How to Whitewash Poplar Cabinets

Whitewashed poplar cabinets can give a refreshing look to a kitchen.

Whitewashing was a painting technique that was done both on the interiors and exteriors of homes. Whitewash paint is an economical mixture of lime and chalk. When cured, it creates a very hard and long lasting finish. This makes it ideal for using on poplar wood, which is softer in composition and can be sensitive to dings. Whitewashing poplar gives the wood a protective coating and works well with the wood's natural color of pale yellow or green.

Things You'll Need

• Mild cleanser
• Paint stripper (only if cabinets have previously been painted or stained)
• Whitewash paint
• Paint sponges
• Drop cloth
• Painters tape

Instructions

1. Remove the cabinet doors. It is much easier to paint cabinets when the doors are on a flat surface. Use a screwdriver to take each door off of its hinges. Place the hardware in a plastic baggie so you will not lose it. Put the cabinet doors on a flat surface that has been covered with a drop cloth.

2. Strip the poplar cabinets if they have already been painted or stained. Poplar cabinets should only be whitewashed if they are bare wood. This technique will not work to cover painted wooden cabinets. Use a heat gun or chemical paint or finish remover to completely strip the cabinets and frames. Sand them down if necessary after removing the finish.

3. Clean off the cabinets. Use a damp rag to scrub off any dirt or dust on the cabinet doors and frames. Even if the cabinets are brand new, they still may have some surface dust on them. Wait for the surface to dry before you proceed to the next step.

4. Apply one coat of whitewash to the cabinet doors and frames. Use a paint brush and work with the grain of the wood, not against it. Go slowly and apply only a thin coat of whitewash. You will be able to see the coverage level as you go. Poplar wood typically does not have much of a grain pattern, but every piece of wood is different.

5. Apply a second coat if necessary. Whitewashing typically lets some of the original character of the wood shine through, but it is up to you as to how white you want your cabinets. Apply a second coat if you are not happy with the results of the first coat.

6. Rehang the cabinet doors. Use your screwdriver to put the cabinet doors back up. You may need the help of a friend to hold the doors steady and level while you screw the hinges back on.

References

• Lewis Lumber Products: Wood Characteristics
• Cabinets.com: Makeover Tips
• Ask the Builder: Whitewash Tips