You’ve probably seen it—those bright, fresh-looking white kitchen cabinets that make a space feel bigger and cleaner. Maybe you’re considering making the switch in your own home. But then the questions start rolling in. Is it hard to paint cabinets white? Will the color turn out even? What if it looks streaky? And will it stay looking nice, or will it turn yellow over time?
These are valid concerns, especially if you’ve never tackled a cabinet painting project before. While white cabinets can completely transform a kitchen, getting a flawless, long-lasting finish isn’t as simple as rolling on a coat of paint. The process involves careful prep work, the right materials, and a lot of patience—especially for homeowners attempting a DIY project.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been serving Omaha homeowners since 1996, specializing in high-quality cabinet painting. Over the years, we’ve seen the common mistakes people make when trying to paint cabinets white. We know what works, what doesn’t, and how to achieve a professional-grade finish that lasts.
In this article, we’ll go over why painting cabinets white can be more difficult than other colors and how to avoid common mistakes that many DIYers make. By reading this article, you'll have a better idea of if painting your cabinets white is a good idea for your project.
How Hard Is It To Paint Cabinets White?
Painting cabinets is already a detailed job, but choosing white can add extra challenges. Here’s why:
1. White Paint Shows Every Imperfection on Cabinets
Unlike darker colors, white doesn’t hide flaws. Any tiny dent, scratch, or grain pattern in the wood will stand out more once painted. That’s why prep work—like cleaning, sanding, and priming—is so important to get a smooth finish.
2. Covering Dark Wood with White Paint on Cabinets
If your cabinets are oak, cherry, or another dark wood, it takes multiple coats to fully cover the natural color. Even high-quality white paint needs a strong primer underneath to block stains and prevent wood tannins from bleeding through.
3. Streaks and Brush Marks on White Cabinets
White paint reflects more light, making brush strokes, roller marks, and uneven coverage stand out more. Professional painters use high-quality sprayers on the cabinet doors and drawers for a smooth, even finish. If you’re brushing or rolling by hand, it takes extra care to avoid streaks.
4. Priming White Cabinets
A good primer is key to getting full coverage and preventing yellowing over time. Some woods, like oak and cherry, have a strong grain and natural oils that can seep through paint. That’s why professionals use high-quality bonding primers before painting white.
5. White Can Yellow Over Time
A common complaint with white-painted cabinets is that they turn yellow, especially near heat sources like stoves. This happens when cheap paint is used or when oil-based topcoats aren’t properly sealed. High-quality finishes, like a 2k polyurethane, help keep white cabinets looking bright.
How Hard Is It to Paint Different Types of Cabinets White?
Not all cabinets are the same, and some wood types require extra work to get a smooth white finish.
White Oak Cabinets
Oak has a very pronounced grain, which means that even after painting, the texture can still show through. To get a smoother finish without the grain showing, you can add grain fillers before priming and painting. This adds an extra step but makes a big difference in the final look.
Cherry Cabinets
Cherry wood has a natural reddish-brown tone that can bleed through white paint if not properly primed. It’s also a smooth, dense wood, so it requires a bonding primer to help the paint adhere.
Laminate or MDF Cabinets
These materials don’t have grain, but they do require special primers. Laminate is particularly tricky because it’s a slick surface, meaning the paint can easily chip if the right prep work isn’t done.
Are White Cabinets Hard to Keep Clean?
One of the biggest concerns you might have is whether white cabinets will look dirty all the time. The truth is, that white does show dirt, fingerprints, and grease more than darker colors, but it’s not impossible to maintain.
Here are some tips for keeping white cabinets looking fresh:
- Choose a high-quality product with a durable finish. At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, NE, we use a 2k polyurethane.
- Wipe them down regularly. A microfiber cloth and mild dish soap work well for everyday cleaning.
- Be mindful of high-traffic areas. Cabinet doors near the stove, dishwasher, and trash can tend to get the dirtiest. Areas around handles or knobs also tend to pick up a lot of dirt and grime.
Should You Paint Your Cabinets White?
If you’re wondering whether to DIY or hire a professional, consider these factors:
- Time: Painting cabinets takes weeks, not days. If you rush, the results won’t last.
- Tools: Professionals use high-end sprayers to get a factory-smooth finish. Brushing and rolling at home often leaves texture.
- Experience: Knowing the right primer, paint, and technique makes all the difference.
Painting Cabinets White
Yes, painting cabinets white can be challenging, especially if you’re working with dark or textured wood. It requires extra prep work, multiple coats, and careful attention to detail. While a DIY approach is possible, achieving a flawless, long-lasting finish without professional tools and experience is difficult.
If you’re in Omaha and want expert help with your cabinet painting project, Brush & Roll Painting has been serving the area since 1996. Our team uses high-quality paints, precise prep work, and proven techniques to give your cabinets a smooth, durable finish.
Click the button below to get a quote and see how we can help transform your kitchen cabinets!
For even more inspiration and expert advice, download our Paint Color and Design Guide. This guide will help you choose the perfect white shade for your cabinets and give you tips on coordinating colors with your home. Get your free copy today and take the guesswork out of your cabinet painting project!
