How I Updated My Oak Cabinets Without Paint by Using Briwax! Easy Budget Kitchen Makeover! Only $24

In this video, I show you how to update oak cabinets without paint by using Briwax! This is an easy and inexpensive DIY kitchen cabinet update on a budget!
PLEASE NOTE
1. This is my personal experience. You may get different results. I’m not a professional.
2. Briwax has a VERY strong odor!
3. As others have pointed out, it does NOT work on wood that has a polyurethane finish to it. The Briwax will not stick.
4. I suggest trying it on the back of a cabinet door first to see if you get the results you want.
5. If you have specific questions, you can contact Briwax on their website.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Briwax: amzn.to/3rFwLmV
Kitchen Faucet: (Only Brushed Nickel is available) amzn.to/39zthME
Drawer Pulls: amzn.to/3wkn3tW
Cabinet Knobs: amzn.to/3wfdix7
Blog Post about Updating Oak Cabinets: www.queenofthe...
MORE VIDEOS:
My $13 Backsplash: • DIY FAUX SUBWAY TILE f...
My $200 Whole Kitchen Update: • KITCHEN MAKEOVER UNDER...
CONNECT WITH ME HERE
Blog: www.queenofthe...
Facebook: / queenofthewh
Email Me: [e-mail]
FREE STAY AT HOME MOM CHECKLIST: subscribepage....
MY AMAZON FAVORITES: www.amazon.com...
ETSY STORE: www.etsy.com/s...
Music from Bensound.com

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you all for the support on this video! I'm a tiny KZbinr who simply wanted to share a frugal DIY project that worked well for my home. However, there have been a few concerns that aren't mentioned in the video. Please read the notes below before deciding if this is right for you and your home. *PLEASE NOTE* 1. This is my personal experience. You may get different results. I’m not a professional. 2. Briwax has a VERY strong odor! 3. As others have pointed out, it does NOT work on wood that has a polyurethane finish to it. The Briwax will not stick. 4. I suggest trying it on the back of a cabinet door first to see if you get the results you want. 5. If you have specific questions, you can contact Briwax on their website: briwax.com/contact/

[@wordswritteninred7171]

THANK YOU EMILY! We are very limited on money. Who isn't, right? Lol But we just moved into a house that needs so much work! All the wood here, is the same. With that yellow orange hue to it. Seems nothing really goes well with it. We have the same exact cabinets as you. And with no money to spare, we were stick with them. NOT NOW!!!! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! Wonder why I have never heard of this before? Seems so simple to do! Thank you again! SUBBED!

[@queenofthehousehold]

@@wordswritteninred7171 I had never heard of it either until I stumbled across an article on Pinterest! I hope it works well for your home too. Thankfully, it's such a low cost option! Welcome to the community here! Glad to have you.

[@Mama-Ames]

I enjoyed your video. Your kitchen is lovely. But please try to support local business. Don't help billionaire Bezos close down small, local shops, many family-owned for generations. From my heart, I thank you.🙏♥️🇺🇲✌

[@dannydonnelly8345]

@@wordswritteninred7171 before you buy this product and use it, I say this as a former dealer of briwax, it has a terrible very toxic very poisonous odor. If you are looking to truly update your cabinets, painting them white seems to be in Vogue. Also your cabinets are coated with polyurethane, you will have to sand every bit of that off any part of the woods you put the briwax on, or else it will not stick. It will forever be wet on the surface of your cabinets smudging and rubbing off on your hands and clothing. Your kitchen will smell like briwax for months. This product is basically only good for wood that has not been finished. Or that has been completely stripped. On the other hand there are many many many other products, you just need to talk to somebody that knows about them. If you're going to paint them you need to only ruff up the polyurethane surface to make it so the paint will adhere. You did not have to strip the cabinets completely to do it properly.

[@carolg.6838]

Thank you E.ily and commenter Danny E that this product has such a very strong odor that lingers so long. Many could never use this product. Or perhaps worse if they had someone else do it while they were out and had no clue...I would have to vacate or be sick and lightheaded..for months? Emily, product aside, you did a great job on everything.

[@76missahmad]

Omg....THANK YOU... this is my kind of kitchen update--no removing doors, no sanding, no painting, I love it!🙌🏾 I'm updating my kitchen now and am *sick* of seeing white cabinets, plus, for me, it's just not a practical finish with 3 kids. Can't wait to try this on my oak cabinets.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Yes! It's really easy for those of us who don't have major DIY skills. Ha! I hope you like how it turns out!

[@MovieMakingMan]

Everyone is going to white cabinets. In a few months white will look boring and dull. Then everyone will be saying how wonderful honey oak looks. I’m with you. Every video I’ve seen was about removing all cabinet doors and hardware, sanding 5 times, painting five times and then reattaching all the cabinet doors. Oh yeah, that doesn’t include finishing the cabinet frames. The entire process for a small kitchen with one person doing all the work is over 2 months! They can keep their white cabinets. If anyone comes into my house and disses my honey oak I’ll throw them out 😀. I love honey oak so to heck with the white cabinet snobs 😂😂😂.

[@kaileim970]

​@MovieMakingMan I updated my kitchen in 2008 and went honey oak because I love the color too. I may try this tho...

[@AmysMusic7]

You can’t do this over painted white cabinets. You would have to sand off all the paint first.

[@Allaiya.]

So did you do it?

[@mals86]

Thanks for this. I have honey oak cabinets that I don't love, and I've been trying to decide what to do with them. I can understand why a lot of people would really love this look, and I appreciate your posting this video... because it's confirming that what I really hate about the cabinets is not so much the warm honey color, but the heavy distinctive oak grain. An update that highlights the grain would, I think, just make me hate them more. (This is my preference, y'all. Please don't take it personally.) There's no money in the budget for cabinet replacement and my early-2000s cabinets are pretty sturdy anyway. So I think I'm going to be filling the grain, sanding, priming, and painting -- not that I'm looking forward to that, but I'm convinced it's the way for me to go. Again, I really appreciate seeing what you've done with your cabinets because it's been so helpful to me in knowing what I do and do not want.

[@queenofthehousehold]

I’m glad you figured out what will work for you!

[@dollysmommy3]

A wooden skewer works really well for getting the gunk out of the corners and no chance of scratching. It works well on faucet areas too. Thanks Emily.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you for sharing, Judy!

[@ThePinkPanth3r]

I came to comments to say the same thing. I get in so much trouble when I take the kitchen knives into the garage lol.

[@macbook802]

Also a toothpick

[@macbook802]

Also a steamer

[@cynthiarafferty7662]

The Briwax really made the wood grain come out in the oak cabinets to give them a different look without painting them. To replace kitchen cabinets can be expensive and sometimes the cabinets that are in the kitchen are good quality and solid wood. I like the knobs and pull handles that you put on the cabinets. They give a more modern look to the cabinets. I like the new kitchen sink faucet too. A good use of money to update your kitchen without construction mess and spending thousands and thousands of dollars. Great job!

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you, Cynthia! Yes, it's a great thrifty option!

[@teaberrywmn]

You sold me on this cabinet upgrade. I've researched painting, gel stain, etc and this is exactly what I'm going for. Thank you so much for your very useful tutorial.

[@queenofthehousehold]

I did the same research before finally choosing this method, and I’m so glad I did it! I hope you like it too.

[@conniesmith2748]

I watched your video several times and decided to try briwax for my cabinets which are about 50 years old. I simply love the results!! Thank you so much for your video.

[@queenofthehousehold]

That’s wonderful, Connie! ❤️

[@alannarbt174]

I love that the fact that you kept the integrity of the wood here. I’m currently looking for a home to buy and so many kitchens have their oak cabinets painted over and it drives me nuts lol

[@queenofthehousehold]

Yes, I think it was such a big trend that a lot of people followed. But it's not easily reversible! ;) I love the look of stained wood.

[@blackcatusa7946]

@@queenofthehousehold beautiful I want to do this. Did you have to sand? Sorry if I missed it in the video, but didn't notice reading through the comments.

[@debpratt52]

I agree. Once you paint, you have to paint forever. (Or do a lot of work stripping it.)

[@toninatoli]

The cabinets look great. I'm most impressed with you installing the faucet! Plumbers are soooo expensive to hire!

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you, Toni! It took sometime to figure out, but I’m glad I was able to install it.

[@kandaschurr7034]

Great job, and I like that you matched your hardware to your new faucet! After years of trying to figure out what to do with my yellowed cabinets, you, dear Emily, have solved the problem in seven minutes and forty-two seconds. Wow. Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@queenofthehousehold]

Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed this video, Kanda! The faucet and hardware really took the kitchen up a notch!

[@kimberlyemili6137]

Thanks Emily! I did it today. I used Dark Brown Briwax as the Tudor was out of stock. Also replaced door handles and drawer pulls. Very pleased with results. (And my clean sink!)

[@queenofthehousehold]

Yay, I’m so happy to hear you did all of that! Way to go, Kimberly!

[@karenstaedter183]

Love it. Thanks

[@aprilella5027]

This looks amazing! It transformed the kitchen entirely. Thank you I had never heard of this product. I will definitely go with this option instead of painting

[@queenofthehousehold]

I'm so glad this video helped! I hope you enjoy using the Briwax, April!

[@JamieM470]

So it IS actually possible to change the color of those yellowish-orange oak cabinets without taking everything apart, sanding, stripping, etc. Yay! Love this! Thank you thank you!!!!!!

[@queenofthehousehold]

Yes! I love making things as uncomplicated as possible! 🙌🏻

[@arlenel9583]

Wow. Never heard of this product. Emily, this was amazing to see how you transformed your cabinets. Mine are about 40 years old and I've been wanting to find some way to brighten them up without a major paint project (not me doing it) or replacing. I found a video also on how to de-gunk them with Tire and Wheel Cleaner, so after I eventually do that, I just might give this a try. Thank you for sharing.

[@queenofthehousehold]

It really is an amazing product! I hope it works well for your cabinets too. I had no idea about that trick for cleaning gunk from the cabinets. Thanks for sharing!

[@Fuzzmom903]

You go!!! Thank you so much for giving hope to those of us who want to keep our custom wood cabinetry, but simply want an update that isn’t paint.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Yes, there is hope! Paint is not the only option. 👍🏻😀

[@Diana-gn8rp]

I watched this video and ordered everything used. I had 1950 kitchen cabinets with useless brass ornate center pulls. Removed all 20 from drawers and cupboards. Cleaned, Bri wax ( used a paint brush) , wood filler in two holes of each cupboard, added new modern bar handles to each corner and all drawers. Had hubby involved to drill holes. I can’t stop admiring our work. Cost me around $80.00 total and they look WONDERFUL! Thank you. The Brie wax soaked into worn areas around the corners of frequently used cupboards since the middle pulls were useless, making the cupboards look new. They are walnut, but I used the same color as you since they was out of the darkest color.

[@queenofthehousehold]

I love hearing this! I'm so glad it worked for you and you are so pleased with the results!

[@mynewfamily9028]

After watching other videos where colored wax was used to change the look of wood, I wondered if it would work to change the color of my "orangey" oak cabinets without having to sand. I googled that question and your video popped up. Not only was my life changed, but you have my exact kitchen!!!! I was able to learn how to execute exactly what I was hoping to be able to do with my cabinets, PLUS I already know what it will look like!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH for the time you spent making this video and giving others the confidence to see that, like you, we really can do most projects ourselves....we just need to be shown how.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Yay! I’m so happy this video was helpful. That is exactly why I made it. I couldn’t find any other videos explaining the process and I knew others would want to see it like I did! 😁

[@annb3575]

Hi, i would like to "neutralize" the orange of my 36 year old oak kitchen cabinets. what product did you use to tone down the orange?

[@daviddavid9837]

Yes! I found it! This is exactly what I need for the 48-year-old kitchen! Thank you so much for posting this!

[@queenofthehousehold]

Yay! I’m so glad this helped, David!

[@shirleycolopy4322]

Beautiful job! Love the knobs and faucet. Little things like that make a huge difference! You don’t have to spend thousands.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Yes, Shirley! I agree. Simple fixes are my favorite!

[@lauralake7430]

When drilling cabinets, run the drill in reverse right when you start the hole and right before you go through the back. The hole will be cleaner and not splinter. Also, you can get a wax brush for application that might be easier to use and use less product. Ive been a woodworker for a little bit of time, and these are things that help me, they might help you. Great video.

[@ccpbux]

I'm currently gel staining a bathroom vanity and stopped to take a break & watch KZbin videos on cabinet staining. I also have the honey oak cabinets and have been wanting to stain my kitchen cabinets darker, but it's a huge project for me & I've been a little nervous about doing it. I ran across your video and will definitely do the Briwax method for my kitchen. Great job on your update!! I love seeing other moms doing DIY projects! The feeling of accomplishment & seeing the results afterward are always so rewarding!! Thanks for sharing!

[@queenofthehousehold]

Yes! I love the feeling of accomplishment. I hope you like the Briwax on your kitchen cabinets!

[@Skarfp]

I've been wanting to do my bathroom vanity and happened to come across your channel. It was so inspiring that I ordered a can of BriWax right away and look forward to getting to work. Thank you so much!

[@queenofthehousehold]

I hope you love how it turns out!

[@Spedteacher2020]

To get dirt and gunk out of tight places use a hand held steamer. Best $30 I ever spent on Amazon. I steamed my windows, mattresses, bathtub, sinks, cabinets, and soon. I have the Bissell steam shot.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Great tip, Chally! Thank you for sharing!

[@delluser4936]

No idea how this womans video blog came up. Notwithstanding, I enjoyed her explaining her kitchen cabinet makeover. Great video hostess and her end result came out attractive. Thank you for this.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeffmorse645]

Thank you for not destroying your wood cabinets. If a person has the budget I'd use modern finishes (dark counters, contrasting backsplash and flooring and black stainless steel appliances rather than ruin natural oak cabinets with paint. That really sets golden oak cabinets off and modernizes the look.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Agreed! Great tips!

[@joyceprice6749]

The kitchen looks great. I have painted and stained all my life and I must say you did a terrific job.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you so much!

[@happytrails8242]

This looks great!!! I've been wanting to give my kitchen cabinets an update but really wasn't looking forward to sanding and staining...I want to give this a try!!

[@queenofthehousehold]

I hope you like it!

[@candicebrock7064]

Just waxed our bathroom vanity and I am so pleased. I applied with wax brushes from Amazon. It was so simple. Thank you for sharing this helpful tip. 😁

[@queenofthehousehold]

Yay! So happy to hear you like it. 🤗

[@larrystradeski8261]

Great job!! You're still keeping the oak cabinets looking the same only better instead of making them look like CHEAP mdf.

[@sunshine4evr517]

This is exactly what I was looking for. I am updating on a budget to sell my house. The results are amazing , fresh, and more 2022

[@dianabaskin1944]

Thanks for sharing. This looks like something I can do. Most of the videos I have watched show taking the doors off, sanding and painting over the wood to make them look smooth. I do not want to do this because it is a part of the style of my older house. I just want to update them. Looks great.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you, Diana! I took the easy route for sure without taking the doors of. Ha! I hope it works for you. I do want to mention that it doesn't work over cabinets with Polyurethane. But if your cabinets are just stained it should work!

[@FigsFrogPrince]

This product, new to me, really brought out the beauty of the grain in this wood, very good looking, rich! Thank you for showing us how

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you for watching, Ellen!

[@sandramichaud8033]

You made this a couple,years ago, but this is what I need to refresh my cabinets. Just need to choose the right color. We all thank you!

[@infjfemale200]

You did a beautiful job with updating the cabinets as well as replacing your faucets, it look so nice! I also like that the counters are clutter free.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you!

[@SharryLynnOR1]

We put black hardware pulls on our honey oak cabinets during Covid. Then just changed out our beige tiles with light brown grout counters with granite in browns, beiges, black and tans. Now the cabinets need cleaning and update to bring out the wood grain. Not paint! We are teetering between Gell and Briwax. We need to get our kitchen put back together, too. Help?

[@SharryLynnOR1]

We also changed our faucet to a black brass bridge configuration and separate ariator to spray the sinks and meal prep. Looks SO traditional! Love it!

[@Holly-nb3vm]

Guys, I got sucked in by this video. It doesn’t work if your cabinets have any finish whatsoever. This will NOT STAIN POLYURETHANE, it will only change the color if you sand off most of the finish. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I tried it. Absolutely no change whatsoever (except to the worn areas) and I used BLACK!

[@queenofthehousehold]

Oh no, Holly! I’m so sorry it didn’t work for you. Thank you for sharing your results though.

[@murphy75571]

That's the problem we are having. It made it look nicer but didn't change the color and we bought dark brown. Did it work after you sanded it down?

[@brandimarsh7875]

I literally just asked this question before seeing your response. BUMMER!!! Thanks for sharing the warning!

[@NowWhatPpl]

Strange bc it looks like her cabinets in video have a poly coating?

[@richb5918]

You have to take off the protective finish. The stain can not penetrate the wood otherwise. Use a stripper before you sand. It will save time.

[@frankkay6457]

What a BRILLIANT HACK! I used the TEAK Briwax on my tired, dated medium oak kitchen, and it LOOKS GREAT! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@queenofthehousehold]

That’s great! I’m so happy you liked the results too. 😊

[@colleencunningham4762]

I am about to do this dark stain to freebie Oak furniture...because I love the wood grain, and black stain the legs and feet to .modernize it. So it was fun to relate to what you did! Looking good girl!!!

[@queenofthehousehold]

Oh, that sounds like it will look good! So fun to transform furniture. 👏🏻

[@pammonaghan6038]

Kitchen looks great and boy, do I wish I had your energy.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Ha! I was worn out afterwards, that's for sure! Thank you for watching, Pam!

[@_elaineee_]

I want to give my bathroom a makeover and I have the same orange oak cabinets. Im only 16 though so I don't have a bunch of money to do a complete renovation, nor will my mom allow me to paint or sand the cabinets lol, so this is sooo so perfect for me!! Thanks so much for the helpful upload!

[@queenofthehousehold]

I hope you like the results!

[@cathycoons9032]

Hi Emily great job! What would top off your project is to put your cup pulls on the faux drawers under your sink to top it all off.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thanks for the feedback. 🙂

[@lorimav]

Much better than boring white cabinets that everyone has these days.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Personally, I prefer other than white as well.

[@carlaphoenix8965]

Thank you for this post .👍🏻👍🏻. I have the same solid oak cabinets. I keep seeing videos of people painting their lovely wood cabinets and it makes me nuts 😵😵😵. You video has given me a great alternative to consider to update our 1998 kitchen. Well done and thank you. 😃

[@queenofthehousehold]

Hi Carla! I'm glad this was helpful! My kitchen was built in 1997, so right around the same time as yours. Yes, I love the look of wood cabinets!

[@Cat-xs6os]

Love the job on your kitchen! It does look so much better! Great way to save time and money on cabinet re-do! I'm doing this now to using dark brown Briwax on our honey oak cabinets and love how it looks so far!!! I used liquid sand paper to strip laminate off (do not wipe in circles as instructions say or you will have circular patterns showing up after applying Briwax) I used rubbing alcohol to clean cabinets first. Vinegar is suppose to work well to clean cabinets too. (I'll try that next). Wear a mask, gloves, and have ventilation. Smells goes away in about 2 hours. Good Luck 🍀

[@jennieolson6199]

I saw your comment and wondered how it turned out after sanding the cabinets? Also, does the color stay on them? Thanks for the info!

[@isabelnieto5189]

thank you thank you for this. I've been looking for a solution to my oak cabinets that didn't require removing and sanding and you have been the answer to my prayers. thank you so much, I can't wait to try this.

[@queenofthehousehold]

I hope you love how it turns out! It’s so nice to not have to sand all the cabinets.

[@CC-rv4zc]

Love this. I've been trying to come up with a way to update my cabinets without painting. I love seeing the wood grain, but I don't love the color.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Yes, I agree, Christine! I love the wood grain showing up better too.

[@CC-rv4zc]

@@queenofthehousehold exactly! The grain on my cabinets is so beautiful, the color not so much. The house has beautiful original 40s wood mounding, but the previous owners put clashing cabinets in. I think this product might allow me to match up to the original wood and have it all look more built in! We'll see.

[@queenofthehousehold]

@@CC-rv4zc I hope it works out for you! I love the wood details in 40's homes!

[@troyperry1231]

Beautiful job I was wondering what I should do and I wanted something not to time consuming and difficult because we have the same cabinetry and just finished concrete counter tops and thanks for sharing.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Oh, concrete counter tops are so cool! I hope the Briwax works well for your kitchen!

[@oldandtiredshouldberetired3436]

Thank you. I've been wondering what to do with two group home kitchens on a shoe string budget and it always comes back to the yellowish brown clashing with everything. This is a good and easy solution that is simple to do and won't have to worry about residents getting into paint.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Glad it was helpful! It does have a strong odor that lasts a few days though.

[@Adriana-vp1rm]

Tooth brush cleaning is amazing. U r a ⭐. Not many people clean like that.

[@queenofthehousehold]

You are so kind! Yes, I love using toothbrushes to clean in those little crevices!

[@eo6613]

I love this. Very practical and it looks great! I want to get this product for my kitchen table and some shelves to match them with my other furniture 🙂

[@queenofthehousehold]

Briwax is such a great product. I hope you love it! I’ve used it on a couple of my shelves too, and it looks great!

[@eldee858]

Thank you so much for sharing!!! You saved me a ton of work. I was going to either paint or gel stain. This looks so much easier and with a very nice result. Great video!

[@queenofthehousehold]

I’m so glad it was what you were looking for, Eldee! It’s definitely an easier option than most other ideas out there. I hope you like the results!

[@limitlessends]

Look at you being all handy! You surprised me with the faucet and hardware, but wow, what a difference that made!

[@queenofthehousehold]

@@limitlessends I surprised myself! 😃

[@kristindacus8642]

Just found this! BriWax is one of my favorite products. I have used it on cabinets and furniture and it is always amazing at the change it makes.

[@samiam777]

Looks great! I never even new about that briwax!

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you, Samantha! This was the first time I used it. I hadn’t heard of it before either!

[@Holly-nb3vm]

I owe Emily a huge apology. I blamed the process and the product on my lack of success, when in reality it was my own inexperience and impatience that caused my poor result. I kept trying and finally got the hang of it! My results were not as good as Emily’s, but that is mainly because the finish on many of my cabinets was in pretty rough shape. But! On the areas where the finish was fairly intact, my results were good. I also used Dark Brown, as opposed to the Tudor Brown, and I think that was also an issue. The darker wax got into those places where the finished was trashed, and made those spots MUCH darker than the other areas. I think with the Tudor, the contrast would have been less obvious. Couple things I learned that gave me much better results - first, use the smallest amount of wax that you can. Second, don’t buff too hard! Gently, just enough to give it a nice luster. And third….if you really need to go over an area more than once, use a tiny amount of wax and just barely touch your previous coat. New wax dissolves old wax! I’ve done all the wood in the house (kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a linen closet) on 1 and a half cans of Briwax. I think that if I were to do it again, I could probably do it in one can because I wasted a LOT. Emily, THANK YOU for this video….and don’t listen to idiots like me who blame you for their own incompetence, LOL.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Holly, Thank you SO much for sharing an update! I'm so happy that it worked better for you after trying again! Yes, it takes time to get used to working with the stain. Thank you for sharing all your tips! My 7 minute video really doesn't share all the details that are learned by actually doing the process. I'm so happy you were able to use the Briwax in other areas of your home too!

[@Holly-nb3vm]

@@queenofthehousehold you’re a peach! I never would have known about this groovy product and process if not for you. Thank you SO MUCH for helping me rid my home of ugly yellow wood!

[@verafitzgerald4515]

@@queenofthehousehold y

[@monicahamm3353]

Hi Emily..... great project...... I just wanted to let you know, though, for future videos...... you don't need to crank up your music when you are not talking.......... it just forces the viewer to turn down the volume on your video and then back up and back down....... you should aim for a nice constant sound level whether talking or music. That is the key to not aggravating the viewer.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you for the feedback, Monica! Have a great day. 🙂

[@leahsundvall5894]

I have an 1980 wood wall that needs updating. I dreaded the idea of sanding and re-staining. Thanks to you I have a much easier option!

[@queenofthehousehold]

That’s great! I hope you like the results!

[@carolynlangston1316]

The cabinets look so nice!!

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you, Carolyn!

[@amybell4113]

Wow! It looks so good! Great work!

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you, Amy!

[@arlettedumais5776]

I had white cabinets, then installed oak just like these. Later moved to a house with white cabinets (again) and have had them for 30 years. Believe it or not, both were easy to care for, even with kids. This technique is a great option to revitalize tired looking cabinets without costly renovations. Thank you for sharing!

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you for sharing your experience, Arlette!

[@margareth1504]

I have the wooden doors, and I wish they were white because partner just will not wash hands in between anything and they are always a terrible mess with grime and drips and sticky yuk that you see from one angle but not from another angle. He makes a lot of food for himself as he wishes too, but has no bother whatsoever for keeping anything even a bit clean. With 36 seperate kitchen verticle surfaces on doors drawers etc., and their handles, it needs a good clean over all of it every single day, and with the wood you might and do miss bits of grime, especially those bits that were left to harden and solidify for an hour or so, like rice, potato, and blood from the meat. Its fairly horrible. At least with white you can see what needs to be cleaned before too long.

[@marsha8622]

Oh so happy to find this. My husband won't paint or replace our 40 year old oak cabinets and they look horrible. I will try this in our bathroom first. My question is does it smell bad? I have asthma and sensory issues so need to know how strong an odor this has. If you doubt countertops I will be watching or searching for that too. We need new ones and he won't do that either. Thanks....

[@queenofthehousehold]

Hi Marsha! Yes, it has a VERY strong odor. I haven't done any changes to my countertops, but I've seen some people paint them and create a granite look. There are kits you can buy from hardware stores.

[@lynn2574]

I’m curious to know how this has stood up to wear and cleaning. Does it diminish at all with cleaning/wiping?

[@laurakirby9243]

I clicked on the link and checked out the read first section. Says at the bottom of the first column "Once Briwax has been applied, DO NOT use any other household cleaner or spray on the finish. For routine dusting, use a clean, dry cloth." This was also my first question. I hope this helps. Great product but just wouldn't work for me and my household personally after reading that part.

[@artlitmusic]

@@laurakirby9243 Awe, that's disappointing.

[@KMF3]

@@laurakirby9243 I have a bunch of furniture finished with this product and I wash it fine

[@laurakirby9243]

@@KMF3 Good to know. Wonder why the website lists otherwise. May have something to do with certain ingredients. Thanks for the info.

[@KMF3]

@@laurakirby9243 I think it might depend on the grain of the wood and how deep it penetrates. I would sand the wood first. Then if you still are concerned do a top coat of polyurethane

[@rebekahflory8381]

Emily, I am literally blown away! We moved into our home three years ago and every time I walk into the kitchen, I contemplate painting the awful oak cabinets. I’ve seen a few articles on Pinterest about the briwax but not a lot of instruct or tutorials. This was exactly what I needed to convince me! I can’t wait, thank you!!! P.S. how many briwax containers did you go through during the project?

[@queenofthehousehold]

Hi Rebekah! I’m so glad that it was helpful. It took me awhile to finally just go for it, and I’m happy I did! It took about half a can of the Briwax. Really doesn’t take much at all.

[@pnhnut]

@@queenofthehousehold how did you decide on the color and are you happy with it or would you choose something different now that you have it applied and see how it looks?

[@queenofthehousehold]

@@pnhnut Hi! I decided on Tudor Brown because I was afraid to go too dark, and for the most part I'm happy with it. However, I do think now, I could have gone with a shade darker called Dark Brown. Just personal preference.

[@pnhnut]

@@queenofthehousehold thanks that helps a lot :)

[@katjachen573]

I've been looking to upgrade our kitchen on a budget since we won't stay in this house forever. I have the same oak cabinets in this honey color, I absolutely love this idea and will first try it in our bathrooms and powder room to practice! I will certainly follow you for more ideas! Thank you!!!

[@queenofthehousehold]

I hope you like how it turns out!

[@katjachen573]

@@queenofthehousehold I'll share a before and after!

[@Mixdplate]

Last year, I actually purchased the same color of Briwax for the same type of 90's era cabinets. I tried it on one cabinet and didn't really notice a difference, it also had a very strong smell. So I never followed thru. Painting them is really not inspiring to me so I was seeking out other options when I came across your video. Now I'm inspired again! It's possible I didn't apply enough, as I was trying to be safe. So I will try it again on a day when I can open all the windows. Thank you for posting and sharing your process! The only caveat would be that mineral spirits or paint thinner is the only way to remove it, if needed.

[@queenofthehousehold]

It takes some practice to figure out how much to apply, that’s for sure! I hope you are able to try again! Thank you so much for watching.

[@veronicak1665]

I see this is 11 months old and wondering what you did😊. I had the same experience and wondering if I need to try more, or mine appear darker than those in this video, maybe I need dark brown (vs Tudor).

[@allisonneff2862]

Looks great! Does the Briwax have a strong smell? I'm thinking about trying it for my RV cabinets.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Hi Allison, yes! It has a VERY strong smell. You’ll definitely want to have windows open!

[@BelindaTN]

Dangerously strong. I used it on an antique chest and I took it out on our porch. There is a warning on the can about the fumes. It even smelled on my chest for a while. But I like the finish it gave.

[@dannydonnelly8345]

This briwax is extremely toxic and has an extremely toxic odor in fact it doesn't even dry if you use it over painted surfaces and it doesn't harden like a normal wax leaving a slick clean finish, I would not use this on anything other than bare wood at least it will soak into the wood and not into your skin when you touch it. I'm surprised this s*** is still on the market. I made custom furniture for a living, I am very familiar with this product.

[@carmalitayanock9584]

Thank you, this looks great!

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you, Carmalita!

[@JudyMiller-wz3uh]

Hi Emily. If you still are not happy with your non-wood side panels, you might want to check out very thin oak veneer sheets. That's what we did in our kitchen and we like them much better.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you for the tip!

[@Brytm]

My experience with Briwax on golden/yellow oak cabinets: 1) Washed with drill brush (green) and dish soap then dried. 2) Scuffed with scuff pad and wiped down with microfiber cloth. 3) De-glossed (Krud Kutter) and dried with microfiber cloth. Let stand for 10 minutes. 4) Applied Briwax (Tudor brown as well) with caulk paint/wax brush. Let stand for 10 minutes. 5) Buffed out with microfiber cloth. This takes a lot of time. Labor intensive. Wood grain is very dark, the rest more brown/less yellow. 7/10, pretty good. I really appreciate the video.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you for sharing!

[@kimberlym.3643]

What a great transformation!

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you, Kimberly!

[@bkrafter]

Hi Emily. Can you tell me how much of the Briwax did you use? Your cabinets turned out super great. I love the grain contrast, and the wax sure did tone the color down. Thank you :D

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you! I used a little over half a can of Briwax.

[@dans4270]

I actually like the before. I like it closer to the natural color of the wood.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thanks for the feedback, Dan. Good thing it’s not your kitchen. 😉

[@aalemap1]

I have wooden Cabinets in my kitchen.... with old Fruit wallpaper..lol Dark grey countertops and center counter......which is horrible. I covered all counter surfaces with nice Peel and Stick Tiles. I'm painting a Graceful Blue over the wallpaper....and adding a Blue and White Pastoral Toile Backsplash. French Country is what I am going for. Baskets, Cutting boards, Wooden Spoons, Wooden Risers, Plants, Old Pasterol Prints etc..... I'm going to put curtains around the center counter too... It's a project in progress.... but I am loving.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Sounds like you have a great plan!

[@yeg8378]

You are amazing!

[@queenofthehousehold]

Aww, you are so kind!

[@pennyg956]

Is this permanent, how does it hold up to cleaning?

[@queenofthehousehold]

Hi Penny, yes it is permanent. It’s held up to cleaning for the past 7 months for me.

[@annspires8380]

Who knew! My 60+ year-old cabinets are back in style!

[@queenofthehousehold]

Who knew?! 🤷‍♀️👍🏻😂

[@AC-ge1mg]

This is just what we (wife and I) have been looking for!!

[@queenofthehousehold]

I hope you all love how it turns out!

[@glendagonzalez2469]

Wax on, wax off...not just for martial arts.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Ha! I love it, Glenda!

[@29028ft]

Maybe it’s just me, but they still look super dated. No longer 90s, but now they look 70s 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@stephanielegarda5443]

It brings out the grain of the wood, so pretty! Wood is timeless

[@losttheremote13]

Omg this is fantastic! That yellow tinted wood reminds me of college dorm furniture and I so do not want that in my kitchen. Amazing!

[@dmotta2811]

It looks so good, the hardware really made a difference. It looks like whole new cabinets.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you so much! I really love how it turned out.

[@glammedbynatalia]

Oh wow it really clings on to the pores and line of the cabinets. Looks beautiful

[@queenofthehousehold]

Yes, it works really well!

[@jennyl.5730]

I looked into chalk paint etc. I am happy to have found this because it keeps the oak looking so nice & new.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Yes, it's a nice alternative to painting!

[@dianamedrano3591]

It looks really nice! Very proud of you! Hard working lady!💪👏

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you! 😊

[@Tadaia]

GREAT JOB SIS!! I've watching vids all weekend on painting, staining, cerusing, you-name-it... my 80's gold oak cabinets. I'm still deciding but your idea just moved to the top of my list!! Bravo!!

[@queenofthehousehold]

I hope you find an option you like! It has worked great for us. 😊

[@ambervansweden7636]

Great tutorial! I really love the idea to keep the wood look over painting on a color. Thanks again. They look great!

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you!

[@lizcullum2094]

Just found you. Thanks you. Never new there was a product like this. I dont care 4 oak as well. Beautiful.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Briwax was such a great discovery for me! I hope you like it too, Liz!

[@Greens5511]

This is very encouraging! I have the same orangy/yellow oak look and even though I picked it out almost 25 years ago, I am so over that look. Thanks for the tip on the smell and polyurethane finish.....I don't think I will attempt this inside....as time consuming as it will be I think I should take all the fronts off and do it outside....I dread the work and time commitment....but I really think I should try what u did! Thanks 👍👍

[@queenofthehousehold]

I'm glad you enjoyed this video, Vivian! I think taking the time to do it outside will definitely be worth it. I did kinda cheat! LOL

[@starkenterprises2371]

Use a respirator mask, the kind you see painters use. Harbor freight has them cheap. You won't smell a thing while applying, but after it will linger for a day or so. You could air out kitchen with fans at doors to speed it up. Don't take them apart, they will never be the same. Wood screws are best put in once, not taken in and out. Good luck with your project. GOD BLESS GOD SPEED GOD WINS. P.s. if you do take the doors off, mark them so each door goes back on it's original cabinet.

[@sandeedriver1941]

WHAT A GAL YOU ARE! Thank you for sharing this simple but yey extravagant makeover with us! Beautiful!

[@shoebill181]

I always hated to see people paint over beautiful wood. Wood is so rich and warm. They look so nice and refreshed

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you so much! I love the look of wood too!

[@psuzanne2794]

I’ve always used Old English. Started out using the light color with lemon oil, then found the OE for dark woods. I liked the way it turned out, but am so excited to try the Briwax. With it getting warmer weather though, I may need to wait till fall. I love the black knobs you used!! I have black appliances & sink so it would really be an awesome update. God Bless you for sharing this; you’ve helped many 🥰

[@psuzanne2794]

( My home built in 1986 & I have the exact style of cabinets you have!)

[@queenofthehousehold]

Yes, I love Old English too!

[@248musicgirl]

I have darker cabinets wanting to go lighter. I doubt this would go in that direction. But it’s a great budget refresh!

[@talk2mocha]

Moving into new home with same Cabinets.I will do the faucet & cabinets just like this. Thank you❤

[@queenofthehousehold]

That’s great!

[@hpp867]

I did the Tudor Brown on my oak cabinets, it looks great! Funnily enough we also put in a sink faucet and cabinet hardware in the same tone as yours.

[@queenofthehousehold]

That’s great! So glad you like how it turned out. 😊

[@nellielee2915]

Thanks for sharing your great tips and ideals I will sure do that to my cabinet, because I’m trying to keep the cost down, i just spent a lot to have my kitchen and living room floors done and I wanted to do some low cost upgrades on a budget 😅

[@queenofthehousehold]

This is such a budget friendly option!

[@TheresaBP57]

Just came across your video. OMG I like it❤,been wanting to paint my oak cabinet,but I know it woul be a lot for me,will be doing the wax thank you😊

[@charlottestockham9529]

THANKS! I’m doing this; same situation I’m doing it myself, on a budget, and I’m so happy I found your site! 😃

[@queenofthehousehold]

Good luck! If I can do it, you can do it! 🙂

[@icecreamladydriver1606]

Thanks. I bought and tried a different product that was supposed to do a similar uplift but it did nothing so I ordered Briwax from Amazon but haven't found the ambition yet to get going on it. Watching this video is giving me a little more drive.

[@queenofthehousehold]

It took me awhile to actually open the can and get started too. 😉 I’m glad this video was helpful, and I hope you like the results yourself!

[@mdannyg]

Great video, this is exactly what I'm hoping to do with mine so I'm glad it was recommended. I find it funny that you say "update" since I'm wanting to actually "downdate" mine to look more antique, which I feel is sort of what you accomplished, which is a good thing. It really shows the wood grain better. I'm glad you even mentioned the laminate piece on the side which I have as well and it looks like that piece turned out fine for you.

[@queenofthehousehold]

I totally understand what you are saying! Yes, I love a more antique or traditional style too. I hope this works for you!

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

Did the same with my in-laws Kitchen cabinets. they absolutely loved it.

[@queenofthehousehold]

That’s great! 😊

[@rosemaryhabib1031]

You're the best.Saving time ,money yet looks fantastic.

[@queenofthehousehold]

Thank you!