Oil paint is the hardest, most durable paint to use for painting cabinets. It takes longer to dry and is harder to clean up, but when applied right and allowed to cure, the result is a finish that can hold up scratches and hard use for years.
Oil-based paint, particularly alkyd paint, is known for its durability and ability to produce a smooth, brush stroke-free finish. It levels out nicely, which is why it's often recommended for cabinets.
Install Cabinet Door Bumpers
Cabinet door bumpers are small but mighty tools that can significantly protect painted cabinets from scratches caused by daily use.
Acrylic Latex Paint: This is a popular choice for cabinets due to its durability, easy cleanup, and low odor. Look for a high-quality, semi-gloss or satin finish for a smooth surface and easy maintenance.
The two best paint rollers for a smooth finish is a High Density Foam Roller with a Rounded Edge and a Lint Free Low Nap Roller, but I will say that even though both of these are good rollers one wins the prize for the smoothest finish.
Things to consider
Kitchen cabinets are painted in industrial settings with industrial-grade paints and equipment that sprays the paint onto the wood surface with high velocity. It is usually lacquer or enamel-type oil-based paint and it might have undergone an additional curing process.
One of the most essential tools to have is a paint roller for a smooth finish. DIY enthusiasts and professionals have grown fond of using high-density foam rollers. This makes them a great choice is their ability to provide a flawless, smooth surface, making them ideal for use on cabinets and furniture.
MAGNOLIA HOME BY JOANNA GAINES® TRIM, DOOR + CABINETRY INTERIOR SEMI-GLOSS PAINT 4.5 out of 5 stars, average rating value.
The Final Verdict. Both Slavik and Fiorilli agree—using a paint sprayer is the best way to achieve the most professional cabinet finish as well as save time. That doesn't mean that a brush or roller should never be used though.
Scuff-X® Interior paint is a revolutionary, single-component paint that resists scuffing before it starts. Engineered with cutting-edge protection against scuffs, patented Scuff-X technology not only delivers unyielding defense for walls, but it also helps save time and money.
A polyurethane varnish finish can cut down on the wear and tear of kitchen cabinets, help keep them looking new and extend the life of the cabinets. Polyurethane works best on unfinished wood but can also be painted directly onto painted surfaces.
Our recommendation for cabinets is Valspar Accolade. It offers best-in-class durability, washability, and stain resistance.
Ever-versatile, white and off-white paint colors are timeless choices for kitchen cabinets. In addition to classic neutral kitchen cabinets, other popular timeless hues include light grays, soft greens and wood tones.
Durability: Satin: While satin paint is durable, it's not as tough as semi-gloss. It can still withstand normal wear and tear, but it might show scratches and scuffs more easily. Semi-Gloss: Semi-gloss paint is more durable due to its higher sheen.
Tip: Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel in Gloss, Semi-Gloss or Satin sheen is among the best paint for kitchen cabinets because it has excellent flow and leveling characteristics, resulting in a smooth and durable finish.
We usually use professional-grade lacquer because it has a lovely, silky-smooth feel to it, and is what cabinet manufacturers use. We think it's the best paint for cabinets, hands-down (although there are some great pro-level water-based options as well).
Since many rooms with cabinets usually get a lot of traffic and activity, you'll want to get this project done fast. Using a Magnum airless paint sprayer will provide the fastest way to achieve a perfect finish.
To prime inside kitchen cabinets, we recommend using a 10- to 15 cm (4- to 6-inch) fine-finish roller on flat surfaces, and a paintbrush for hard-to-reach areas.
For 10 years, Cabinets To Go has installed cabinetry in HGTV's Dream Home, and we are excited to share the bold designs featuring our Gracious Home and Premiere Custom Cabinetry in this year's home.
The Paint: Roycroft Mist Gray, Sherwin-Willaims
She selected Roycroft Mist Gray for the base cabinets and paired it with neutral Whitetail on the uppers — both Sherwin-Willaims. To complete the trio of shades, she accented the space in matte black.
At Cabinets.com, we use the highest grade Sherwin Williams paint for all painted cabinet doors in our various cabinet door styles. Paint may have a slight difference in tones between doors, drawer fronts, and face frames. It's important to note that wood naturally expands and contracts.
There are certain conditions and circumstances where use of a foam roller could be detrimental or damaging to a person's body. Foam rolling exercises load and stress the underlying tissues, including nerves, skin receptors, blood and lymphatic vessels, as well as bones.
Many painters “break in” a roller cover by priming it with water or thinner. In our lab we never prewet a cover before painting. If you choose to, you must spin it out with five or six strong pumps so it is only lightly damp. Then take even more moisture out by blotting the cover with a paper towel.