How to update Oak cabinetry?

[GST]

I'd like to tone down orange oak cabinets but keep timber texture. How can I do?

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @GST. It's amazing to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about updating cabinetry.

Toning down the orange tones in oak cabinetry while keeping the timber texture visible can be a bit tricky. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to achieve this with any sort of surface coating alone. To really change the tone and still showcase the wood grain, you’d need to fully sand back the existing finish to raw timber. Once the old coating is removed, you can then apply a timber stain in a more neutral or cooler tone—such as a light walnut, ash, or even grey wash—to preserve the natural grain.

Keep in mind, sanding can be quite labour-intensive, especially if the cabinetry has a lot of detail or moulding. If that sounds like more work than you're up for, another option is to paint them, which gives you a fresh, modern update without needing to strip back the wood. While you’ll lose the wood grain, it can completely transform the space. For this route, I’d recommend using the Dulux Renovation Range—it’s specifically made for cabinetry, adheres well to timber surfaces, and is available in a wide range of colours, including timeless whites and soft neutrals.

Both approaches can work—it just depends on how much of the timber look you want to retain and how much effort you’re willing to put in.

Here's a helpful guide: How to paint cabinetry. Remember that for your timber, you'll need to follow the direction on the can.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell