Do white kitchen cabinets eventually turn yellow over time? This is a common concern for homeowners with white cabinetry. The short answer is yes, white cabinets can turn yellowish, but there are steps you can take to prevent yellowing and restore their bright white color.
What Causes White Cabinets to Turn Yellow?
There are a few key culprits that can cause white kitchen cabinets to take on a yellowish tinge over time:
Exposure to Sunlight and Light
Direct sunlight and bright lighting can cause the finish on white cabinets to gradually yellow. The ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight break down the finish, while visible light can also impact the pigments. This is especially true for cabinets near windows or under lighting fixtures.
Smoke and Grease Buildup
Kitchen cabinets are inevitably exposed to cooking byproducts like smoke, grease, and oil. As these byproducts accumulate on the cabinet surfaces, it can cause yellow discoloration. Grease and oil are especially problematic, as they penetrate into the finish.
Aging of the Finish
The finish or paint on white cabinets will naturally age over time. As it ages, white paint and enamel finishes will slowly develop a yellowish tint. This is simply part of the aging process as the finish slowly breaks down.
Chemical Reactions in Certain Paints
Some white paints include titanium dioxide, a chemical that can slowly cause yellowing with exposure to UV light. Alkyd enamel paints are also prone to yellowing as the resins oxidize over time.
Nicotine and Tar from Smoking
For households with indoor smokers, the nicotine and tar can really take a toll on white kitchen cabinets. As the residue accumulates, it interacts with the finish and causes unsightly yellow-brown staining.
How to Prevent Your White Cabinets from Yellowing
While some yellowing is inevitable, there are preventative measures you can take to maintain the bright white color of your cabinets for years to come:
Use an Exterior Grade Paint or Finish
Exterior grade paints and finishes contain more UV blockers to better resist damage from sunlight. When refinishing cabinets, an exterior satin latex paint is a good choice for durability.
Move Cabinets Out of Direct Sunlight
Arranging cabinets so they are not directly in front of windows can help minimize sun exposure. Consider frosted window films to diffuse incoming sunlight as well.
Install Blinds or Window Treatments
Blinds, curtains, or other window treatments can also limit UV exposure from sunlight. Keep them closed during the peak sunlight hours.
Clean Regularly Using a Degreaser
Buildup of cooking residue can be prevented by regularly cleaning cabinets with a degreasing cleaner. Avoid harsh abrasives.
Use Heat and Grease Shields
For cabinets around cooking surfaces, attaching heat and grease shields helps protect the finish from cooking splatter and byproducts.
Avoid Indoor Smoking and Allow Proper Ventilation
To prevent residue buildup from indoor smoking, only allow smoking outside and use proper kitchen ventilation while cooking.
Use an Annual Clear Protective Coat
Applying a thin fresh coat of polyurethane or clear paint once a year helps maintain the finish.
How to Restore Yellowed White Cabinets
If your white cabinets have already started to yellow, don’t despair. Here are some tips for restoring them to their original bright white color:
Clean Thoroughly with a Degreaser or TSP
Thoroughly wash down all cabinet surfaces using TSP (trisodium phosphate) or a degreasing cleaner. This helps remove surface residue that may be contributing to yellowing.
Sand Down the Finish Gently
Lightly sanding the existing finish can help remove the top yellowed layer. Use fine grit sandpaper (220-grit or higher) and be careful not to expose the wood.
Prime Bare Spots with Shellac-Based Primer
If any wood is exposed after sanding, spot prime with a shellac-based primer like Zinsser B-I-N. This blocks stains from bleeding through the new paint.
Repaint with a High-Quality Bright White Paint
Repaint the cabinets using a high-quality cabinet enamel paint in bright white. Opt for satin rather than high-gloss for better durability and coverage.
Apply a Clear Protective Topcoat
After painting, apply a clear satin polyurethane or varnish as a protective topcoat. This seals the fresh paint and helps protect against future yellowing.
Replace Hardware and Laminates as Needed
If cabinet hardware or laminate surfaces have also yellowed, these may need replacement or resurfacing to complete the refreshed look.
With diligent preventive care and proper restoration methods, you can keep white kitchen cabinets looking pristine for years of use. But some eventual yellowing is normal. By addressing it promptly, you can maintain a light and bright kitchen space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for white cabinets to turn yellow?
White cabinets can begin showing a yellow tint in as little as 1-2 years, though 5-10 years is more typical. Factors like sun exposure, smoking, and cooking accelerate yellowing. Proper care can extend the time significantly.
Should I use oil or latex paint on kitchen cabinets?
Latex paint is generally the best choice for kitchen cabinets today. Oil-based paints are prone to yellowing over time. Opt for satin or semi-gloss latex cabinet enamel for the ideal level of durability and stain resistance.
Can you just paint over yellowed cabinets?
It is possible to paint over mildly yellowed cabinets, but the paint color will eventually appear yellow as well. Thorough cleaning, sanding, and priming ensure the best results when painting yellowed cabinets.
Does vinegar remove yellow from cabinets?
White vinegar can help remove some yellow tobacco stains from cabinets, but it generally does not brighten extensive yellowing of the finish itself. Sanding and repainting is necessary for complete restoration in such cases.
How do you restore yellowed laminate cabinets?
Yellowed plastic laminate requires more extensive resurfacing. Sanding, priming with shellac-based primer, and refinishing with new laminate provides the best results. Painting over laminate rarely works well in restoring white color.
Conclusion
Like any natural material, the finish of white kitchen cabinets will inevitably age and yellow over time. But with sensible care and refinishing when needed, you can enjoy bright, beautiful white cabinets for many years. Take steps like using quality paints, limiting UV exposure, cleaning regularly, and applying protective coats to get the most longevity out of your white cabinetry. With a little diligence, your dream kitchen can stay bright and inviting.