Choosing the right paint for your cabinets is critical. After all, they’re one of the first things people see in your home, and they have to be manhandled several times a day! So what’s the best paint for cabinets?
Surprisingly, it's not oil-based! In this blog post, we'll take a look at why latex paint is better for cabinets and some of the best latex paints on the market. By the end of this post, you'll be able to choose the perfect paint for your cabinets and achieve a beautiful finish that will last for years.
What is the best paint for cabinets?
The best paint for cabinets is a water-based hybrid latex enamel paint.
The technology in water-based paints has come a long way in the last years, and they now offer the same durability and coverage as oil-based paints.
They mix/modify, or reinforce, as they also call it, different binders to achieve different properties. Variations of this can be urethane/acrylic, urethane/alkyd, acrylic/epoxy and acrylic/alkyd.
Different brands will have their own proprietary formulation.
Since this is a blog aimed at DIYers the paints mentioned here are 1K for ease of use butthe absolute best paint for cabinets is a 2K paint.
A 2K(2-component) is a type of paint that has a separate catalyst/hardener that is mixed with the paint just before application. 2K paints are much more durable and chemical resistant than 1K paints but they have a pot-life and can ruin your equipment if not used correctly.
For the purpose of this blog post, we will focus on 1K water-based hybrid enamel paints.
Only remove the cabinet doors if necessary. By painting them in place you will save a lot of time and energy.
What do professionals use to paint cabinets?
It depends on what the customer is going for, but popular choices are:
- Water-based hybrid enamel
- Water-based alkyd
- 100% acrylic
A water-based alkyd such as Benjamin Moore’s Advances paint has the durability of an oil-based paint but it has a very long dry time, 16 hours to recoat and up to 4 weeks to cure fully, so it’s not the best choice for a busy kitchen.
Top pick
Image Credit: Californiapaints.com
The best paint for cabinets is Ultraplate Trim & Cabinet Enamel. It’s a paint used and recommended by professional painters.
Ultraplate is a urethane-enhanced acrylic paint with outstanding leveling and adhesion. It provides a factory-like satin finish on cabinets, doors, and woodwork and it dries fast.
It can be used on cabinets, shelving, trim, and furniture where a smooth, scrubbable, durable, and chip-resistant finish is needed.
Special mention
Image Credit: PPGPaints.com
Break-Trough from PPG isn’t a hybrid paint but 100% acrylic. It’s used a lot by professional painters since it dries fast, is low VOC, has excellent flow and leveling, and has great durability.
What customers have said about Break-Trough:
“I repainted our kitchen cabinets, windows, & interior doors that were previously painted with oil base paint. The clerk at the store advised me to scrub the cabinets down with TSP before painting. Well, this paint bonded extremely well.In fact, I tried to scrape the new paint off & couldn’t. This paint dries quickly so you need to be quick to maintain a wet edge. Price is affordable & a gallon goes a long way too.”
“I used on my kitchen cabinets and am 100% sold on this paint. The cupboards look flawless, the paint hardened well and does not chip at all – it also has great wash-ability. I painted over oak cabinets and I still got great results thanks to this industrial acrylic paint. I have also purchased Breakthrough when I painted all the trim in my house – same results as above. Very pleased.”
The paint comes in 3 finishes: Satin, Semi-gloss and Gloss.
When you’re tired of the look of your cabinets a new coat of paint will totally transform your kitchen.
Oil-based paints vs water-based paints
For a long time, oil-based paints were the only option for painting homes and other structures. However, water-based paints have taken over almost completely due to their lower environmental impact and other advantages.
Unlike oil-based paints, water-based paints do not release harmful fumes into the air. They are also much easier to clean up since all you need is soap and water.
In addition, water-based paints are less likely to yellow over time, making them a good choice for rooms that receive a lot of natural light. While they may not be suitable for every situation, water-based paints’ advantages outweigh oil-based paints.
The Pros and Cons of Oil-Based Paints
Oil-based paints have been used for a long time to protect homes and other structures from the elements. However, they have several disadvantages that make them less than ideal for today’s homeowners.
Oil-based paints take longer to dry, you would have to wait until the next day to apply a second coat. They also release harmful fumes into the air, which can be dangerous to your health when exposed for long periods of time.
In addition, oil-based paints are more difficult to clean up since you need special chemicals to remove them from surfaces. They also tend to yellow over time.
The Pros and Cons of Water-Based Paints
Water-based paints have become the go-to choice for painting homes and other structures. They have several advantages that make them a better choice than oil-based paints.
Water-based paints dry quickly, so you can apply a second coat in a few hours. They also don’t release harmful fumes into the air, making them a safer choice for your health.
In addition, water-based paints are easier to clean up since all you need is soap and water. They also tend to retain their color over time and won’t yellow.
However, there are a few disadvantages to water-based paints. They can be slightly more expensive than oil-based paints and since they dry so fast it can get tricky to apply for unseasoned painters.
What is the best gloss for cabinets?
One of the most important choices you will make when choosing paint for your cabinets is the finish.
Paints with higher gloss are easy to clean and maintain and resist fingerprints better.
However, high-gloss finishes can show scratches more easily and may require more upkeep than other options.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance option that still looks great, semi-gloss or satin-finish cabinets might be the best choice for you.
These finishes have a subtle sheen that resists smudges and fingerprints, but they are also easy to clean.
Semi-gloss and satin finishes are a great compromise between glossy and matte finishes, and they can work well in any kitchen.
High-gloss finishes will make small imperfections more visible, so if your cabinets are not in pristine condition, a more forgiving finish might be a better choice.
With all that said, there are many situations where a high-gloss finish can be the best choice. If you love the look of shiny cabinets, a high-gloss finish can give your kitchen an elegant and sophisticated look.
Modern paints with a matte finish are more durable than they used to be and they are becoming more popular.
In the end, it’s up to you and your personal preference.
The gloss on your cabinets makes a difference, both aesthetically and practically.
What is the most popular paint finish for kitchen cabinets?
Semi-gloss paints are the most popular finish for kitchen cabinets because it has a mid-gloss finish that is considered easy to clean while still hiding most imperfections.
Professional painters consider this to be the best kitchen cabinet paint finish, and it’s also common on trim and molding.
The best way to apply a high gloss paint
Spraying with a paint sprayer gives the best results for a high gloss paint finish. If you don’t have a paint sprayer, you can use a high-quality synthetic brush and a synthetic roller cover with a short nap.
Use either a roller cover with a 3/16” – 1/4” nap or a foam roller cover. But in my experience, foam roller covers are not as easy to handle as a traditional roller cover with a short nap.
Is it better to spray or roll kitchen cabinets?
Many homeowners face the dilemma of how to best paint their kitchen cabinets. The two most popular methods are spraying and rolling, but which one is the better option?
When it comes to spraying, it’s important to note that this method requires a higher level of experience and can be very messy. However, spraying provides the best finish and is the quicker option.
Rolling, on the other hand, is a much simpler process that can be done by anyone. It’s also much less messy, making it the better option for many DIYers.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to spray or roll your kitchen cabinets comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your project. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to hire a professional to get the job done right.
No matter what type of paint you choose for your cabinets, the most important thing is to take your time and do a good job.
With a little patience and effort, you can achieve a beautiful finish that will last for years to come
Should you paint the inside of kitchen cabinets?
Painting the inside of kitchen cabinets can brighten up the space and make it feel more clean and modern. The process is relatively simple, and the results can be dramatic.
If you’re spraying your cabinets then it’s a no-brainer since it’s so fast and easy.
However, if you’re rolling your cabinets then you may want to consider whether or not it’s worth the extra effort.
It’s entirely up to you, but if you do decide to paint the inside of your cabinets then be sure to use a high-quality paint that will hold up over time. You could always paint the bottom where your plates go an extra coat of paint to make sure it’s extra durable.
How to paint cabinets
Final Thoughts
When you have decided what color you want on your cabinets then it is time to shop around for the best paint. There are a lot of different brands and products out there, so it’s important to do your research and find the best one for your needs.
Don’t forget to take into account the type of finish you want as well. High gloss finishes will show imperfections more, while matte finishes are more forgiving.
Go for a water-based hybrid enamel paint for your cabinets if you want the best of both worlds – a durable and long-lasting finish that is still easy to clean.
Whatever type of paint you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully in order to achieve the best results.
I hope this article on the best paint for cabinets was helpful!
