Dreaming of beautiful faux driftwood cabinets to give your kitchen that perfect beachy vibe? Remodeling a kitchen can be pricey, especially when replacing cabinets—but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. A faux driftwood finish is a budget-friendly way to transform your cabinets and achieve that coastal charm without breaking the bank.
Over a decade ago, I gave my client’s laminate cabinets a stunning dark wood grain finish that completely transformed their kitchen.
Just last week, the same client called me back to work my magic again—this time creating this gorgeous faux Driftwood finish on the same cabinets —and the transformation is jaw-dropping.
So, what’s the secret?
Can You Paint Laminate Cabinets? Yes, You Can!
If you’ve been wondering, Can laminate cabinets really be painted?, the answer is a big YES! The key is preparation and using the right products.
This is the before and after of the first transformation.
If you would like to learn how the professionals wood grain cabinets, grab the step-by-step video tutorial and supply list- Here
This blog walks you through how to give your cabinets a beautiful driftwood finish that’s budget-friendly, durable, and seriously impressive. I’ll share the exact steps, tools, and supplies you need to turn your old cabinets into showstoppers—all without replacing them.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Driftwood Finish
Step 1: Prep Your Cabinets
- Remove all cabinet doors and label them with tape and a Sharpie. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to reassemble!
- Using an Electric sander sand the doors and frames with Medium grit sandpaper to remove the glossy topcoat. This step is critical for creating a surface the primer can stick to. Clean up the dust with Mineral Spirits.
Step 2: Apply Tinted Primer
Take your Stix Primer to a paint store and have it tinted to a creamy beige base color. Use a Sponge roller for the doors and a brush for the frames. Once dry, do a scratch test—if the primer doesn’t come off, you’re good to go. If it does come off apply another coat of primer.
Step 3: Create faux driftwood cabinets with stain
Mix a few drops of Japan Drier into your stain to speed up the drying time. Apply the stain vertically using a Chip Brush. Don’t worry about perfection at this stage; blending comes next!
Step 4: Blend with a Sponge
Cut a Large car sponge in half. Lightly drag it vertically to blend the stain. The trick is to work in sections and avoid overworking the stain. Make sure you use gloves the stain is hard to get off your fingernails and skin.
Step 5: Finish with Cheesecloth
Wad up Cheesecloth and lightly wipe down the surface in a vertical direction to remove excess stain. This step softens the look and gives it that natural driftwood texture.
Step 6: Pro Tips for a Professional Finish
- Stain the sides of the cabinet door with a Chip Brush and wipe the edges with a Rag to avoid dark lines.
Step 7: Final Touch: Apply Clear Coat
Once the stain is fully dry, (overnight) seal it with a Clear Coat. I recommend a flat or satin finish for a natural look. Use a brush for even application on both the frames and doors.
And there you have it-A beautiful Faux Driftwood cabinets!
Cabinets can be tricky to update, but with the right prep and products, you can achieve a finish that lasts for years. My client’s cabinets lasted over a decade with the previous paint job—and they’re still in fantastic condition!
Why Stop at Cabinets? Turn Your Hobby into Income
Did you know you can turn your DIY skills into a profitable business? Whether it’s painting cabinets, creating home décor, or offering virtual tutorials, your creative talents can generate income. I teach creatives how to turn their hobby into a business.
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NOTE: I used stains that I had in my studio. Use whatever colors you want.
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Happy painting! 🎨
Cheryl
