Tip: Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel, Gloss, Semi-Gloss or Satin Sheen is among the best paint for kitchen cabinet top coats because it has excellent flow and leveling characteristics, which means a smooth and durable finish on cabinets, doors and trim.
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.
Each of these has its advantages and benefits. The two most common types of paint sheen are semi-gloss and satin. A standard scheme uses satin paint for the cabinets and matte for the walls. All of the products we use at The Picky Painters in Cleveland, OH, are incredibly durable and washable.
Typically most semi-custom and custom cabinet companies use about a 20 – 25 degree sheen as a topcoat finish. The result is what some might define as a semi-gloss 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).
Tip: Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel, Gloss, Semi-Gloss or Satin Sheen is among the best paint for kitchen cabinet top coats because it has excellent flow and leveling characteristics, which means a smooth and durable finish on cabinets, doors and trim.
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.
SEMI-GLOSS
Glossy and sleek, this sheen shines, but does not compete, allowing other colors near it to have their moment. Ideal for: Cabinets.
If you're looking for a finish that will shine and reflect light once it hits it, opt for a semi-gloss finish. As the most popular sheen, semi-gloss provides your kitchen cabinets with a nice shine that is not overbearing.
When applied to kitchen custom cabinets, it will result in a soft, silky, and a little glowy appearance. A satin finish can work well in any kitchen since it resists stains, and dirt. In addition, it can be washed without risk of damage. Avoid scrubbing satin finishes as doing so can eliminate some of the sheen.
'The main differences between eggshell and satin are the level of sheen and durability,' adds Helen Shaw, director at Benjamin Moore. 'Satin is more reflective and delivers a glossier finish. It has better stain resistance and durability than lower sheens, including eggshell.
Natural light: Gloss cabinetry will magnify the natural light in your kitchen. Matte finishes soften the appearance of the cabinetry while adding depth and dimension. High-gloss cabinetry can make the room feel brighter and larger than it really is; in rooms that don't have great natural light, this can be a plus.
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.
Whichever type of paint you choose, our engineers recommend going with a semi-gloss finish (as opposed to flat or high-gloss). The hard, durable coating will stand up better to staining, fading and chipping, and its shine makes it easy to sponge clean without the risk of dulling.
Paint is the most popular finish for kitchen cabinets because it's easy to clean and maintain. It also has a wide variety of colors to choose from, so you can easily find a shade that matches your décor.
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.
Best Finish For Cabinet Paints
A high-quality satin paint will clean well and it will have enough shine to showcase your cabinetry while hiding imperfections. However, if you are like me, we always use semi-gloss on our cabinets. I don't think you can go wrong with either one.
While much of Joanna's kitchen follows her traditional earthy color scheme, the designer has injected a notably darker hue across her kitchen cabinets – a deep, dark blue, which contrasts strongly with the softer green shiplap walls and cream countertops.
For Joanna Gaines' exact cabinet color, you can get a Future Dusk polyswatch card from Coloro for $14. There are many close alternatives, however, that are readily available. Some are Benjamin Moore Blue Note, Benjamin Moore Hale Navy, Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue, and Sherwin Williams Naval.
Ever since Joanna Gaines (HGTV's Fixer Upper) used SW Alabaster for her farmhouse living room, it has been a go-to paint color for shiplap.
Satin-finish paint has more of a matte finish than high-gloss or semi-gloss options. A satin finish keeps the pigment of the paint color true to its original hue but is shinier than a matte paint or a flat paint.
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.
Updating your kitchen cabinets has never been easier with Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel. Get started with these easy-to-follow instructions!
Sherwin Williams Extra White should be at the top of your list if you are looking for a clean, true white, with no yellow or warm undertones. It's a popular white paint for trim, cabinets, drywall and even ceilings.