"Sage green kitchen cabinets with brass hardware, white marble countertops, and eucalyptus decoration in soft afternoon light"

Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme Kitchen Cabinets: A Complete Makeover Guide

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Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme Kitchen Cabinets: A Complete Makeover Guide

Listen, I’ve been in the home renovation game for 15 years, and I can tell you straight up – painting kitchen cabinets isn’t just slapping on some color and calling it a day.

When I first discovered Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme (SW 6186), it was like finding the perfect pair of jeans. This sophisticated sage green is absolutely stunning for kitchen cabinets.

Airy 14x16ft kitchen with Dried Thyme cabinets, white quartz countertops, antique brass hardware, and sunlight streaming through west-facing windows at golden hour.

What You’ll Need

Let’s get real about the supplies:

  • Sandpaper (80-grit and 220-grit)
  • Primer specifically for cabinets
  • Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme paint
  • Quality paintbrushes and rollers
  • Degreaser
  • Drop cloths
  • Painter’s tape
  • Screwdriver (for removing hardware)

Modern farmhouse kitchen with Dried Thyme cabinets, butcher block island, white shiplap walls, and vintage pendant lights in soft morning light.

Budget Breakdown

I’m not gonna sugarcoat it – here’s what you’re looking at:

  • Paint and primer: $150-200
  • Tools and supplies: $100-150
  • New hardware (optional): $200-400
  • Total: $500-750 minimum

Close-up of sage green kitchen cabinet with aged brass hardware, white marble countertop, and pottery vase with eucalyptus in soft afternoon light.

The Process

1. Prep Work (This is where most people mess up)

  • Remove all cabinet doors and hardware
  • Label everything (trust me, you’ll thank me later)
  • Clean those babies like your life depends on it
  • Sand until smooth

2. Priming

  • Use a quality bonding primer
  • Let it dry completely (I mean it – don’t rush)

3. Painting

  • Apply thin coats
  • Wait between coats
  • Don’t skip the waiting part (I learned this the hard way)

Transitional 16x20ft kitchen with Dried Thyme ceiling-height cabinets, cream walls, mixed metal finishes, geometric pendant lights, jute runner on white oak floor, and copper cookware, photographed at blue hour with warm artificial lighting.

Style Tips

Here’s what works with Dried Thyme cabinets:

  • Brass or copper hardware for warmth
  • Natural wood countertops
  • White subway tile backsplash
  • Cream or white walls
  • Plants (lots of ’em)

Modern galley kitchen with Dried Thyme cabinets, white waterfall countertop, geometric grey backsplash, and minimalist decor, viewed from entrance with morning light.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Trust me, I’ve made all these mistakes so you don’t have to:

  • Skipping the degreasing step
  • Using cheap brushes
  • Rushing between coats
  • Not labeling cabinet doors
  • Applying thick coats

Corner kitchen with Dried Thyme cabinets, white walls, marble countertops, open shelves with white ceramics, warm under-cabinet lighting, and vintage copper kettle.

The Final Touch

Want to really make those cabinets pop? Add some:

  • Under-cabinet lighting
  • Open shelving with natural elements
  • A mix of metals in your hardware
  • Textured rugs in complementary earth tones

Remember, this isn’t a weekend project – give yourself at least a week to do it right. Your kitchen’s gonna look amazing, and you’ll feel like a DIY boss when you’re done.

Overhead view of marble-topped kitchen island with produce and bread board, surrounded by Dried Thyme cabinetry and herringbone wood floors in natural morning light.

Questions? Drop ’em in the comments. I’ve probably made every mistake possible with cabinet painting, so I’m here to help you avoid them!