Hello friends!! I receive so many inquiries about our white kitchen cabinets, so I thought I would take this opportunity to update you on their appearance just under 4 years later. Our kitchen formerly housed typical early 90’s oak kitchen cabinets. I think it’s fair to say that I contemplated painting them for a few years before actually moving forward. I didn’t take the decision making process lightly, but I kicked myself later for waiting so long. The result flabbergasted both myself and the rest of our family, and I’m happy to add they have held up remarkably! If you are on the fence about painting your kitchen cabinets, just DO IT!
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White Kitchen Cabinets, Finally
Painting your kitchen cabinets will give an instant update without spending a fortune, but you will have to use some elbow grease 😉 If you want to see the before, click here. Taking time to research paint that will withstand heavy traffic is essential. Our kitchen has evolved even more since painting our cabinets white. Click here to see the next phase. Obviously the kitchen is the most gathered area in the home, and with that receives much abuse.
Products Used
- Zinsser Primer 1 2 3
- Insl – X Cabinet Coat Paint
- Light Sandpaper or block
For all the details on achieving my results, click here.
Lighter and Brighter
Having white kitchen cabinets has improved my overall mood by tenfold. I am an early riser, so lighter and brighter is important. That being said, we also replaced our lightbulbs to daylight bulbs. They have secured an entirely better ambiance in our kitchen and throughout our entire home.
Maintenance
The most frequent concern I hear is how to keep white kitchen cabinets clean. I simply clean as I go. Believe me, there will be spills and splatters, but luckily the paint I chose is highly durable, so spot cleaning isn’t difficult at all. Once in awhile I notice a small chip, and I simply touch it up with a small dab of paint. Overall, white kitchen cabinets have not been hard to maintain.
Overall Benefits
Painting our kitchen cabinets white was both cost effective and provided minimal disruption. Our cabinets were in great shape to begin with, so a simple cosmetic change was enough. Once you make the decision, just dive in and you’ll never look back! I’m curious to know how many of you are still sitting on the fence. I reached out to a few of my best girl pals for the final push, so I am hoping to inspire you in the same way <3
Let me know if you too have painted your cabinets and if you are still happy with the decision. Did you use an even better product you could share in the comments? Thanks for stopping by, I’ll be returning soon to share some refreshed shelf styling 🙂
Author and Photos – Martha Knake
Chief Editor – Emily Schunke
Handy Squad says
August 23, 2018 at 4:20 amGreat article Martha, thanks for posting this 🙂
I currently work with handymen in London at the moment and they have overseen quite a few kitchen renovations recently.
White is by far the best choice and it is used in almost all of our designs. The colour emits so much life and vibrancy into rooms.
Jenni says
June 11, 2018 at 10:39 pmWhite or black? I’ve been thinking the latter…but after reading your post, I’m reconsidering. I love light and bright. Like you I’m so over my early 90’s oak, but kept feeling like a terrible person for wanting to paint over it! You’ve inspired me! (Just help me with the color!)
Martha Knake says
June 12, 2018 at 8:13 amoh this is such a HARD decision!! I have seen so many amazing black cabinets with gold knobs, seriously divine!! But, it’s just going to depend on if you can love it for a long time. To me, light and bright will win out, but again I love the black trend.
Paula says
June 11, 2018 at 9:11 pmI have dark cherry cabinets too and dark cherry floors with stainless appliances which help to brighten it up but I too have been wanting to paint my cabinets white or even a gray but not sure if it would look good with my dark cherry wood floors What do you think? Thank you! Paula
Martha Knake says
June 11, 2018 at 9:13 pmYour comment came through twice, and I replied to the first one 😉
Kathleen Ellis says
June 11, 2018 at 8:26 pmYour cabinets and kitchen look GREAT!!! 😊
I just had my 28 year old oak cabinets painted almost a month ago! I, too, contemplated doing it for a few years and finally took the leap! We hired a local woman who has been painting kitchen cabinets & furniture for a few years now with great results & great reviews so I expect they will hold up quite well!
It has brightened our kitchen so much…. it’s AMAZING! This week the new countertops & sink go in… in the next few weeks tile & flooring! I’m so excited to see it all come together!
Thank you for sharing your projects! 💗
Martha Knake says
June 11, 2018 at 9:11 pmYour kitchen sounds amazing!! How exciting for you! I would LOVE to splurge on new countertops soon! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Debbie King says
June 11, 2018 at 5:26 pmI had mine painted about 8 months ago & I absolutely love them. My house is only 3 years old and had very high end cherry cabinets, but I hated how dark it was. People thought I was crazy for painting them … until it was done! Everyone just loves them. The white really opens up & brightens the entire first floor. They are so easy to wipe clean too.
Martha Knake says
June 11, 2018 at 5:44 pmYES!!! I am so glad to hear this! Believe me, I heard negative response would I bring up painting mine, because you know…. precious OAK.. please!! Everyone LOVED them when it was all said and done. So good to hear this!!
Paula says
June 11, 2018 at 9:08 pmI have dark cherry cabinets too and dark cherry floors with stainless appliances which help to brighten it up but I too have been wanting to paint my cabinets white or even a gray but not sure if it would look good with my dark cherry wood floors What do you think? Thank you! Paula
Martha Knake says
June 11, 2018 at 9:12 pmI would totally suggest going white Paula! I think you will be amazed and thrilled with the transformation! Thanks so much for making the visit and your kind words <3
Paula says
June 11, 2018 at 9:43 pmThank you for the advice Martha! Yes sorry my message sent twice not sure how I did that 🤪 you did such a wonderful job!! I love the difference in your kitchen!
Laura Carlton says
June 11, 2018 at 4:32 pmI painted mine last fall and also wished I did it earlier! Huge bang for your buck. Your kitchen looks amazing!
Martha Knake says
June 11, 2018 at 4:39 pmHey girl!! Thanks so much for stopping by! Your kitchen has made a remarkable transformation too! Let’s get together soon <3