What's the difference between regular paint and cabinet paint?

Author: Caleb Monahan  |  Last update: Sunday, June 19, 2022

The two primary differences between oil-based paint and latex-based paint on kitchen cabinets are final texture and dry time. Oil-based is more traditional and popular with purists who like the “painterly” look of brush marks, while latex gives a more consistent finish.

Can regular paint be used on cabinets?

Can I Use Regular Paint To Paint Cabinets? Painting wood cabinets is the best option, but painting any surface that can be scuffed with sandpaper is also possible. Cabinet paints can be used to give your cabinet a smooth finish, but you should use a high-quality paint. Vinyl is not the best choice for your paint.

Do you need special paint for kitchen cabinets?

While there are many types of paint to choose from, the best paint for kitchen cabinets is typically semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Matte is not practical in kitchens and baths where you will need durable paint you can easily clean.

Is there a difference between cabinet paint and regular paint?

Is Cabinet Paint Different From Wall Paint? Oil-based paint and latex-based paint differ primarily in the final texture and drying time of kitchen cabinets. Additionally, latex paint with a low or no VOC will have a significantly less offensive odor as it cures, so you won't have to worry about it.

Can you use the same paint for walls and cabinets?

The solution? Paint everything the same color. That's right, everything: the cabinets, the walls — even the ceiling if you want to really commit. We've documented before how painting furniture the same color as the wall can make a space look bigger, and also give cabinetry and shelves a built-in look.

What Is The Best Kitchen Cabinet Paint

Should cabinets be lighter or darker than walls?

There's no rule that states cabinets need to be lighter or darker than walls or that they have to match it but depends more so on what kind of effect or mood you're going for. Light colors can make a space feel bright, clean, and timeless while darker colors can make a strong statement that instantly grabs attention.

Should kitchen cabinets and walls be the same white?

Kitchen walls and cabinets don't need to be the same color, but that certainly doesn't mean they can't. In fact, it can create an alluring, uniform look! Kitchen cabinets naturally draw the eye with the amount of space they cover.

What paint do pros use for cabinets?

Many professionals now use latex paint, citing the improvements to the formula and the as-good-as finish they can get on most surfaces. We actually prefer a third type of paint for cabinets, the hybrid enamel.

Should you roll or brush cabinets?

For wood, brushing is fine, but you may want to hire a professional for a good finish. Using a roller to paint cabinets is a lot faster than brush painting, however, the fabric on the roller will create a 'bobbly' texture on the surface. The texture a roller puts on cabinets makes it unsuitable for gloss paint.

What paint should I use for kitchen cabinets?

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 widely regarded as the best choice for most kitchen cabinets, since it offers lower levels of VOCs and is quicker to dry.

What paint does Joanna Gaines use on cabinets?

Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Trim, Door + Cabinetry Interior Paint is a water-based acrylic product designed for surfaces such as kitchen and bathroom cabinets, trim, window frames and doors. It offers the hardness of a traditional oil-based paint in an acrylic formula.

Should kitchen cabinets be painted satin or semi gloss?

While satin finishes tend to be fairly durable in high traffic areas, they're not as durable and versatile as semi-gloss against mildew and mold. Kitchen cabinets in high moisture environments can, therefore, do better with semi-gloss paints.

How do professionals paint kitchen cabinets?

How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets Like A Pro In 9 Steps
  1. Assess the condition of your kitchen cabinets. ...
  2. Remove and label the doors and drawer faces. ...
  3. Put down drop cloths. ...
  4. Clean the cabinets. ...
  5. Lightly sand your cabinets. ...
  6. Prime your kitchen cabinets. ...
  7. Inspect the primer. ...
  8. Paint your kitchen cabinets like a pro.

What happens if you don't sand cabinets before painting?

If you don't clean before sanding, contaminates (like cooking grease) will be pressed down into the wood. Contaminates will keep the soon be applied paint for sticking. You can remove the doors here in the process or wait until after you wash them down. It is totally up to you and situational dependent.

Do I have to Prime cabinets before painting?

While priming never hurts, whether it's necessary or not is determined by the type of paint (oil or latex) currently on your cabinets and the type you plan to use for repainting. If you're changing the type of paint or painting over natural wood cabinets, then it's important to prime the cabinets first.

How can I paint my kitchen cabinets without brush marks?

If your cabinets are stained, apply at least two coats of quality primer. For me, there's nothing better than BIN, Zinsser's shellac-based pigmented primer. It dries fast and flat, without brush marks (unlike most oil-based primers). You can buy it at home and hardware stores, as well as online (view on Amazon).

Is it better to paint cabinets with a brush or sprayer?

Ideally, spray painting cabinets is the most sought after method today. The quality of finish you get from using a spray gun is second to none, and it's by far a faster and more efficient method.

Do you paint both sides of kitchen cabinet doors?

Doors typically require a good amount of time, because you need to paint both sides and let them fully dry in between coats. You can begin with the back side of your cabinet doors. Apply one coat, wait 24 hours and then move on to your second coat of paint.

How many coats of paint do I need for cabinets?

Two coats of paint are essential for cabinets—you're building a surface. By the way, to get the nicest finish, use a brush, a 2- to 2 1/2-inch fine bristle brush. Whatever paint you use, ventilate the room—direct a fan out the window—and wear the masks they sell in paint stores.

What is the best paint for a kitchen?

Since kitchens are such a busy part of a home and often need extra cleaning, a satin or semi-gloss finish is the best options. Satin and eggshell finishes are commonly believed to be the same, but in fact, satin is a bit shinier. Satin finishes are easy to clean and good at standing up to mildew, stains and dirt.

Is Sherwin Williams paint good for cabinets?

Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Interior Waterbased Acrylic-Alkyd. For those worried about VOCs or yellowing that is associated with oil-based paints, Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Interior Waterbased Acrylic-Alkyd paint is a reliable option as the best paint for kitchen cabinets.

How many gallons of paint do I need for cabinets?

How Many Gallons Of Paint Do I Need To Paint Cabinets? Using primer and paint for most cabinet refinishing projects should amount to 2-3 gallons and 3-5 gallons, respectively.

Do you paint trim same color as cabinets?

As a simple rule, kitchen cabinets should always match trim as much as they can. Any contrast that you intentionally create should not necessarily be a striking contrast. It's important to try to create a sense of unity among the different elements being tied together to avoid making the contrast appear accidental.

Should my white cabinets match my white walls?

Regardless of what you read below, if you decide to mix and match whites, your BEST chance will be to use a TRUE WHITE on trim/cabinets and a white with a lower LRV on the walls – don't do it the other way around unless you're a hardcore pro, and even then…don't do it.

Is Chantilly lace good for kitchen cabinets?

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace is a bright white that has just a hint of warmth to it so it doesn't feel stark… making it perfect for trim, cabinets, interiors and exteriors. It's the perfect compliment to spaces with blue hues or slightly cooler colors.

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