Want to give your kitchen the perfect makeover? Take a look at our guide to the best types of cabinet paint for a beautiful finish! You’ll be sure to get the best results for your project, no matter what kind of look you’re going for. So, let’s dive in and explore the available paints for your kitchen cabinets.
Latex Paint
Latex paint is a popular choice for painting kitchen cabinets. It is easy to use, provides flexible coverage, and is relatively economical. This type of paint adheres well to wood or laminate, which makes it ideal for the cabinetry found in many kitchens today.
Latex paint is inherently durable and resists chipping and peeling upon contact with water. It also has a strong ability to resist stains (which is especially true if your cabinets have been sealed or have already been primed). When latex paint dries, it forms a coating that resists moisture as well as everyday wear and tear.
If you’re planning to do an all-over coat of latex paint, you should always begin with sanding your cabinets lightly and removing any residue from their surface.
Afterward, apply two coats of quality interior primer that specifically states it works best on wood surfaces. Once this process is complete, you can move on to the actual painting with either brushes or rollers (an airless sprayer could also be used for larger projects).
If you’re planning to update your kitchen cabinets with latex paint, it’s a good idea to seek advice from your local kitchen cabinet provider. They can guide you on the best paint colors and finishes to use that complement the overall design of your kitchen.
Oil-based Paint
Oil-based paints are typically considered the best choice for kitchen cabinetry. They offer excellent durability, easy application, and a smooth finish. While oil-based paints can be more expensive than latex formulas, they offer superior performance in the kitchen due to their hard finish and resistance to water and grease. Additionally, they are less likely to cause yellowing over time, as is sometimes seen with water-based paints such as latex or acrylic.
When using oil-based paint on cabinets, it’s important to apply at least two coats for superior coverage and the best results. Start with a primer coat specifically designed for use with oil-based topcoats and let the primer dry before applying the top coat using long strokes along with the grain of the wood. If desired, you can add additional layers of paint to create a glossy or matte look that will last for years with proper maintenance.
Chalk Paint
Chalk paint is a type of acrylic paint designed to give the furniture a shabby chic, distressed look. It is popular for people looking to spruce up cabinets in their kitchen and can be used over almost any surface, including laminated cabinets. Chalk paint adheres easily to almost any surface and dries quickly, making it an ideal choice for kitchen cabinets. It also does not require sanding or priming before use, so you can avoid spending time prepping the surface.
Chalk paint is available in many colors and can be mixed easily so you can customize your own unique shades to fit the style of your kitchen. To create those popular distressed looks for furniture, you apply chalk paint then use sandpaper or steel wool to lightly distress certain areas for a rustic feel. Once finished it’s important that you seal the finish with either polyurethane, wax, or varnish so your furniture is able to withstand greater wear and tear from everyday use in the kitchen.
Milk Paint
Milk paint is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets because of its ease of use, natural look, and durability. It was traditionally used on wood furniture and home surfaces and is often referred to as “ancient paint” because traditional milk paints have been around since the early Egyptians.
Milk paint is made from milk protein (casein), clay, natural pigments, and lime. It’s often referred to as “green” because it’s water-soluble and non-toxic with no odors or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Milk paint is also resistant to bacteria and does not contain any biocides or fungicides.
The finished look of milk paint can range from matte to semi-gloss depending on the type of finish you choose. The most popular types of milk paints are matte finishes, which work well with distressed cabinets or those that are already painted. Semi-gloss finishes providing a beautiful shine on cabinets that have already been painted with solid colors for a contemporary style.
In addition to traditional milk paints, there are also commercial products available that use modern formulations which include synthetic resins, emulsifiers, biocides, pigments, and protectants such as urethanes that make them more durable than traditional milk paints. Overall these products can be mixed by hand in a relatively short period of time without fumes making them an ideal choice for painting cabinets in the kitchen.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is a great option for giving cabinets a new look in the kitchen. It provides superior coverage and adhesion, allowing it to adhere to cabinetry surfaces without cracking, discoloring, or peeling. This type of paint stands up well to heat and humidity, making it ideal for use in both humid kitchens and outdoor cooking spaces. Plus, the acrylic paint allows for easy clean-up with water and mild soap.
For best results, make sure the surface is completely clean before you begin painting by using a degreasing solution or TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) to remove any grease and grime from the cabinets. Once this step is complete, you can use a roller or brush to apply the acrylic paint in thin coats until your desired coverage is achieved.
Synthetic Enamel Paint
Synthetic enamel paint is one of the most popular choices for painting kitchen cabinets. It’s easy to use, self-leveling, and provides a beautiful, durable finish. Synthetic enamel paints can be used on both metal and wooden cabinets and come in a wide range of colors, from glossy whites to attractive blues and reds.
Generally applied with a brush or roller, synthetic enamel paints provide good coverage with an even finish that resists fading over time. In addition to its durability, one of the advantages of synthetic enamel paint is that you don’t have to worry about any special preparation work beforehand – just make sure you clean the cabinets thoroughly prior to painting them.
Urethane-fortified Paint
Urethane-fortified paint is one of the best options for kitchen cabinets because it offers excellent durability and easy cleanability. This type of paint is made with a polymer-modified alkyd resin to create a hard, glossy finish that will stand up well against wear and tear. It also offers good abrasion resistance and can be easily wiped down without damaging the finish.
Urethane-fortified paint is available in many different sheens, finishes, and colors so you can create a look that works for your needs. For best results, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how to properly apply and prepare your kitchen cabinets before painting them with urethane-fortified paint.
Water-based Polyurethane
Water-based polyurethane is a type of paint that is designed specifically for kitchen cabinets, providing excellent durability and a glossy finish. This type of paint is especially suited for those looking to achieve a smooth, professional look. It is also eco-friendly, as it doesn’t contain any volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Water-based polyurethane only needs one coat to achieve the desired finish and offers great coverage. Additionally, due to its water-soluble nature, this type of paint makes it easy to clean as well as being stain resistant and long-lasting. While it can be costly compared to other cabinet painting materials, many homeowners feel that the cost is worth the convenience and gorgeous finished look.
Conclusion
When choosing the best type of kitchen cabinet paint for your project, there are several factors to consider including cost, wear and tear, convenience, durability, and aesthetics.
Generally speaking, oil-based paints provide more coverage with the most lasting finish. However, for convenience and quick turnover time, water-based paints may be preferable. For areas that demand more durability or simpler clean-up, oil-based alkyds are a great option.
Taking all factors into consideration can help you make a more informed decision as to which paint will give you the best result for your kitchen cabinet painting project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of paint should I use on my kitchen cabinets?
The best type of paint to use on kitchen cabinets is high-quality, oil-based enamel paint. This type of paint offers excellent durability and a smooth finish.
What kind of preparation is needed before painting kitchen cabinets?
Before painting kitchen cabinets, it is important to thoroughly clean the cabinets, sand them down, and apply a primer. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly and provides a smooth finish.
How many coats of paint should I apply to my kitchen cabinets?
Two to three coats of paint should be applied to kitchen cabinets. The first coat should be a thin layer, and the second and third coats should be slightly thicker.
