How to Lighten Cherry Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Cherry wood cabinets can be beautiful, but they can also be quite dark, which can make a kitchen feel small and cramped. If you're looking for a way to brighten up your kitchen, there are a few things you can do to lighten cherry wood cabinets.

1. Use a wood lightener.

Wood lighteners are products that are specifically designed to lighten the color of wood. They work by removing lignin, which is the pigment that gives wood its color. Wood lighteners can be found at most hardware stores.

To use a wood lightener, follow the instructions on the product label. Generally, you'll need to apply the lightener to the cabinets and then let it sit for a period of time. Once the lightener has had time to work, you'll need to rinse it off with water and then dry the cabinets.

2. Use a whitewashing technique.

Whitewashing is a technique that can be used to lighten the color of wood by applying a coat of white paint. However, instead of painting the cabinets completely white, you'll only apply the paint in certain areas, such as the raised panels or the trim. This will create a distressed, vintage look.

To whitewash cherry wood cabinets, you'll need a paintbrush and some white paint. You can use a flat paint or a satin finish paint, depending on the desired look.

Start by applying the paint to the areas of the cabinets that you want to lighten. Be sure to work in small areas so that the paint doesn't dry before you have a chance to blend it.

Once you've applied the paint to all of the desired areas, use a damp cloth to blend the paint. This will help to create a smooth, even finish.

Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

3. Sand and refinish the cabinets.

If you're not happy with the results of using a wood lightener or whitewashing technique, you can also lighten cherry wood cabinets by sanding and refinishing them. This is a more involved process, but it will give you the most control over the final color of the cabinets.

To sand cherry wood cabinets, you'll need a sander, sandpaper, and a dust mask. Start by sanding the cabinets with a coarse grit sandpaper. This will remove the old finish and any dirt or grime that has accumulated on the cabinets.

Once you've sanded the cabinets with a coarse grit sandpaper, switch to a medium grit sandpaper. This will help to smooth out the surface of the cabinets.

Finally, sand the cabinets with a fine grit sandpaper. This will give the cabinets a smooth, polished finish.

Once you've sanded the cabinets, you can refinish them with a stain or paint of your choice. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label when applying the stain or paint.

By following these tips, you can lighten cherry wood kitchen cabinets and create a brighter, more inviting kitchen.