--- title: Painting Oak Cabinets & Trim description: Are you on the fence about painting your oak cabinets or oak wood trim? Read this article to discover your options. image: https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hubfs/DSC_4211.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/painting-oak-cabinets-trim#maincontent) [ «  Learning Center ](https://brushandrollpainting.com/learning-center) # Painting Oak Cabinets & Trim March 30th, 2023 2 min read By [Kaylea Kuhlman](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/author/kaylea-kuhlman-content-manager) ![Kitchen cabinets and island with refinished oak wood. ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DSC_4211.jpg?width=4137&height=2748&name=DSC_4211.jpg) 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.  [![Pros & Cons Of Painting Oak Cabinets White ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7973434/a676aed3-4a49-4e05-91bb-064583098798.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7973434/a676aed3-4a49-4e05-91bb-064583098798) ## 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. [![Best Paint Colors To Go With Oak Cabinets](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7973434/6b66abe6-8fd6-4145-978c-83ae9149160a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7973434/6b66abe6-8fd6-4145-978c-83ae9149160a) ## 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.  [![Painting Oak Trim White](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7973434/0c42e180-f48e-4897-a83e-4b7580b26215.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7973434/0c42e180-f48e-4897-a83e-4b7580b26215) ## 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.  [![Best Paint Colors To Go With Oak Trim](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7973434/305ca264-d407-4863-a917-13499f85a352.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7973434/305ca264-d407-4863-a917-13499f85a352) ## 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. [![Learn More About Staining Oak Wood](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7973434/cec57dd3-9152-4658-b98b-94e5d105e592.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7973434/cec57dd3-9152-4658-b98b-94e5d105e592) ## 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.  [![Learn More About Spraying vs Brushing Paint](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7973434/8b4e6de1-262b-4dd7-85c3-f6a68e2938f3.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7973434/8b4e6de1-262b-4dd7-85c3-f6a68e2938f3) [ Kaylea Kuhlman ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/author/kaylea-kuhlman-content-manager) Kaylea is the Content Manager at Brush & Roll Painting, where she leads the company’s marketing strategy, content creation, and brand messaging. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a degree in Journalism and Media Communications and a minor in Marketing, combining strong writing skills with a clear understanding of how to connect with homeowners. Since joining Brush & Roll Painting at the end of 2022, Kaylea has played a key role in shaping how the company communicates with its customers. She works closely with the team to turn real, on-the-job experience into helpful, easy-to-understand content that answers the questions homeowners are already asking. Her approach focuses on clarity, honesty, and making sure people feel confident before starting a painting project. Kaylea’s work helps bridge the gap between technical painting knowledge and everyday decision-making. Whether it’s explaining the difference between paint finishes, helping homeowners choose the right cabinet color, or breaking down what to expect from a professional painting process, her goal is always the same: to make the process feel simple and stress-free. Topics Kaylea Covers: Kaylea writes and creates content across all areas of residential painting, including: -Interior painting (walls, ceilings, trim, and woodwork) -Exterior painting and maintenance -Cabinet painting and refinishing -Deck staining and wood care -Paint colors, finishes, and design decisions -What to expect when hiring a professional painter -Common homeowner questions, concerns, and mistakes to avoid Her content is designed to give homeowners clear answers, set realistic expectations, and help them make confident decisions about their home. 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