Special cabinet paints are available that provide a smooth finish, but any high-quality paint should work. Make sure your paint is acrylic, not vinyl. Acrylic latex-based paint is durable and easy to clean up. With latex paints, always follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding cure time.
There are many types of paint to choose from, but the best paint for kitchen cabinets is semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Matte is not practical in kitchens and baths where you will need durable paint you can easily clean.
A fresh coat of paint on the inside of cabinets can give your cabinets a new, updated look that can completely change the atmosphere of the room. If the outside of your cabinets have a new paint job, you wouldn't want to open them up to find old and stained wood.
Because the insides are mostly hidden from view, most people only worry about the surfaces of the cabinets that can be seen. Maybe if cabinets did not have doors, more people would spruce up the insides. Then there's the costs. Painting the insides of cabinets will cost two things: time and money.
Kitchen walls and especially kitchen cabinets require a paint finish that's tough, easy to wipe down, and attractive. Satin and eggshell paint finishes work well for kitchen walls, while semi-gloss proves best for kitchen cabinets.
Cabinet paints have higher costs because they contain more resins, which makes them more resistant to scratches, staining, and fading. In addition, they are often formulated with special pigments that help to camouflage imperfections and provide a high-quality finish.
Go for the gloss.
With all that opening, closing, cleaning, and other handling, kitchen cabinets endure a good deal more wear and tear than other surfaces—something to keep in mind when choosing a paint 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).
On the fronts and backs of drawers and doors, you can use a roller. This will apply the paint in a more smooth and even manner and is much faster than only using a paint brush. Then, use a brush for touching up small areas or for hard-to-reach spots.
Refinishing Inside Cabinets
This involves sanding the interior surfaces to remove buildup and to even out any imperfections in the surface. Once sanded, you can stain the insides if you desire and then seal them with an appropriate sealant. While you're working inside the cabinets, look for damage that can be repaired.
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. It is a good choice for cabinetry because it has a hard and durable finish.
A gallon of paint covers about 400 square feet, so one should be enough for your kitchen cabinets. You might realize you want a hardware refresh or need some new hinges as you get started, which can bump up the cost to redo your kitchen cabinets.
Whether or not you sand the cabinets before painting, you will want to use an interior enamel paint designed for cabinets, doors, or trim. Most cabinet paints are satin or semi-gloss.
Don't Go Overboard on Sanding
You should sand cabinets before beginning your how to paint kitchen cabinet project to give the new paint a good surface to grip. But you don't need to sand to bare wood. If your cabinets have a factory finish, sand lightly with 120-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge.
She says light neutrals are generally the best colors for resale because they appeal to most people, but she advises against painting cabinets taupe or beige. “There's the tendency for people to accidentally go too warm—with golden or tan overtones—and then that would be a mistake that's hard to correct.”
Colours such as creams and beiges can make a kitchen look elegant and expensive. If your kitchen is modern, you can use dark colours, such as blacks and greys, which can make it look lavish and extravagant. White reflects light and makes the space look bigger, so complement white with some wood and metallic highlights.
The spraying process allows for application of a primer and multiple, thin, finish coats of high quality materials which can be mixed all colors and alkyd or lacquer. The hardness of the finish is unsurpassed by other methods – spray painted cabinets produce a beautiful, factory-finished look.
Walls, Wood, and Metal - Small 1/4″ nap roller covers or foam rollers will produce the smoothest finish. Light to Medium Textured Surfaces - Microfiber rollers are best. Smooth Surfaces - Use a white woven short nap roller for an ultra fine finish.