What Kind Of Paint Should You Use On Kitchen Cabinets?

Giving your kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of paint can transform the look of your kitchen. But with so many paint options on the market, how do you choose the right one? The key is finding a durable paint that will hold up to the wear and tear of a kitchen while also providing the finish you want. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to choose the perfect paint for your kitchen cabinets.

Painting your kitchen cabinets allows you to update their color and finish without the expense of replacing them. It can modernize dated oak or maple cabinets or give worn cabinets new life. With the right prep work and paint, you can get a smooth, professional-looking finish that makes your kitchen look brand new.

Key Considerations For Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Before choosing a paint, decide if you want to change the color, sheen, or both. Using the existing cabinet color as an undercoat can allow you to simply update the finish. Priming lets you change both color and finish. Some key considerations include:

• Durability: Kitchen cabinet paint needs to stand up to grease, moisture, daily wear and tear, and frequent cleaning. Look for kitchen and bath specific paints.
• Finish Options: From matte to high-gloss, sheen impacts appearance and ease of cleaning. Satin and semi-gloss are common.
• Ease of Application: Look for paint that levels out easily and has a long open time for smoothing brush strokes.
• Color Range: Some paint lines offer far more color options than others through custom tinting.

Evaluating these factors will help you narrow down the many options to find the right paint. Testing paint samples on cabinets is also recommended to ensure you get the finish and color you want.

Assessing Your Existing Cabinets

Look at the current condition of your cabinets to help determine the necessary prep work. Things to note include:

• Surface Condition: Are cabinets worn, damaged, or cracked? Any repairs needed?
• Existing Finish: Does the wood have an existing stain? Is it coated in polyurethane?
• Material: Are they wood, laminate, or thermofoil? Each has different needs.
• Grease Buildup: How much built-up grease is present from cooking?

Taking stock of cabinets helps you plan for repairs, cleaning, sanding, and priming so the paint adheres perfectly.

Choosing Paint Colors

Selecting the right cabinet color transforms your kitchen. Things to consider include:

• Cabinet Style: Color impacts visual weight and enhances architectural details.
• Countertops & Backsplash: Complementary colors create a cohesive look.
• Lighting: The cabinet color should enhance, not fight, the lighting.
• Personal Preference: Choose a color you find beautiful and uplifting.

Whites, off whites, and lighter neutrals open up smaller kitchens. Bolder colors make a dramatic style statement. Mix paint brands to get your perfect shade.

Prep Work For Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Proper prep work ensures the new paint adheres well and provides a smooth finish. Be sure to:

Cleaning The Cabinets

Remove all contents, then wash cabinets with a degreasing cleaner like TSP substitute or dish soap and water. Scrub with a kitchen cabinet paint brush to lift grease from crevices. Rinse and let dry completely.

Sanding The Cabinets

Lightly sand to rough up the surface so the paint can adhere. Start with 150 grit sandpaper on a random orbital sander, then smooth with 220 grit. Be sure to hit edges and corners.

Filling Holes & Imperfections

Fill any holes from old hardware or dents with wood filler, then sand smooth when dry. Spot prime filled areas before painting.

Removing Doors and Hardware

Removing cabinet doors, handles, and hinges allows for easier painting. Number doors to ensure proper reinstallation.

Masking and Taping

Use painter's tape and plastic sheeting to mask off nearby walls, floors, and countertops. Remove knobs and tap holes closed.

Types of Paint for Kitchen Cabinets

Factors like durability and finish determine the right cabinet paint. Popular options include:

Latex Paint

Water-based acrylic latex paints provide excellent durability for high-traffic areas like kitchens. They withstand moisture, resist yellowing, and are easy to apply and clean up. Most latex paints are low odor and quick drying. Behr Interior Cabinet and Trim Enamel is a top latex option.

Alkyd Paint

Alkyd paints (oil-based) provide a hard, durable finish. The longer dry time allows brush strokes to level out. However, they have strong fumes and require mineral spirits for cleanup. Benjamin Moore Advance is a popular alkyd paint.

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paints are water-based like latex but provide a tougher, more durable finish. They're easy to apply but more expensive than latex. Often used on high-end, custom cabinets. Sherwin Williams ProClassic is a leading brand.

Polyurethane Paint

Two-part polyurethane paints create an extremely durable, glass-like finish. However, they require special techniques to apply properly. Often used on new custom cabinets rather than refinishing.

Epoxy Paint

Epoxy paints provide a thick, glassy coating that is highly protective. Application requires precise mixing and skill. Used for heavily damaged cabinets.

Factors for Choosing Cabinet Paint

Consider the following factors when deciding on the best kitchen cabinet paint:

Type of Cabinets

The cabinet material impacts the necessary prep and ideal paint. Wood cabinets allow for staining or paint and oil-based primers. Plastic laminate may need deglossing or a silicone adhesion promoter. Thermofoil only allows refinishing with specialized paint.

Type of Finish

The paint sheen impacts durability and ease of cleaning. Satin, semi-gloss, and gloss finishes better resist moisture, grease, and common stains. Matte finishes hide imperfections but require very gentle cleaning.

Durability Needed

High-traffic kitchens need cabinet paint that can withstand regular use and frequent cleaning. Look for kitchen and bath specific paints with enamels or epoxies for the toughest protection.

Ease of Application

Consider how the paint needs to be applied. If spraying cabinets, look for paint with high flow and leveling. For brush painting, low VOCs and a long open time are key factors.

Special Considerations

Factor in elements like pets, children, and accessibility. For pets, look for super durable finishes. Childproofing may require safer paints. Accessibility needs easier to grip cabinet knobs and pulls.

Sheens for Kitchen Cabinet Paint

Paint sheen impacts the finish, durability, and ease of cleaning. Common kitchen cabinet options include:

High-Gloss

Ultra shiny, reflective finish that highlights wood grain. Most durable and easiest to clean. Resists moisture, grease, and dirt. Shows imperfections.

Smooth, sleek sheen. Very easy to clean and quite durable. Resists yellowing and stains. Ideal balance for cabinets.