White kitchen cabinets are actually no harder to keep clean than any other. Sure, they aren't as forgiving as darker colors, but that doesn't mean they have to be any less durable or easy to clean and maintain.
White kitchens get dirty.
Unlike darker cabinets that can hide everyday grime—like fingerprints and smudges—light colored cabinets will only make them more noticeable. Dust and dirt that you might not have even thought about in other rooms will show in a kitchen that's predominately white.
While white cabinetry doesn't inherently get dirtier than, say, wood cabinets, it is certainly easier to see smudges, spills, and splashes, which tend to blend in more with darker or patterned cabinets.
-Like almost any product in this color scheme, white cabinets may easily show dirt, smudges, scratches or food particles from cooking. -They show signs of aging, such as cracks or discoloration, far more easily than cabinets in other colors.
White cabinets appear easier to get dirty
Because white does not hide any stain or smudges, white is easy to look dirty and requires more maintenance or upkeep to keep the white cabinets in pristine condition.
Under normal conditions, we fully expect our painted cabinets to last anywhere from 8-15 years without needing a fresh coat of paint.
White cabinets can open up a small kitchen and give the illusion of more square footage. It can transform a small kitchen to look much bigger. When kitchens lack natural light or windows, white cabinets can make space feel brighter and more natural.
All-white cabinets and countertops have a tendency to turn yellow over time when exposed to high amounts of direct sunlight. If not properly protected, the jaundice-like effect can cause major regret after only a few years.
Kitchen cabinets come in many different colors but white is by far the most popular color for them. With an open feel that's bright and airy, a kitchen with white kitchen cabinets can easily flow between the dining area or living room, creating a space that's modern and stylish.
It reflects light well, making the whole room feel brighter and more open. Since the cabinets take up most wall space in a kitchen, having white kitchen cabinets can help your space feel bigger. If you have a small kitchen or limited lighting options, this is a great solution for you.
In terms of hygiene, white cabinets make stains and dirt easy to identify and clean. Stains on darker surfaces are often overlooked and can cause your kitchen to become dirty without you knowing. With white cabinets, you won't have that problem, and you'll be able to keep on top of cleaning and sanitation.
Why do those sparkling white cabinets start to yellow? The first culprit is exposure to direct sunlight, which tends to jaundice or fade painted wood (and laminated surfaces). You should consider draperies, blinds or window film to shield your cabinets from direct sunlight.
To keep your white cupboards looking bright and fresh, create a cleaning solution with one cup of vinegar, one tablespoon of baking soda, and two cups of warm water. Dip a rag in this solution, wring out the access liquid, then wipe down your cupboards.
White is the one color or finish of cabinetry that will be forever timeless. White is used in a wide range of kitchen styles. It can be modern and sterile or warm and soft. It can even be casual or formal.
Water-based polyurethane is well-suited for low-sheen flat, eggshell or satin latex paint. If you painted your cabinets with any of these paints, apply a water-based poly over the top to prolong the life of the finish. Do not apply water-based polyurethane over the top of gloss latex and acrylic enamel.
Related Articles. White painted cabinets give your kitchen a clean, airy look, but they can turn yellow with time. Oil-based paints, also known as alkyd paints, sometimes take on a yellowish cast because of the way they cure, especially if your kitchen doesn't get much sun.
Keeping your white cabinets white
Keep white cabinets out of direct sunlight to prevent them from turning yellow. To make a kitchen feel warm and inviting and useful you need plenty of sunlight and a functional space to cook. Unfortunately, those are the two things that also threatened your white cabinets.
With proper care of professionally painted kitchen cabinets, you can expect your newly painted cabinets to last 8-10 years. However, there are a few things that can drastically shorten this timeframe, leaving you needing them repainted 3-4 years later.
When looking for kitchen color ideas, you may be tempted to opt for a classic all-white palette – but according to designers, this desired tone may have fallen out of favor. The hue has endured for decades, however, changing paint trends suggest that this neutral shade is no longer in vogue.
When you cook, excess moisture and grease particles may form on the surface of the laminates. This may turn the white surfaces into yellow over time. Excess moisture can also affect the quality of your laminated cabinets.
Gray. Gray is one of the most popular cabinet choices and it offers lots of possibilities. This classic and dependable color looks strong with wood floors and marble or granite countertops. Gray goes well with many style and hardware choices, allowing for a creative license in other areas of the kitchen.
Detailed Patterns, Warped or Damaged Cabinets
If your cabinets have detailed patterns or they are warped, chipped, cracked or have other damage to them, then painting your kitchen cabinets is not the way to go – it most definitely won't solve your cabinet problem.
Durability. If you desire the most durable cabinet finish, then stain is the best option. Stained cabinets are easy to touch-up and don't show marks or scuffs as easily as painted cabinets. It's easy to find touch-up tools that closely match your cabinet stain.
Average cost of painting kitchen cabinets professionally. The average cost of painting kitchen cabinets is $100 per drawer face and $175 per cabinet door. This usually averages out to a cost of $5,000 for a medium-sized kitchen. However, the cost commonly ranges from $3000 to $10,000.