Never undervalue the power of paint: painting your existing cabinets can save you money on a big kitchen redesign. Boring cabinetry can be given new life in the room with a fresh coat of paint. It’s essential to give your cabinets a thorough cleaning to get rid of any accumulated dirt and oil for the finest results. Next, ascertain which paint kind would perform the best in a kitchen that sees a lot of traffic and spills. Make your way around the paint store like a master. The director of technical services and product information at Sherwin-Williams, Rick Watson, provides his professional opinion on paint selection for cabinets. In addition, we offer ideas to assist you in choosing the ideal color for your cabinets.
Pick A High-Sheen Finish
“We’ve always advised egg-shell, semi-gloss, and gloss wall finishes in the kitchen because these areas are wet and frequently trafficked, and durability is key. Higher gloss/sheen paints are typically easier to clean. Most stains can be removed with water and/or mild soap, according to Watson.
Eggshell paint works well on kitchen walls, but you’ll definitely want to choose a more robust paint for your cabinets. When selecting a paint finish, take into account these benefits and drawbacks:
Satin paint: Satin finishes have a bit more sheen and durability than eggshell, but a softer shine than gloss paints. Satin paint does a better job of hiding imperfections than higher gloss finishes.
Semi-gloss paint: Semi-gloss is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets since it is a very stain-resistant and long-lasting finish. These paints appear brighter and cleaner because they reflect more light.
Gloss paint: Gloss paint, the most resilient and long-lasting finish, will give your cabinets a glossy, dazzling look or a rich, deep appearance. With a gloss finish, flaws are most noticeable, thus meticulous preparation is essential before painting.
Choose The Best Paint For Kitchen Cabinets
After deciding on a finish, the next step is to select the paint type you want to use. Regarding application ease and durability, each has benefits and drawbacks:
Acrylic paint: While latex paints are fast, cheap, and simple to use, not all of them are appropriate for kitchen cabinets. If you decide to take this route, be sure to select a latex paint via a acrylic base that is robust and of high quality. Are you sensitive to other paints’ foul vapors? Acrylic paint with a water base is less likely to irritate you.
Alkyd paint: Alkyd paint has an enamel-like gloss that is actually a resin and lies in the middle of latex and oil. Although it dries harder and usually levels more smoothly than latex paint, alkyd paint may take a little longer to dry between applications. These days, a lot of alkyd paints are designed to be cleaned up quickly with soap and water. Additionally, they smell less than oil paint.
Oil paint:
Due to its flawless texture and exceptional durability, oil paint was once the best option for cabinets. However, applying these high-gloss paints is more challenging. They can fill your kitchen with fumes and require solvent for cleanup as well as a lengthy drying period.
What about Watson’s own endorsement? “Many people request the use of a latex finish, for that reason I recommend [Sherwin-Williams] Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel in Gloss, Semi-Gloss or Satin,” according to him. “This product has excellent flow and leveling characteristics for a smooth and durable finish on cabinets, doors and trim.”
Prepare Your Cabinets Before Painting
Watson cautions that your paint’s longevity may be impacted by any cabinet surface that hasn’t been thoroughly cleaned, dried, sanded, and primed.
“Prep is key to any paint project, including kitchen cabinets, and I always recommend starting with a clean, dry, dull, and sound surface,” Watson explains.Our 10 Favorite Paints For Kitchen Cabinets
