How to Faux Paint a White-Washed Light Gray Kitchen Cabinet

A coat of gray white-wash can transform any kitchen.

Faux painting techniques open up a new dimension of creative ideas for refinishing your kitchen cabinets. Simple paints and stains are beautiful in any kitchen, but when you are trying to create a completely different look for your kitchen, faux painting can give you some great options. Consider white-washing as one option. White-washing or pickling applies a light coating of color while still allowing the wood grain to show. The process is not limited to white paint. Stains come in a variety of colors. You can get lovely gray cabinets with a white-washed feel.

Things You'll Need

• Rags
• Trisodium phosphate
• Sandpaper
• Water-based stain
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Clean the cabinets thoroughly with trisodium phosphate (TSP.) TSP will dull any shine on the surface of the cabinets as well as remove any residue. Purchase TSP next to the other cleaning products in your hardware store.

2. Sand the cabinets to remove all prior paint or varnish. You are trying to get to the bare wood, so if you are dealing with layers of paint, you may have to sand for awhile. Use a palm sander to make the job less labor intensive and quicker. Use medium-grit sandpaper in the palm sander to remove the majority of the paint or varnish.

3. Switch the palm sander to fine-grit sandpaper. Sand the cabinets until the entire surface is smooth to the touch. Run your bare hand over the wood to test it. The surface should be free of scratches. Wipe away all sanding dust with a damp rag.

4. Dip a clean brush into the water-based gray stain. Apply the stain to the wood surface in a light coat. Wipe away any excess with a clean rag. Continue applying and wiping away stain until you achieve the depth of color that you like. Allow each coat to dry to the touch, about 30 minutes, before applying another coat. Four coats will give you a deep, rich color while still showing the wood grain. Allow the final coat of white-wash to dry for four to six hours.

5. Sand the surface of the cabinets in select areas to bring out more of the antique feel of the cabinet and allow more wood color to show. Use fine-grit sandpaper to expose the corners and raised scroll work. This step is optional.

6. Apply a coat of polyurethane to the cabinets to prevent the stain from fading. Apply two coats of polyurethane with a clean brush. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second. Choose a satin finish for the most antique appearance.

Tips & Warnings

• If your current cabinets are heavily coated with multiple layers of old paint, you can use a chemical paint stripper to make the job a little quicker. Keep in mind that chemical paint strippers can be dangerous. Always wear goggles, a mask and rubber gloves when working with these harsh chemicals.

References

• Design Style Guide: How to Whitewash Furniture
• Minwood Stains: Water Based Wood Stain