While oil-based paints make a case for themselves with their reputation for easy application and a long-lasting finish that can be scrubbed and cleaned regularly, latex paint is the best choice for most kitchen cabinets since it offers lower levels of VOCs and is quicker to dry.
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.
Latex paints are often the best choice for kitchen cabinets, especially acrylic paints. Water-based acrylic paint will have no chemical odor, unlike oil-based paint, and is water-resistant and easy to clean -- all-important distinctions for working in a kitchen space.
Kitchen Size
The larger the space, the more likely it is that a glossy finish will help reflect light and provide an overall brighter feel to the room. On the other hand, if your kitchen is on the smaller side, then matte paint can be a great choice to add some texture and depth to your cabinets.
Satin and eggshell paint finishes work well for kitchen walls, while semi-gloss proves best for kitchen cabinets.
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.
That may get you wondering if you need a primer for cabinets. The fact is, applying primer is an important step in the painting process. Primer provides a suitable surface for the paint to stick to, helping it to last longer and look better.
Overall, the best finish for painting cabinets is semi-gloss. It ensures maximum durability and is ideal for high moisture areas like bathrooms and basements. I have painted all the natural oak cabinets in my home in a variety of colors using semi-gloss.
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.
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.
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).
If your cabinets have a layer of paint or a clear coat already applied, it's important to strip and sand them before applying a new coat of paint. This will help ensure proper adhesion and prevent potential issues like peeling or chipping.
The most highly recommended kitchen cabinet paint option is oil-based paint.
Then, hang it next to your backsplash and appliances to make sure it really works. Whether you're using a paint sprayer or brush, start with the doors and drawers; they take the longest, since you need to paint both sides and let them fully dry in between the two top coats.
A: In order to get a factory finish look on cabinets when you paint them yourself, you will actually use both a brush and a roller. However, the majority of the painting will be done with a roller. Specifically, a foam roller with give you the smoothest finish when painting cabinets.
Because it is easy to clean your cabinet with satin finishes, this means that satin finish is the best choice for high-traffic areas in your kitchen. If you cook often, you know the process can be pretty messy, leaving your kitchen with various stains.
Do you need to sand cabinets before painting? Skipping this time-consuming step is a surefire way to lead to a messy finished product. Sanding helps fresh paint adhere to surfaces and will help prevent chipping down the line. It's also better to sand twice (first to remove old paint, then to smooth out the wood).
The Pros Of Painting Kitchen Cabinets
You can make your cabinets look like new! Paint can help give them a fresh new look. Paint also gives kitchens a more modern feel. Plus, paint is pretty good at hiding dust.
Do you paint the inside of cabinets? A. Painting inside cabinets is up to you. Homeowners generally opt to paint inside cabinets if they are open or have glass windows, while others do it to add an extra pop of color into their kitchen.
Go for the gloss.
Higher-gloss finishes stand up better to daily use and are far easier to clean without dulling the color over time. So skip matte, satin, and eggshell finishes in favor of semi gloss or high gloss.
Paint the cabinet boxes
If you're using roughly the same shade as the existing color, two coats ought to do the job. You might even get away with one. Painting over a dark finish with a light color is tougher and could require three coats. Break out a new brush for each coat.
Firstly, the type of paint you used. If you used oil-based paint, you may not need to seal your cabinets. However, if you use water-based paint, sealing is recommended. Secondly, exposure to moisture and heat can affect the lifespan of the paint.
Yes, cabinet paint is different than regular paint. Cabinet paint is formulated to adhere well and provide a durable finish when exposed to moisture and heat, such as in kitchens. It also has a tougher finish than regular wall paints which helps protect against wear and tear from daily use of the cabinetry.