint the cabinet with a different brush, using an oil-based, exterior-grade, high-sheen white paint. Allow to dry, and paint on a second coat.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Buy the best paint you can afford to ensure durability. If you cannot afford oil-based paints, latex paints are a suitable alternative, though they will not last as long. If the cabinets are finished, make sure to de-gloss it before putting on the primer. Do this by sanding all surfaces down with sandpaper (220- to 320-grit) and using toothbrushes, cotton swabs and toothpicks to get in the crevices the sandpaper can't reach.
Wear protective eye wear and gloves. Paint the cabinets in a well-ventilated area, as the paint chemicals can be harmful.
