Oak is a special type of wood. It has a distinctive pattern that is uneven. On its own, oak wood is fairly durable and has a rich color. However, the look is not for everyone.
If you are looking for an update for your oak cabinets or trim, or the walls around them, keep reading.
Painting oak cabinets white
As we have seen, the main trend with cabinet colors is to paint them white. This is no different with oak cabinets and can still be done. However, there are a few pros and cons to consider before painting oak cabinets white.
Some pros are that white is light and airy, and oak cabinets can look dated and provide too much of an orange hue. Some cons are that you will see imperfections quicker if it is not refinished properly. This can also mean that they require more maintenance to look crisp and spotless.
Best Colors to go with oak cabinets
If you are happy with the look of your oak cabinets, but still need an update, changing the wall color around the cabinets can give you the change you are looking for. Since oak cabinets have a classic golden/honey undertone, choosing the correct shade will enhance their beauty.
Painting Oak trim white
Painting oak trim is similar to the decision to paint oak cabinets, there isn't much difference compared to painting any other type of trim. The main difference is that the paint has to be back brushed to apply evenly to oak wood.
Some reasons to paint oak trim white are if your current trim is getting worn down, if you want the room to feel larger, and if the orange-ish color is not fitting your style.
Best Colors to go with oak trim
If you want to keep the oak trim and update the walls around it, there are plenty of options! You could go with the neutral route of grays or white or make a bold statement with navy blue or black.
Staining oak wood
If you are not interested in painting oak cabinets or keeping them in their current state, a stain might be the best choice for you. Stains and tones can enhance the natural beauty of the wood while giving your kitchen a refresh.
There are a few options to choose from when staining oak wood. You can just have a transparent stain, semi-stain, or solid stain. You can also add a glaze to the wood as well.
No matter what you choose, your oak wood is going to look beautiful with the right prep work and high-quality materials.
Applying Paint to Oak Wood
Oak wood has to be back-brushed because of its grain. If they are sprayed you will get little pinholes everywhere. Pinholes are created when the paint goes over the grain, the grain traps air and the air comes out and makes a bubble pop. If the paint does not get worked in the grain with a brush, there is no way to avoid popped bubbles or make them go away.
Back-brushing must be done on the first coat of paint and possibly the second coat. These surfaces can receive a final coat with spraying.
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