“Oil-based paint is the preferred formulation for cabinets due to its leveling qualities while painting, and stain-resistance and clean-up once they're in use,” says Hathaway.
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.
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).
The most durable kitchen cabinet finish is a catalyzed conversion varnish. This is the most durable finish available for wood. It's chemical and moisture resistant, making it easy to clean. It's also more flexible.
Prime the Surfaces Well
Priming is a very important aspect in painting that guarantees the durability of painted surfaces. Avoid buying all in one primer and paint as this will produce unsatisfactory work. Use oil primer and paint as they give the most excellent and long-lasting impact on the kitchen cabinets.
CONVERSION VARNISH vs LACQUER
For the best custom cabinet finish, our choice is Conversion Varnish (CV) over Lacquer, and here's why… The CV topcoat is extremely durable and easy to clean. It is resistant to heat, water, wear, solvents, acids, and alkalis.
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.
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.
Most people agree that a sprayed on finish provides the highest quality result, and the lowest cost, on cabinets and fine woodwork. 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.
When it comes to durability, an enamel- or oil-based paint is usually the right choice. That said, if you don't prepare the surface properly beforehand, these paints won't last as well as they should.
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.
While other people opt for semi-gloss and high-gloss because it is easy to clean and creates this unique, inviting ambiance in the kitchen. Generally, the most popular finish for interior paint is satin.
Similarly to birch, maple has a smooth, uniform surface that's perfect for a painted finish. In fact, maple wood is even smoother than birch in comparison! Making it arguably the best solid wood surface for painted cabinets. Maple is unique in that it has two separate types of species: a softwood and a hardwood.
Shellac. Shellac primers and paints are some of your most durable paint options, making them perfect for highly trafficked kitchens. The downside of its resilience is that it can be difficult to correct or clean up mistakes. Ask your local paint supplier for tips before you DIY with shellac products.
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.
Valspar Satin Cabinet & Furniture Paint Enamel
Not only does this paint look great, but it is durable, resistant to stains, scuffs, and scratches. The paint goes on smoothly, doesn't leave brush marks, and is designed not to fade over the years.
The paint didn't fully cure.
Make sure you've read, understood, and followed the recommendations on the paint you're using when working on a DIY project. After you're done, give it the full cure time before placing furniture, decorations, and other items directly against the painted surface.
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.
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.
Krud Kutter is my number one pick for degreasing cabinets! It's easy to use with a simple spray and wipe off method and it has a mild smell with no lingering scents. It's very effective in cleaning a grimy, greasy surface, and I found it works perfect for kitchen cabinets.
GF Milk Paint is incredibly high-quality acrylic paint with EXCELLENT adhesion (so good that you can even paint laminate cabinets with it). It has low VOCs and is incredibly durable, so it is a great choice for painting kitchen cabinets without sanding or priming. It also really minimizes brush strokes!
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.
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.
Though it is entirely optional, if opening your cabinets to see a fresh new color makes you happy, then do it. Some people will paint the insides of their cabinets with a color that contrasts with the exterior. The contrast provides a surprise pop of color that can feel exciting.