The cabinets are such a prominent feature in the kitchen that changing them around can dramatically change their appearance. Although low-cost stock cabinets can save you money, new cabinets can cost thousands of dollars. Unless your cabinets fall off their hinges or have sticking drawers, you can paint your existing ones. For as slight as $100, you can completely revamp your wardrobes.
According to Good Housekeeping Institute experts, specific cabinet designs and materials are more suited to this project than others. Shaker-style cabinets characterised by plain, simple fronts are ideal candidates. The project is not recommended for cabinets covered in plastic laminate or rigid thermofoil since they're challenging to refinish. We also recommend avoiding cabinets with elaborate details and applied moldings.
After you've selected cabinets that fit the project, the next step is to choose the right paint. The paint quality has improved steadily over decades as paint formulations have become more environmentally friendly.
We test paint fading from UV light using an accelerated weathering machine and an abrasion machine to determine how well paints resist scratching. The smoothness of the color is also measured along with the splatter resistance and dry time. While our engineers examine paint cans and spec sheets for chemical content, they look for information on toxicity, as well as how much odour and emissions paints emit as they dry.
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How To Choose The Best Kitchen Cabinet Paint?
The next step is to find exactly what kind of paint you will use if you decide that painting kitchen cabinets are the best option. As a result of the seemingly endless number of colors available today, choosing the right paint can be challenging. When painting any surface, including kitchen cabinets, all stains vary in quality, coverage, and durability, making a big difference in the result.
Paint comes in a variety of finishes. This is the first step to consider. Your choice of color may depend on the finish you desire. The sheen and finish of the paint vary. The higher the sheen, the more light is reflected by the paint. Sheen also ensures that the color is durable against scuffs, marks, and scratches. Accordingly, more sheen means more durability.
Matt - the finish with the bit of shine, found most often in vinyl matt emulsions, although it is offered in a wide variety of paints due to its modern appearance.
Silk - a mid-sheen finish traditionally used for interior walls and ceilings.
Soft Sheen - This fabric has a mid-shine finish with a subtler sheen than silk, making it an excellent choice for interior walls & ceilings.
Eggshell - paint with a slightly higher sheen than matt. It is generally used for woodwork in oil-based form, although water-based versions can be used for walls and woodwork.
Satin - Woodwork and metal such as doors and skirting boards are typically coated in this mid-sheen finish.
Gloss-It has the highest sheen level, making it most commonly used on woodwork and metal since it offers a traditional finish that is highly durable.
Several of these finishes are not appropriate for kitchen cabinets. We do not recommend soft-sheen or silk on interior walls because they would primarily be used on surfaces exposed to direct sunlight. Having covered the different paint finishes, you should figure out what is the best paint for you.
Top 16 Best paint for kitchen cabinets
Nuvo Cabinet Paint (Titanium Infusion) Quart
Product Specification
- Acrylic Paint
- Giani Granite brand
- Titanium Color Infusion
- 32.0 fluid ounces
- Satin finish
Product Description
Update the look of your kitchen in under one day with Nuvo's Titanium Infusion Cabinet Paint. This easy-to-use all-in-one paint and primer color solution is designed to save you time while delivering a beautiful smooth satin finish, perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. Nuvo takes only one weekend to update your space, requires no cabinet removal, and produces a very low odor making it safe to use throughout your home. With over 50 colors to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect style for your home.
The innovative Nuvo Cabinet Paint takes the hard work of completely transforming your existing cabinets with a rich, satin finish paint. In just one weekend, you can give your cabinets a modern makeover. This one-part paint and primer in one provide exceptional coverage and adhesion to most non-porous surfaces, so you don't even have to remove or prime your cabinets before painting.
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INSL-X CC550109A-01 Cabinet Coat Enamel, Satin Sheen Paint
Product Specification
- Enamel, Acrylic—Paint Type
- INSL-X brand
- White color
- 128.0 Fl Oz Unit Count
Product Description
INSL-X Cabinet Coat Enamel is a top-quality satin finish that can be used on kitchen and bathroom cabinets, shelving, furniture, and trim. It's the ultimate acrylic cabinet paint for a "factory-like" finish when refurbishing kitchen and bathroom cabinets, shelving, furniture, trim, and crown molding.
Its superior adhesion allows painting complex surfaces, even polyurethane, and varnish without primer. This cabinet enamel offers excellent flow and leveling, superior stain resistance, and an extremely durable satin finish that will look new for years.
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Rust-Oleum Brands 285140 Linen White Chalked Ultra Matte Paint
Product Specification
- Acrylic paint type
- The brand Rust-Oleum
- White linen color
- count of units
Product Description
This is the best chalk paint for various home décor and craft projects. Rejuvenate your décor with a soft, matte chalky finish on wood, metal, ceramic, glass, canvas, and more. For added customization and style, distress item follow application for an aged, chippy look and vintage appearance.
Available in various trending colors, Rust-Oleum Chalked Brush Paints may be layered over one another to create a unique, one-of-a-kind look. For added protection following application, use Rust-Oleum Chalked Clear Protective Topcoat brush-on. Also available in a spray version and Chalked Decorative Glaze for antiquing.
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Modern Masters 296681 Front Door Paint, 32 Fl Oz
Product Specification
- Watercolor painting type
- A brand of modern masters
- Tranquil Satin Color
- 33.0 oz Unit Count
Product Description
Front Door Paint by Modern Masters transforms your home in one day with a beautiful, durable finish. It's water-based, easy-to-use door paint that dries to the touch in 1-hour and covers up to 100 sq. ft. In addition to doors, it can be used on other metal or wood surfaces like shutters, railings, garage doors, and more. Never-Fade Paint Technology will ensure that your color will stay as vibrant as the first day it was painted.
A durable matte finish creates a beautiful effect on your front door by enhancing the natural textures of wood doors and shutters. This paint dries fast for quick project completion. Use this high-performance acrylic latex paint on wood or fiberglass doors. Enjoy the premium performance and hide with one-coat coverage in a richly colored palette of trend-perfect colors.
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Giani Granite Countertop Paint Kit 2.0- 100% Acrylic
Product Specification
- Watercolor or acrylic paint
- Giani Granite brand
- Bombay Black color
- count of units
- Interior usage
Product Description
Are we looking for an easy and affordable way to update your kitchen or bathroom? Instead of spending thousands of dollars on a new countertop, you can paint it with the Giani Granite Countertop Paint Kit. Ideal for complete beginners, this hassle-free kit transforms outdated countertops in under ten steps without removing the existing surface. Simply prepare, prime, paint, and seal following our simple instructions.
Each kit covers 35 square feet of 24" expansive countertops (or 16 linear feet) and comes with everything you need to get the job done right. Includes: Step-by-step application DVD, pretreatment cleaner/degreaser, roller frame, and cover, stir stick, Scotch Blue painter's tape, all three colors of acrylic paint (Black Granite), black colorant, topcoat sealer, two rolls 33" x 25" black paper/plastic drop cloth (1 paper/1 plastic), sponge applicator block, foam brush for detailing.
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Rust-Oleum 1993730 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint
Product Specification
- Enamel paint type
- The Rust-Oleum brand
- White Semi-Gloss
- 8.0 Fl Oz Unit Count
Product Description
The Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover Latex Paint is a premium quality coating designed to provide an ultra-hard finish that protects against rust and weathering. Offering excellent coverage, the paint adheres well to wood, plaster, masonry, metal, and unglazed ceramic. Its high adhesion properties make this paint ideal for handrails, doors, and other vertical applications.
Use this paint for quick and easy brushing applications on various objects around your home. Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover Multi-Purpose Brush-On Paint provides a smooth, durable finish on interior and exterior items.
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Rust-Oleum 241168 Specialty Appliance Epoxy Paint
Product Specification
- Type of paint: enamel, specialty
- The brand Rust-Oleum
- Enamel White Appliance Color
- 32.0 fluid ounces
Product Description
Get a durable, smooth finish on your interior metal appliances by painting them with Rust-Oleum Specialty Appliance Epoxy. It provides a smooth, tough finish that withstands everyday use and is easy to clean.
Apply it to the drip pans of your electric range, the walls of your oven, the exterior of your dishwasher or fridge, or any other metal surface you want to be made over. This high-quality epoxy paint is formulated for outstanding adhesion to interior metal surfaces like those found in kitchens and laundry rooms.
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Mediterranean, Finish-All-in-One Paint
Product Specification
- Oil, watercolor, acrylic
- Heirloom Traditions Paint Brand
- The unit count is 32 ounces
- Interior/Exterior Use
- Matte Finish Type
Product Description
Mediterranean, Finish-All-in-One Paint is a water-based product covering most surfaces in just one coat. It has a built-in primer, so there is no need to apply primer first. It goes on with ease and can be used for interior and exterior applications. The non-toxic & low VOC formula offers a stand-out finish.
This paint works on wood, concrete, and fabric and adheres to latex and alkyd primers on all surfaces, including Tile, Laminate, Stone, Brick, Metal, Glass & Leather. Note: Colors may not show accurately on your monitor. It's best to get a Color Selector card or an 8oz sample if a specific color is desired. Test the paint in your lighting.
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INSL-X SXA11009A-04 Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer
Product Specification
- Acrylic Paint
- INSL-X brand
- White color
- Volume 32.0 fl oz
- Components: Primer, Can Opener
Product Description
A premium-quality, acrylic-urethane bonding primer-sealer with unparalleled adhesion to the most challenging surfaces, INSL-X Stix is also fast drying, low odor, and easy to clean up. Stix Waterborne Bonding Primer (also referred to as "stick primer") is a premium quality, 100% acrylic, water-based primer that dries quickly and bonds tenaciously to various surfaces. This house paint primer offers unparalleled adhesion over glossy surfaces, drywall, cured plaster, masonry, wood, and metal.
Stix can be used under all paints and topcoats, including Alkyd, Acrylic Latex, and Urethane finishes. It levels to a smooth finish, cleans up easily with soap and water, and maybe applied in low temperatures. You can trust this interior and exterior primer on sanded or bare aluminium siding, pre-coated siding, and vinyl siding - even over stain-blocking primers such as KILZ Original Primer.
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Chalk Style Paint - for Furniture, Home Decor, Crafts - Eco-Friendly - All-in-One - No Wax Needed
Product Specification
- Painting Type Mineral
- Country Chic Paint Brand
- Licorice in color
- 16 oz Unit Count
Product Description
Our non-toxic, eco-friendly paint contains built-in primer and topcoat to paint almost any surface, indoor or outdoor, including wood, laminate, glass, metal, and kids toys; wax & sealants are optional. Our luxurious premium quality DIY chalk-style paint is known for its excellent coverage requiring fewer paint coats.
It dries in 30 minutes to a chalky matte finish that's easy to distress if desired, yet very durable; self-leveling for a flawlessly smooth finish; blend colors with ease. There are no harsh chemicals such as phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals, or solvents—ultra-low VOC including pigments and certified safe as per European Toy Safety Standards.
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Liquid Wood for Gel Stain & Wood Stain by Retique It
Product Specification
- The color of light wood
- Interior Design
- Liquid wood is the subject
- Usage Inside; Professional, amateur, inside; Professional, amateur, inside
Product Description
Liquid Wood for Gel Stain & Wood Stain by Retique is a revolutionary new product that allows anyone to refinish their furniture, cabinets, countertops, and accessories with the rich beauty of a wood finish without all the stripping, sanding, and mess. This product is unique because it is a gel stain (with no pigment) mixed with light furniture paint.
It can be used on any surface that you want to look like wood. The Liquid Wood will stain the surface to bring out the texture and grain of the wood and can then be painted over if you choose. If you do not want to paint over it, that's ok too because only one application of Liquid Wood will give you the look of wood.
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Rust-Oleum 331053 Milk Paint Finish, 32 Fl Oz
Product Specification
- Milk Paint Type
- The brand Rust-Oleum
- Kensington Gray Color
- Volume 32.0 fl oz
Product Description
Transform vintage or antique furniture, décor, and other home accents with Rust-Oleum Milk Paint Finish. This premium milk paint has a unique brushed texture as it dries to help create an authentic antique touch for your projects. It features an easy one-step application without the need for primer.
Ideal for covering up to 125 sq. ft., the forgiving formula is easily sanded and applied to multiple coats to create a smooth, durable finish. Also featuring excellent adhesion, Milk Paint is suitable for new and vintage projects, including furniture, decorative crafts, and home decor.
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Rust-Oleum 7786502 Stops Rust Brush On Paint
Product Specification
- Type of paint Enamel, Mineral, Oil
- The brand Rust-Oleum
- Gloss smoke gray color
- Volume 32.0 fl oz
Product Description
Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Protective Enamel Paint is the No. 1 rust-preventive paint available provides lasting protection and beauty in a wide variety of colors and finishes. It also offers excellent coverage, chip resistance, and color retention. For even longer-lasting protection, use a Stops Rust Primer first.
Don’t settle for anything less than the number 1 rust-preventative paint on the market. Nothing protects your projects like oil-based Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Protective Enamel. With 40 popular colors in three sheens, it's never been easier to refinish, refresh and relax.
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General Finishes Water Based Milk Paint
Product Specification
- Paint Type Milk, Mineral
- General Finishes brand
- Colored Driftwood
- Volume 32.0 fl oz
Product Description
This premium water-based acrylic paint is made specifically for furniture and cabinets, although it can also be used on wood projects or craft paint. Driftwood is a mid-tone, gray stone blend of earthy hues with a masculine touch.
Milk Paint can be applied over raw wood, over existing finishes, or just about any surface; it provides a matte finish (for shiny surfaces, use General Finishes High-Performance Poly Coat as a primer). It adheres to most clean surfaces without striping, sand, or prime. The application works best when accomplished with foam applicators or foam brushes. It dries quickly, so it follows instructions for layering carefully.
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Majic Paints 8-1501-2 Diamond Hard Acrylic Enamel High Gloss Paint
Product Specification
- Colors: Enamel, Acrylic
- The brand Majic Paints
- Gloss black color
- 8.0 Fl Oz Unit Count
Product Description
Diamondhard Acrylic Enamel by Majic Paints is genuinely one of the finest general-purpose coatings available today. Diamondhard Acrylic Enamel dries to a lustrous high gloss finish, promoting excellent adhesion and long-lasting durability, making it ideal for both interior and exterior projects.
Diamondhard Acrylic Enamel is easy-to-apply, practical on nearly all surfaces, low odor, and non-flammable, making it perfect for any project where premium quality is desired. One gallon covers approximately 250 square feet per coat.
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Zinsser 02004 Bulls Eye 1-2-3 All Surface Primer
Product Specification
- Type of paint: water-based, acrylic
- The brand Rust-Oleum
- White color
- Volume 32.0 fl oz
Product Description
Durability, breathability, and flexibility - Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based White Interior/Exterior Primer & Sealer (1 gal) is the perfect all-purpose primer for your home improvement projects. This primer will stick to glossy surfaces for superior adhesion, including tile and enameled trim. The primer resists blistering and peeling and is excellent for staining surfaces, including knots, canker stains, water stains, and graffiti.
This formula contains a rust inhibitor that protects metal from corrosion and can be used as an undercoat on new metal, galvanized metal, or weathered steel while providing a mildew-resistant finish. The Zinsser Primer can be tinted; however, tinting to a lighter shade than the topcoat.
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Step-by-step Instructions for Painting Kitchen Cabinets
You can paint your outdated cabinets if they are old and outdated and you aren't ready to replace them yet. You can transform anything with paint, and cabinets are no different.
Paint kitchen cabinets yourself if you want a cheaper and easier option than hiring a pro. Paint kitchen cabinets yourself if you're up for the challenge and want to save money. You can learn how to paint kitchen cabinets by following the steps outlined below.
Consider The Cost
Expenses add up quickly when remodeling your kitchen. You might end up with lower-quality cabinets if you completely replace the cabinets in a 10-by-12-foot kitchen. You can simply paint your cabinets for a fraction of the cost, giving them a new look. You should budget around $200 total for paint and supplies, depending on the size of your kitchen.
Choose a Type of Paint
Choose latex or oil paint first when choosing the color. Less experienced painters should opt for latex paint. They dry quickly and are easy to clean, so they are an excellent option for non-professionals. Due to their long cure time (and possible damage during this period), these paints may not be ideal for families with children or pets. Ensure that your latex paint is 100 percent acrylic-based for more excellent durability and adhesion.
Choose an oil-based paint if you want a more durable finish (and one that's popular among professionals). Pigments such as these are said to create a smooth surface, covering up your cabinets' imperfections. Stain resistance is another benefit of these types of paints. Budgeting for your remodel should consider the higher price of oil-based paint.
Choose a Finish
Consider your skill level and budget before selecting spray or brush painting. You'll get the smoothest results when you spray paint, but it's more challenging than it seems. A spraying machine will need to be rented (raising the cost), and all areas in the kitchen that could be sprayed with the liquid will need to be covered or taped.
A high-quality brush is another option. If you're dealing with large, flat panels, you'll need a 3 to 4-inch-wide square brush and an angled brush that measures 2 to 3-inches for small corners. Oil-based paint should be applied with natural bristles, and latex paint should be used with synthetic bristles.
It would be best to consider whether the finish is regular or faux. A faux finish with crackle glaze will give your home a farmhouse or rustic look. Make your cabinets shine with a high-gloss finish.
Preparation of The Space
Getting your space ready properly is the difference between success and failure. Preparation begins by emptying all cabinets and removing all freestanding appliances from the counters. Make sure you have plenty of room to work by moving all furniture. The third and final step is taping rosin paper over the counters and floors. Cover the backsplash, window, fixed appliances, and doorways with plastic tarps to protect them from damage.
Removing The Doors and Hardware
The cabinet doors, hinges, hardware, drawers, screws, and hardware should be removed. Masking tape makes it easy to identify each entry once drawn by marking its location with a number. Reinstalling the hinges may result in improper alignment if the hinges are mixed up. The slides do not have to be removed if you paint only the drawer fronts. Mark the slides, as well as their location, if the slides must be removed. When you're ready to reassemble everything, place the screws and hardware in plastic bags inside the cabinets to make it easily accessible.
Maintaining Clean Surfaces
There are usually grease splatters, steam, and food splatters in a kitchen. To ensure your paint will stick, it's essential to prepare the doors and drawers properly. Scrub your cabinets to remove grease or residue before you begin. Repainted surfaces should be cleaned with a solution that contains one part trisodium phosphate to four parts water. Be sure not to soak the cabinets. Before painting, they should be thoroughly dry.
Use Primer-Sealer
To ensure a well-bonded finish coat, apply a uniform coat of primer-sealer over all surfaces. Primer-sealers also save time by eliminating the need for sanding and deglazing before repainting old surfaces. The primer-sealer also provides a good feeling for semigloss and water-based paint. Historically, high-gloss enamel paint has been the preferred finish for kitchen cabinets because it is stain-resistant and easy to clean. Still, today's water-based finishes provide an equally durable finish.
Paint The Surface
The inside edges and openings of the cabinet faces should be painted first, followed by the outer cabinet sides and the face frames. The benefit is that you can work quickly on less critical areas, while you can easily see and correct any drips or smudges on sites that are visible.
Paint the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, in addition to any trim or separate wood pieces. When painting raised or routed parts, be sure not to allow the paint to build up in these areas. Instead, make sure the color flows into crevices and corners.
Ensure all surfaces are covered with thin, light coats of paint. Brushstrokes in thin coats are less noticeable and are faster to dry. Do not overwork the brush or apply the finish thickly - too many strokes will cause air bubbles in the finish, which will result in bumps and pits when it dries.
At least four hours must pass between each coat of paint. As soon as the two coats have dried, lightly sand all surfaces to prepare them for the second coat. Wipe all dust off with a tack cloth, then repaint. It's widespread for two coats of quality paint to be all that's needed, but third coats may be necessary for kitchen cabinets that are subjected to a lot of heat and daily wear. Furthermore, wood surfaces require maximum protection.
FAQ Related to Paint for Kitchen Cabinets
What kind of paint is best for kitchen cabinets?
Kitchen cabinets should be painted with what kind of paint's 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 is the most common paint finish on kitchen cabinets?
Semigloss and satin are two common types of paint sheen. It is common to use satin paint on the cabinets and matte paint on the walls.
Conclusion
The four main finishes with paint are flat, eggshell, satin, and semigloss. Each of these finishes can help you achieve several different looks. Flat paint is the most matte of all the finishes, which means that it has the least amount of sheen, and therefore less light is reflected into the room.
Eggshell paint and satin paint are moderate sheens, so they have some reflection and create an element of luster in your room. Semigloss or high gloss paints stand out as they have an awe-inspiring high level of thinking, making a very bright look in your space. Ultimately, the best finish for you will come down to your taste and budget as they all offer significant benefits.