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. No matter the types of paint you choose, prepping is an important step in the process.
For most kitchens, a semi-gloss finish is the best choice. It strikes the perfect balance between durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal. Satin finishes are also a good choice if you prefer less shine, while gloss finishes are great for a more modern, high-impact look.
Semi-gloss is the best choice when painting kitchen cabinets. Because it has some sheen, semi-gloss paint will help reflect light and be more durable in the long run, which is important in a kitchen environment. Semi-gloss paint is often described as washable and has an increased resiliency to being scrubbed clean.
For most kitchens, a semi-gloss finish is the best choice. It strikes the perfect balance between durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal. Satin finishes are also a good choice if you prefer less shine, while gloss finishes are great for a more modern, high-impact look.
Gloss Finish/High Gloss Finish: A lifesaver for smaller kitchens! Reflective surfaces make compact spaces feel larger while brightening up dim corners effortlessly. Matte Finish: Ideal for open, airy kitchens with ample natural light. It keeps the look understated and elegant without adding unnecessary shine.
The smooth, frameless surface and reflective quality of slab front gloss cabinets make them a perfect choice for modern or European-style kitchens. As we step into 2024, one kitchen trend that captivates homeowners and designers alike is the resurgence of slab front gloss cabinets.
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.
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.
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.
In smaller kitchens, lighter cabinets and walls can create the illusion of space and make it feel larger and more airy. On the other hand, in larger kitchens, darker cabinets can anchor the space and prevent it from feeling too expansive. Style: Your style is a major consideration in the debate of light and dark.
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).
What can I put over painted cabinets to prevent chipping? A professional interior painter will use a topcoat sealer to protect painted cabinets from chipping. A resilient, top-notch poly or acrylic coating is recommended for enduring protection against wear and tear.
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.
Of the two, satin is more durable and is slightly less likely to scuff or mark than eggshell and it's easier to clean when it does get marked. This makes it a better choice, especially for woodwork such as painting skirting boards, than eggshell for high traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.
Wood, wood-laminate and metal cabinets usually can be repainted without difficulty. Plastic laminate cabinets might not accept a topcoat of paint — those that can be refinished often require special paints and techniques, and results can vary.
There are many types of paint to choose from, but the best paint for kitchen cabinets is semi-gloss, gloss or satin.
Walls, Wood, and Metal - Small 1/4″ 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.
You'll apply primer first with a brush to “cut in” those hard-to-reach crevices and edges, then go back over the surface with a roller. After your primer is dry, sand everything gently with 220-grit sandpaper. Remove dust with a tack cloth or compressed air, and get ready to paint.
MAGNOLIA HOME BY JOANNA GAINES® TRIM, DOOR + CABINETRY INTERIOR SEMI-GLOSS PAINT 4.5 out of 5 stars, average rating value.
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.
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.
Semi-Gloss Paint
Semi-gloss is available in most Benjamin Moore interior paints, but we especially love the look of Advance® Interior Semi-Gloss (793); it cures to a smooth, furniture-like finish, and its glossy look makes it one of the best paint finishes for kitchen cabinets.
The biggest difference between these two finishes is their level of sheen and, thus, their level of durability. Eggshell has a hint of shine, whereas semi-gloss is shinier and reflects light, giving the surface a more polished look.
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.