How To Faux Finish Kitchen Cabinets

How to Faux Finish Kitchen Cabinets

Faux finishing is a decorative painting technique that can transform the look of your kitchen cabinets without the expense of replacing them. With a little patience and some basic supplies, you can create a faux finish that will mimic the look of wood, marble, or even leather.

Preparing Your Cabinets

Before you begin faux finishing, it is important to prepare your cabinets. Start by cleaning them thoroughly with a degreaser to remove any dirt or grime. Then, sand the cabinets lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface. Finally, prime the cabinets with a latex primer to help the faux finish adhere.

Choosing a Faux Finish

Once your cabinets are prepared, you need to choose a faux finish. There are many different faux finishes to choose from, but some of the most popular include:

Woodgrain
Marble
Leather
Metal

The type of faux finish you choose will depend on the style of your kitchen and the desired look. For example, if you have a traditional kitchen, a woodgrain finish would be a good choice. If you have a more modern kitchen, a marble or metal finish would be a better option.

Applying the Faux Finish

Once you have chosen a faux finish, you can begin applying it to your cabinets. The specific steps involved will vary depending on the type of finish you choose, but the general process is as follows:

Apply a base coat of paint in the desired color.
Use a brush or sponge to apply the faux finish.
- For a woodgrain finish, use a brush to create the grain lines.
- For a marble finish, use a sponge to dab on the paint in a random pattern.
- For a leather finish, use a brush to stipple the paint onto the surface.
Allow the faux finish to dry completely.
Apply a topcoat of clear finish to protect the faux finish.

Tips for Faux Finishing Kitchen Cabinets

Practice on a piece of scrap wood before you start working on your cabinets.
Use a variety of brushes and sponges to create different effects.
Be patient and take your time. Faux finishing can be tricky, but with a little practice, you can achieve great results.

Faux finishing is a great way to update the look of your kitchen cabinets without the expense of replacing them. With a little patience and some basic supplies, you can create a faux finish that will transform the look of your kitchen.