There are many types of paint to choose from, but the best paints for kitchen cabinets are semi-glossglossPaint sheen or finish refers to the amount of light that the paint reflects from its surface. Simply put, paints with a sheen reflect light and paints without a sheen absorb light. Paint sheen types are organized into two broad categories: Flat or matte paints absorb more light than they reflect, so they have no sheen.https://www.homedepot.com › types-of-paint-finishes-sheens-...Types of Paint Finishes, Sheens and Textures - The Home Depot, gloss or satin. Matte is not practical in kitchens and baths, where you will need durable paint that you can easily clean. No matter the types of paint you choose, prepping is an important step in the process.
The most durable kitchen cabinet finishes are those that provide a thick topcoat. Hand-painted polyurethane finishes offer a long-lasting effect that's also easy to clean. Hand-painted finishes also generally last longer as compared to spray finishes.
Satin is the goldilocks of cabinet sheens – not too shiny, not too flat. It provides a soft sheen that reflects just enough light to give cabinets a warm glow without being glossy. This sheen paint has become the go-to choice for kitchen cabinets as it balances aesthetic appeal with practical performance.
Pros of Spraying Cabinets
Slavik concurs, noting that using a sprayer can reduce the time to only a few hours, saving days of labor. Additionally, spray painting provides much better color coverage compared to using a brush or roller.
Oil-based paints have been used for decades because they dry to a very hard, durable finish. They resist scratches and give cabinets a glossy look that lasts for years. However, they do come with drawbacks. They take longer to dry, have a stronger odor, and require paint thinner or other solvents for cleanup.
Many paints and primers are available for professional painters to use when painting kitchen cabinets. Some products professional painters use include Benjamin Moore's Fresh Start® High-Hiding All-Purpose Primer and Advance® Interior Paint.
Kitchen Cabinet Colors Designers Say They'd Never Choose Again
Recap: Painting Kitchen Cabinets
Avoid outdated cabinet shades like navy, cherry wood, mustard yellow, and country red. These colors once felt warm or luxurious but now make kitchens look dated or overly themed. Instead, choose softer neutrals, natural woods, or richer muted tones for a timeless feel.
Professional painters utilize both methods, choosing between sprayers and rollers based on the job's requirements, surface type, and desired finish.
What usually looks best is a pull length that is about 1/3 the height of the cabinet door and 1/3 the width of the cabinet drawer. Your eyes follow the length of the pull up the height of the door or across the width of the drawer. Pulls don't have to all be the same length as long as the pull design is the same.
Glossy or slick surfaces: If your cabinets have a glossy or slick finish, the paint may not adhere properly. In such cases, lightly sanding the surface can create a better texture for the paint to bond with. However, using a high-quality primer designed for glossy surfaces can often eliminate the need for sanding.
One of the strongest kitchen colour trends for 2026 is the return of rich reds, burgundy, oxblood, and merlot inspired shades. These tones are deep, brown-based and refined, rather than bright or novelty-based.
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.
White isn't going anywhere, it's just sharing the stage. Shades like mushroom and taupe are stepping into the spotlight. These hues bring warmth and depth without feeling dark or heavy. Think of them as the “perfectly brewed coffee” of cabinet colors — not too light, not too bold, just right.
MAGNOLIA HOME BY JOANNA GAINES® TRIM, DOOR + CABINETRY INTERIOR SATIN PAINT 4.9 out of 5 stars, average rating value.
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“Clients are craving warmth, including taupes, sands, mushrooms, and creamy whites that feel cozy and timeless. Gray, once sleek and modern, now reads cold and flat; those warm neutrals wrap a space in calm and connection.”
What makes it look cheap: A lack of continuity disrupts the home's visual and physical flow, subtly cheapening the overall experience. Mismatched flooring, abrupt ceiling changes, or lighting that feels disconnected from nearby spaces can make the kitchen feel compartmentalized instead of cohesive.
Not Thoroughly Cleaning the Cabinets
If you don't plan to sand your cabinets, you really should wash them clean with a solution of water and dish soap before applying paint. There's a good chance grease and grime are coating the doors, and you should never paint over this—the paint will not adhere correctly if you do!
Murphy® Oil Soap gets deep into grime to break up dirt particles and it's safe to use on wood products like cabinets. Next, gather another cloth or sponge. You may also want to use an old toothbrush to get into crevices.