How can I make my honey oak cabinets resemble the color of the wood in this photo?
Asked by Antonietta Novak 
4 months ago
Last Updated: September 4, 2024
Hey! I’ve got honey oak cabinets in my kitchen and bathrooms. I know the wood in this photo is different, but I’m wondering if there’s any way to make my honey oak cabinets look more like this color. Any ideas or suggestions would be really helpful, thanks!
Have you thought about using a gray gel stain on top? It might be worth testing on an extra drawer or a less visible area, like the back of a door, before committing.
To achieve a solid color, consider painting them and applying a grain filler first to ensure a smooth finish. Otherwise, the grain may show through the paint.
For solid wood pieces, consider trying wood bleach followed by a gel stain for more precise color control.
I absolutely adore this color palette for inspiration!
Isn’t this lovely?! I discovered it on Pinterest a while back, and now that my little one is older, I think it’s time to give it a try, haha
Have you thought about doing a paint wash? Find a neutral paint to neutralize or tone down the yellow.
Consider using a gel stain or glaze for a simpler application process compared to other options.
The door appears to be made of maple wood.
When you’re unsure, take a cabinet door to a paint store and explain your needs. They’ll recommend the right product and give application tips.
Oak has a large and distinct grain pattern, unlike the wood in the photo (possibly maple?). Oak also has an open grain, which is not seen in the photo. While you can try to match the stain color in the photo, changing the grain pattern is not possible. Refinishing oak is also more complex due to the open grain. It might be easier to replace the cabinet faces and doors instead.
If you have Maple cabinets, painting them will result in a smooth finish.
Maybe consider using eneral Finishes gel stain to achieve a similar look without having to faux finish it like the example picture.
My oak cabinets in a dark espresso color had many nicks and scratches. I experimented with different stains to cover the nicks, only to realize that the original finish was more like paint than stain. I ended up matching the color with an enamel latex paint in the same sheen, and it worked perfectly. You should try using enamel paint and matching the color. It doesn’t seem like a typical stain. Test it on one door first. Make sure to clean your cabinets thoroughly to remove dirt and oil buildup, then lightly sand them. Test it on the inside of a door first. Personally, I adore the grain of oak.
All of your choices are fantastic!
Hey I came across it on Pinterest! But it’s just what I’m looking for haha
Is amazing!
I have this saved on my Pinterest board! Your taste is impeccable! 🥰😉
Oh my goodness, it’s so lovely, right?! I absolutely adore it 😍
Haha I feel the same way 😂
I’m curious if the Retique It wood paint would get the job done! I haven’t tried it before but it has me interested. https://www.amazon.com/Retique-Liquid-Wood-Light-Stainable/dp/B0758324CY/ref=asc_df_B0758324CY/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=216767879473&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4082992696464211558&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032424&hvtargid=pla-362620016855&psc=1&mcid=28a4e4cc79953c7693bd164fc05e02f4&gclid=CjwKCAjw_e2wBhAEEiwAyFFFo7Px5gRYlTzksglJunJXTceuCkgf0Sq5gpeub5PgQo0ccLQFwcERoC1tsQAvD_BwE
I literally just saw a few videos about that! I’m totally fascinated by it lol
Check out the All-In-One Paint by Heirloom Traditions page and look up this topic!
Hey, I just sent a request to join the group!
Oh my goodness, the transformation from before to after is truly incredible! Thanks for suggesting the team!
That team of artists really knows their stuff! And they even offer private consultations! So happy you’re satisfied!
Cool