How to Choose Paint for Your Kitchen Walls

Selecting the perfect paint for your kitchen walls is an important decision that requires careful consideration. The right paint can transform the look and feel of your kitchen, while the wrong choice can leave you with walls that easily show stains, scratches, and other imperfections.

When deciding on kitchen wall paint, you'll need to think about the purpose you want it to serve, the amount of prep work required, the shade and finish that will work best, and application tips to end up with a professional-looking paint job that withstands daily use.

Determine the Purpose of Your Kitchen Wall Paint

Before choosing a paint color or sheen, decide what you want your kitchen walls to accomplish. Common goals include:

• Create a focal point with a vivid shade behind a open shelving unit or island
• Establish a relaxing mood with a peaceful blue or green hue
• Camouflage surface imperfections like bumps and cracks
• Enhance architectural details through high-contrast colors

Once you settle on an objective, you can narrow down paint options that will achieve it.

Use Color to Set a Mood

Color wields immense influence over the vibe and atmosphere of a kitchen. A bright, sunshine-filled space coated in buttery yellow paint promotes cheer and energizes occupants. Deep umber brown evokes a cozy cafe ambience amid exposed brick walls and stainless steel appliances.

Consider existing elements like countertops, floors, and cabinetry when selecting a color. For example, pairing cornflower blue walls with crisp white Shaker cabinets and a gray marble backsplash creates a lively, beachy aesthetic.

Hide Imperfections

Over time, kitchen walls accumulate their share of bumps, cracks, holes, and blemishes. A fresh coat of paint distracts the eye from flaws by introducing a smooth, seamless canvas.

For severely damaged drywall, fill sizable holes and gaps with spackle before painting. Once dry, sand the area flush with surfaces. Primer further minimizes imperfections.

Select Type of Paint for Kitchen Walls

From durable latex house paints to high-gloss enamels, numerous options exist for painting kitchen walls. Consider factors like washability, aesthetics, and ease of application.

Latex vs. Oil-Based Paint

Water-based latex paints feature acrylic resins that form a protective film over surfaces as they dry. Compared to oil-based alkyds, latex paint is more breathable, flexible, and convenient to use since it cleans up with water and dries faster without strong fumes.

However, oil-based paints provide unparalleled adhesion and durability. Areas susceptible to condensation, humidity, stains, and scrubbing like kitchen walls often benefit from resilient alkyd paint.

Sheen Level Impacts Appearance

The amount of light reflected by painted walls depends on the paint's sheen or gloss level:

• Flat - No sheen, excellent hide and texture
• Eggshell - Soft velvety sheen
• Satin - Low-luster shine
• Semi-Gloss - Noticeable shine resists moisture and stains
• Gloss - High-gloss reflective shine

Traditional matte finishes hide imperfections well but require gentle cleaning. Gloss and semi-gloss enamels showcase bold, dynamic colors but also magnify flaws.

Best Paint Options for High-Traffic Areas

Kitchen walls endure daily wear and tear. For surfaces surrounding stoves, sinks, and countertops choose durable satin, semi-gloss, or gloss paints fortified to withstand heat, splatters, and scrubbing without losing its luster.

Choose Kitchen Wall Paint Colors

Color choice impacts a kitchen's atmosphere, dimensions, lighting, and functionality. While personal preference plays a pivotal role, some guidelines help narrow down options.

Explore Neutral Color Palettes

Timeless whites, grays, and beiges serve as a clean backdrop for colorful decor and appliances. Go for a warm white with faint yellow undertones or a cool white with subtle blueish aspects.

Soft gray paint like Revere Pewter visually expands smaller kitchens. For variation try greige, a blend of gray and beige.

Infuse Vibrancy with Bold Paint Colors

Vivid paint picks lend kitchen walls serious drama while introducing color used sparingly through accessories. Deep red or sapphire blue are rich alternatives to standard white backdrops.

To keep small kitchens from looking cramped, use intense colors only on one wall to anchor the space.

Complement Counters and Cabinets

Coordinate wall color with existing materials to achieve a cohesive aesthetic. For oak cabinetry, consider almond walls. Pair cool grays with bright white cabinetry. Match wall and countertop hues for a streamlined monochromatic vibe.

Prep Kitchen Walls Before Painting

Proper prep work ensures paint adheres smoothly and evenly with a flawless finished look.

Fix Imperfections

Fill small holes, cracks and gaps with spackle compound. Allow to fully dry then sand flush with walls. Dust surfaces before priming.

Degrease and Clean

Kitchen walls harbor built-up grease. Wash down all surfaces with TSP substitute cleaner. Rinse then allow to fully dry. Now walls easily accept primer and paint.

Scuff Glossy Areas

For smooth or glossy paint, lightly scuff surfaces with fine grit sandpaper so the new coat properly bonds. Dust then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Apply Primer

Quality primer produces superior paint results by hiding flaws, allowing for proper adhesion, and standardizing porosity differences on patched spots. For heavy stains, use a stain-blocking primer.

Application Tips for Painting Kitchen Walls

Careful painting techniques prevent unsightly brush strokes, drips, and uneven coverage to achieve magazine-worthy walls.

Cut-In Edges First

Using an angled trim brush, first paint where walls meet ceilings, corners, and trim in a process called "cutting-in." Hold brush at 45-degree angle as you apply paint using smooth, controlled strokes.

Roll Large Areas

Next, apply paint to broad wall expanses using a roller with 1/4" or 1/2" nap to easily cover space without leaving texture. Work top to bottom in approximately 4 foot by 4 foot sections.

Maintain Wet Paint Edge

As you advance across walls, maintain a wet edge where freshly coated areas overlap areas drying. This prevents lap marks as paint dries to varying sheens if not blended.

Apply Multiple Thin Coats

Thinner paint coats provide better adhesion and appearance than thicker coats prone to drips and uneven drying. Allow proper drying time between additional coats for best durability.

Creative Kitchen Wall Paint Techniques

Beyond basic application methods, explore decorative finishes that introduce captivating texture, dimension, and style.

Customized Faux Finishes

Faux techniques like glazing, ragging, stippling, stone effects, and metallic paint lend old-world charm. After applying base coat in main hue, add a second intermixed glaze coat for depth.