Fill in grain and other imperfections with a thin layer of Drydex spackle using a putty knife. Sand with 220 grit sandpaper. Follow with a dry tack cloth, removing all dust. Use a mini roller and brush to prime the cabinets with an oil-based primer.
Oak is an open-grain wood with cracks and small holes everywhere. These cracks show through the paint unless a filler is used to smooth the surface. Some people like the grain to show, but if you want your cabinets to look as smooth as possible, using a filler is best. Applying grain filler is easy.
However, oak cabinets are currently in the middle of making a comeback. There are several possible reasons for this. First, homeowners are looking for warmth and authenticity in their kitchens. Natural wood checks all the boxes.
A wash will add color without sacrificing the visual interest of the wood's texture; all you need to do is dilute paint with water. Start by adding one part water to two parts paint, and test the wash on a wooden swatch before working directly on your surface. If you want to see more wood grain, continue to add water.
Even if your cabinets are GOOD, as shown next, you can still paint them if you want a LIGHTER and BRIGHTER look. Don't feel bad, they're still WOOD, they just have a few coats of paint on them… And as you now know, there are many factors that can devalue the look of wood, which in turn, can devalue your home.
Use a quality latex that has been specifically formulated for kitchen cabinetry. These paints will dry extra hard, which keeps doors from feeling sticky against the cabinet. Brushing paint on is OK. But for the smoothest finish, you'll want to spray on paint.
Neutrals and simple classic colours are a great way to update wood cabinets. Rather than contrasting the wood with a colour like blue or green, neutrals keep things simple and modern while still adding visual interest. Copper is a beautiful complement to oak cabinets with its earthy rich metal finish.
There's two main ways to transform your honey oak trim, doors, or cabinets simply by painting the walls: Using a harmonious color palette (similar colors or colors with a similar undertone) that will work alongside and help fade or camouflage the orange or yellow wood tones.
Chalk paint is thick and requires less coats of paint. There's no need to prime. If painted over already sealed wood, tannins of the wood will not seep into the white paint, causing brownish stains. Chalk paint will hide heavily grained wood like oak.
While chalk paint typically doesn't need sanding nor priming prior to application, in the case of hiding the wood grain, applying a coat of primer will help further fill in the grain.
The Old Masters Wood Graining Tool is a simple device that allows the user to rearrange the stain into patterns that resemble wood grain. This tool allows an average do-it-yourselfer to create professional results every time.
What is this? Wood cabinets are continuing to come back into style. No, not your honey oak cabinets from 1980's and 90's – they are most definitely not coming back.
You can change the color of your stained oak cabinets, but it will require time and effort. Stain sinks into wood pores under a sealed topcoat of lacquer. The only way to properly lighten the wood is to remove the lacquer, sand off the dark stain and replace it with a lighter color of stain.
Well, it should be no surprise… the classic white cabinet will still be the #1 cabinet color for kitchens in 2022 and beyond. White is crisp and clean, will brighten any kitchen, and will most likely never go out of style.
How Do You Paint Oak Cabinets And Not See The Grain? The use of a putty knife to fill in grain and imperfections with Drydex spackle results in a very smooth sand finish. Sand in 220 grit. Use a dry tack cloth and brush to remove all dust from the cabinets and then use an oil-based primer and mini roller.
Honey Oak Cabinets
A staple in kitchens of the 1980s and '90s, these golden-toned wood cabinets have fallen out of favor as white and gray cabinets have risen in popularity. If you don't like your light-stained cabinets, but they're in good shape, consider refinishing or painting what's there.
The answer is – no! The oak trim and oak flooring finish (the golden color known in the industry as “honey”) will never come back in style. Today, there are many beautiful versions of stained oak on the market that allow it to appear more contemporary and aesthetically pleasing.
If you're in search of a clean, modern look, paint your cabinets. Painted cabinets appear very smooth, hiding the grain of the wood. If you prefer a more natural, classic look, you should stain your cabinets. Staining your cabinets highlights the natural grain of the wood and offers a more traditional aesthetic.