How Do You Whiten Wood Cabinets?

In order to achieve the lightest natural wood color possible I used regular household bleach . Wearing rubber kitchen gloves to protect my hands I poured bleach onto a towel and wiped it all over the cabinets and drawers. I let the wood absorb the bleach completely before applying another coat.

How do you lighten dark cabinets?

1. Add Recessed Lighting in Strategic Areas. ...
2. Paint or Stain the Cabinets a Lighter Color. ...
3. Take Advantage of the Natural Light in the Kitchen. ...
4. Use Reflective Surfaces, Such as Stainless Steel and Gloss Tile. ...
5. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting.

How can I lighten my cabinets?

1. Hang a clamp lamp.
2. Use brighter bulbs.
3. Turn recessed lights into pendant lights.
4. Stick up some under-cabinet lights.
5. Add pops of color.
6. Create contrast with an accent detail.
7. Add something metallic that will reflect light.
8. Paint dark wood cabinets.

Can dark stained wood be lightened?

Dark wood can be lightened with stain for an interesting light-dark effect . Lightening is not recommended for fine woods because it covers the natural color and grain of the wood; as a last resort, though, it can be effective. ... Wipe off excess stain, and let the stained wood dry completely.

How can I lighten a dark kitchen without natural light?

1. Add a mirror. ...
2. Hang a clamp lamp. ...
3. Use brighter bulbs. ...
4. Turn recessed lights into pendant lights. ...
5. Stick up some under-cabinet lights. ...
6. Add pops of color. ...
7. Create contrast with an accent detail. ...
8. Add something metallic that will reflect light.

How do you update dark cabinets?

With dark brown kitchen cabinets, you can't go wrong with natural wood . Whether it's hardwood flooring, wood beams, a wood island or even vintage reclaimed wood furniture, adding wood to a brown kitchen enhances its rustic charm. Keep it modern with a glossy tile backsplash and sculptural pendant lighting.

Can you bleach your cabinets?

Homeowners can opt to bleach or stain their dark wood kitchen cabinets in order to lighten them up. Using either bleach or a wood stain lightens up the color of the cabinets while preserving their natural look. Just remember to use the right type of bleach or wood stain to get the results you want.

Can you use bleach on wood cabinets?

Disinfecting solutions – Once in awhile it is important to disinfect kitchen cabinets, especially any food-prep surfaces. Antibacterial all-purpose cleaners or a mixture of bleach and water both work well for killing germs. ... However, bleach should not be used on non-painted wood , since it could damage the wood.

What if I stained my wood too dark?

If a dye stain gets the wood too dark, try removing some of the dye by wiping with its solvent . ... With dye stains, you can usually bleach out most of the color using household bleach or swimming-pool bleach. It won't be possible to remove all the color, however, without many applications, sanding between each.

What can I use to lighten stained wood?

The only effective way to lighten the color of wood after it has been stripped of all surface coatings is to use a wood bleach . Sanding does help to lighten wood in many cases, but this only applies to surface soil or grime, and even then only if the discoloration has not penetrated very deeply.

Can I change the color of stained wood?

Minwax® PolyShades® is an easy way to change the color of your currently stained or polyurethane finished wood. ... Simply give it a light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper, remove sanding dust, and brush on a coat of PolyShades® (see step-by-step instructions provided in this Guide).

How can I make my dark kitchen lighter?

1. Embrace the dark. (Image credit: DeVol) ...
2. Look up. (Image credit: Mowlem/Bruce Hemming) ...
3. Light your task. (Image credit: Falmec) ...
4. Get the balance right. ...
5. Make it a trio. ...
6. Light from beneath. ...
7. Get on the shelf. ...
8. Incorporate an industrial style.

What can you put above a kitchen sink with no windows?

• Put up a mirror. A mirror is always going to be the next-best thing after a window. ...
• Hang some art. ...
• String up some plants. ...
• Go for open shelving. ...
• Install a fun backsplash.

How do you brighten a dark rental kitchen?

Short of magically installing floor-to-ceiling windows to let light flood in, under-the-cabinet lighting is the best fix for a dark and dreary kitchen. There's more than one way to get the same effect: Choose from puck lights, fluorescent light bars, or LED light bars to brighten up your space.

Are white cabinets going out of style 2020?

12. White Cabinets. The timeless white on kitchen cabinets is on its way out in 2020 . Instead, deep blues and greens are a hot choice for creating a great warm mood.