What is the best paint for kitchen cabinets?
What is the best paint for kitchen cabinets?
Best paint for cabinets
Painting your cabinets is an excellent way to refresh your kitchen or bathroom without a full remodel. Choosing the best paint for cabinets is essential to achieve a beautiful, professional finish that lasts.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand the different types of paint, finishes, and application methods to achieve professional-looking results with your cabinets.
Choosing the right paint type for cabinets
The type of paint you choose plays a huge role in the durability and appearance of your cabinets. Let's explore the pros and cons of oil-based, latex, and hybrid paints to help you make the best choice for your project.
| Paint type | Average cost per gallon | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Oil-based | $20 – $80 | High-traffic areas like kitchens |
| Water-based latex | $20 – $60 | Lower-traffic areas or with a separate clear coat |
| Hybrid (Acrylic-Alkyd) | $25 – $70 | Professional-quality finish for kitchens and bathrooms |
Oil-based paint
Oil-based paints have been a long-standing choice for cabinets due to their durability and smooth finish. They provide excellent adhesion and are known for their ability to level out, resulting in a professional look.
Pros: Offers a smooth, durable finish with excellent adhesion. Easy to clean, making it ideal for high-use areas like kitchens.
Cons: Long drying times, strong odor, and requires mineral spirits for cleanup.
Latex paint
Latex paints, also known as water-based paints, have become increasingly popular for cabinets due to their ease of use and eco-friendly qualities. Modern formulations offer impressive durability and a smooth finish that rivals oil-based paints, making them a great option for cabinets with proper prep.
Pros: Quick-drying and easy to use. Newer water-based paints are durable and give a smooth, shiny finish that’s just as good as oil-based paint.
Cons: May require more prep work to achieve a smooth finish on wood surfaces and a clear coat for durability.
Hybrid paint
Hybrid paints, often called acrylic-alkyd paints, combine the best of both worlds. These paints offer the durability and smooth finish of oil-based paints with the easy cleanup and low VOCs of latex paints, making them a top choice for cabinets.
Pros: Combines the durability of oil-based paints with the easy cleanup of water-based paints.
Cons: Slightly longer drying time than latex but still faster than traditional oil-based paint.
Selecting the perfect sheen
Selecting the right sheen is just as important as choosing the right paint type. Sheen impacts the look, feel, cleanability, and durability of your cabinets. Here's what you need to know.
Matte finish
Matte finishes offer a non-reflective surface that can help hide imperfections, providing a smooth, modern look. Due to its lower durability and difficulty to clean, it's best suited for low-traffic areas or decorative pieces rather than kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
Satin finish
Satin finishes provide a velvety, low-luster appearance that strikes a balance between aesthetics and practicality. This sheen is a popular choice for many homeowners because it is easier to clean than matte finishes and offers a subtle sheen that doesn't highlight imperfections as much as glossier options.
Semi-gloss finish
Semi-gloss finishes are a popular choice for cabinets due to their high durability and easy-to-clean surface. Their noticeable shine reflects light, creating a bright and polished look that is perfect for areas prone to splashes and spills, like kitchens and bathrooms.
High-gloss finish
High-gloss finishes provide the most reflective surface, creating a sleek and modern appearance. While extremely durable and easy to clean, they can also highlight any imperfections on the cabinet surface, making meticulous prep work essential.
Prepping cabinets for a flawless finish
Once you've chosen your paint type and sheen, it's time to focus on preparing the cabinets. Prep work is by far the most crucial and time-consuming step in your cabinet painting project. Without it, achieving a professional-looking and durable finish is impossible. Follow these steps:
Begin by removing all hardware and thoroughly cleaning the cabinet surfaces with a degreaser.
Lightly sand the surfaces, fill any imperfections with wood filler, and apply a quality primer.
Finish with a final light sanding and cleaning to remove any dust before painting.
Applying paint for best results
With your cabinets prepped and primed, you're finally ready to apply the paint! You can choose between rolling and brushing or spraying applications. Let’s consider the advantages and disadvantages of each:
Rolling and brushing
Rolling and brushing is a classic method for painting cabinets. It requires minimal equipment and can be a great option for smaller projects or when you're working with intricate cabinet designs.
Pros: Rolling and brushing are easier for beginners, and the tools are more affordable.
Cons: This paint method is slower and may leave brush marks or roller texture.
Spraying
Spraying can help you achieve a flawless, factory-like finish on your cabinets, but it comes with its own set of considerations.
Pros: Spraying provides a smooth, professional finish with even coverage. It is also a faster application method for larger projects.
Cons: Spraying requires more prep work to prevent overspray, and the equipment can be costly.
Finishing steps
After painting your cabinets, the finishing steps are also important to ensure a durable and polished result. These steps will help protect your hard work and give your cabinets a professional appearance.
Allowing paint to cure
While the paint may feel dry in just a few hours, curing—when the paint fully hardens and bonds to the surface—takes much longer. Depending on the type of paint and environmental conditions, curing can take anywhere from 7 to 21 days. During this time, avoid heavy use or placing items on the surface to prevent chips or damage.
Fixing mistakes
Even with care, small imperfections may appear. If you notice drips, gently sand them smooth once dry, and touch up with paint. For uneven coverage, apply a thin second coat, blending the edges. If dust gets trapped, carefully remove it when dry, lightly sand, and touch up.
Adding protective measures
For extra durability, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens, consider applying a clear protective topcoat over your painted cabinets. This can help guard against scratches, stains, and everyday wear and tear. Be sure to choose a topcoat compatible with your paint type.
FAQs about painting cabinets
How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets?
The average cost to paint kitchen cabinets is $2,000 to $6,500, depending on the paint, the number of cabinets, and the professional hired. The DIY cost is $200 to $600 for paint and supplies.
What is the best paint for kitchen cabinets?
To achieve a professional-quality finish on kitchen cabinets, consider durable paints like Sherwin-Williams Urethane Trim Enamel or Benjamin Moore Advance. Hybrid paints (acrylic-alkyd) also provide excellent results. For maximum durability, oil-based paints are an option, though they require specialized techniques for proper application.
What is the best paint for bathroom cabinets?
Bathroom cabinets require paints that resist moisture. Alkyd-based paints, particularly water-based alkyd enamels, are ideal. Consider options like Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, and Behr Premium Cabinet and Trim. Be sure to ensure proper ventilation during application and curing.
How long does cabinet painting take?
The duration depends on the professional you hire. Painters that specialize in cabinets can often complete the job faster, in about 3 to 5 days. Traditional house painters may take longer.
Can you paint any kind of cabinet?
Not every cabinet is suitable for painting. Low-quality cabinets or those needing extensive repairs may not be worth painting. A professional assessment can determine if your cabinets are good candidates.
How many coats of paint do cabinets need?
Achieving a smooth, durable finish requires multiple thin coats. While the exact number varies, aim for at least two coats of primer and two coats of paint. Lightly sanding between each coat will help achieve the best results. A professional painter can advise on the optimal number of coats for your specific cabinets and paint.
What is the best paint color for kitchen cabinets?
Choosing the best paint color for your kitchen cabinets depends on your kitchen's lighting, size, and style, as well as your desired aesthetic. Consider the existing colors and materials, and test samples in your kitchen before deciding. Resale value, countertops, and backsplash are also very important factors to consider before choosing a paint color.
Getting estimates from cabinet painters
When getting estimates from cabinet painters, follow these suggestions:
Contact at least three painting contractors to compare pricing and services.
Ensure each estimate includes a breakdown of all costs, including labor, materials, and any additional fees.
Confirm the contractor is properly licensed and insured to protect yourself from liability.
Verify the contractor's reputation by checking online reviews on HomeGuide and Google and contacting previous clients.
Ask about the contractor's surface preparation process, including cleaning, sanding, and priming.
Clarify the type of paint they plan to use and the number of coats they will apply.
Ask about the curing time and any special instructions for care during this period.
Questions to ask a cabinet painter
Before hiring a cabinet painter for your kitchen or bath, be sure to ask these important questions:
What is your experience with painting cabinets?
Can you provide references from previous cabinet painting projects?
What type of paint do you recommend for my cabinets, and why?
How will you prepare the cabinet surfaces before painting?
How many coats of primer and paint will you apply?
Do you spray or brush the paint, and what are the advantages of your chosen method?
How long will the project take from start to finish?
What kind of warranty do you offer on your work?
How do you handle dust and ventilation during the painting process?
Is the painting process completed in place, or are the doors and drawers removed and painted off-site?
How do you handle the doors and drawers while they are drying/curing?
What steps do you take to minimize dust and overspray?
What type of top coat do you recommend for my cabinets?
What is the best way to clean and maintain my newly painted cabinets?
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