One Simple Method Tones Down Unwanted Orange In Kitchen Cabinets (Not Paint)

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The popular 1990s oak cabinet trend is something of a mixed blessing for any homeowners today. On the one hand, solid timber adds far more value to a kitchen than something like laminate cabinets. The downside is that these warm tones look undeniably dated and can be hard to incorporate into a modern aesthetic.

Before you consider painting or restaining, try toning down this warmth with Briwax. It's a more subtle change, and less permanent, making it easier to update if the need arises. Briwax is a wood wax that's primarily designed to add a finishing polish to timber but also contains some color. Paint completely hides the grain of the wood, and stain penetrates and permanently changes the color of the wood, however, this wax deposits a thin layer of color that still allows the grain to show.

Briwax comes in 13 different color options, and choosing the right one is vital for this particular task. You'll want to steer clear of anything warm like the Red Mahogany and instead opt for cool browns like Tudor Brown or Briwax Ebony.

Be aware that any colored wax you add will darken the look along with reducing the orange tones. If you want to lighten the room, Briwax offers a liming wax that deposits white into the grain of the wood, giving your cabinets a more weathered or coastal kitchen look.

Another benefit of Briwax compared to paint or wood stain is that the application process is much easier. There's no need to remove the existing finish by sanding, and some DIYers have even completed the process with the cabinet doors still in place.

All the preparation that's needed is to clean the cabinets with a mild degreaser. However you should be aware that while Briwax will hide minor scratches, it is a transparent tint. Deeper scratches or dents will still show through unless they are repaired first.

The instructions from Briwax recommend applying the wax with a lint-free cloth of 0000 steel wool, which will help to ensure the surface is clean. Start in an inconspicuous spot to see if you're getting the color you want, then apply a very thin layer to the full surface. Once it's completely dry, the wax just requires buffing to bring it to a shine.

Briwax is not intended to be permanent, so if you enjoy the result, you will need to reapply a new coating of wax every year or two. If you want to change up the look, you can use Briwax's removing solution, though home woodworkers have also recommended turpentine and paint thinner for the same purpose.