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).
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.
Semi-gloss paint: A popular pick for kitchen cabinets, semi-gloss is a very durable finish with high stain-resistance. These paints reflect more light and have a brighter, cleaner appearance.
In addition, cabinet painters choose paints with the optimal shine. High-gloss and semi-gloss paints work best on cabinets because they have a stronger finish when compared to other sheens. They are also easier to clean and maintain than a matte finish.
Cabinets are de-glossed with a strong cleaner and any oil or grease on them is removed. An oil-based bonding primer is used before your doors and drawers are finished with a hard-as-nails factory finish applied in two coats. “We use lacquer coatings to paint kitchen cabinets,” John reveals.
Paint Cabinets With a Brush and Roller
You want to apply a smooth, thin layer without drips. As with your primer, cut in first with a brush, then use the roller for larger flat surfaces and raised areas. Give each surface one coat. If it looks a bit uneven, that's okay — the second coat will fix it.
Many cabinetmakers prefer an MDF panel because of the stability MDF panels provide against movement and potential paint cracks between the panel and frame. The relatively narrow stiles and rails framing the panel typically remain more stable than the wide piece of wood that makes up the door panel.
Melamine finishes are some of the most durable and versatile cabinet finishes out there! Cabinets with a melamine finish are made by heat-sealing thermally fused melamine resin (TFM) to a hard wood substrate such as pressed wood, medium-density fiberboard, or plywood.
With proper care of professionally painted kitchen cabinets, you can expect your newly painted cabinets to last 8-10 years! While new cabinets will last you much longer, they will also cost thousands more, which can be an unnecessary expense in some cases.
The best clear coat for kitchen cabinets is typically a polyurethane finish, which is known for its durability and resistance to scratches, heat, and moisture. Both oil-based and water-based polyurethanes are popular choices, with water-based options being favored for their lower odor and faster drying time.
They are perfect for high-moisture rooms such as kitchens and baths, and are often stain-resistant. New water-based alkyd paints are growing increasingly popular due to their quality, durability and cost-effectiveness. Oil paint is the hardest, most durable paint to use for painting cabinets.
SEMI-GLOSS
Glossy and sleek, this sheen shines, but does not compete, allowing other colors near it to have their moment. Ideal for: Cabinets.
A gloss finish offers the longest lasting and shiniest appearance. It is highly reflective, thus giving a bright and vibrant look. A gloss finish can work perfectly in the kitchen. This is because it is long-lasting, easy to clean, holds up against stains and spills, and makes a bold statement.
For those looking for paint rollers for a smooth finish, high-density foam rollers should be your first stop. While high-density foam rollers are great, they are not the only option. Lint-free short nap rollers are another excellent choice for achieving a smooth finish.
Cabinet Paint
These paints are more durable than regular wall paints because they contain additional resins, giving them better adhesion properties and greater resistance against moisture damage or fading from exposure to sunlight.
Although painted kitchen cabinets can offer a fresh new look, they may not stand the test of time as well as other finishes. The surfaces of painted cabinets in high-traffic areas, like the kitchen island or near the sink, can be prone to chips, scratches, and general wear over time.
You can expect to pay an average of $934 to paint kitchen cabinets. The typical range is between $425 and $1,460 depending on the size, type of paint, and removal of old paint or varnish. The average cost to paint kitchen cabinets with the help of a pro is $934 or between $425 and $1,460.
You certainly don't want to skimp on the number of coatings you apply to your cabinets, but you also don't want to go overboard. Slapping on too many coats of primer or paint during cabinet refinishing can hinder adherence, interfere with proper drying, and result in strange lines and patterns on the finished surface.
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.
A chemical baking process makes factory-finished cabinets highly durable and resistant to staining.
Alkyd paints are your go-to product if you want to paint kitchen cabinets like a professional. Alkyd paint is not typically used on walls but is commonly used on metal or wood and cabinets.
HDF – High Density Fiberboard – is an engineered wood product that is made out of exploded wood products that are highly compressed, making it denser and much stronger and harder than MDF. HDF is very homogenous with no grain and offers a smooth, unblemished surface that can accept paint just like a smooth hardwood.
Why is it so expensive to repaint kitchen cabinets? Homeowners want a high-quality finish on their cabinets. Achieving a cabinet-level finish requires high-end materials and a lot of time consuming work. As a rough rule of thumb, cabinet painters usually charge about $90 per hour of work for labor.