So, you’re standing in your Windermere, FL kitchen, looking at those cabinets that have seen better days. Maybe they’re chipped, faded, or just sporting a color that screams the early 2000s.
If you’ve been thinking about refreshing your space, painting your kitchen cabinets is one of the best ways to do it. But here’s the big question: what’s the good paint for kitchen cabinets?
With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Glossy or matte? Latex or oil-based? And then there’s the worry about durability—because who wants to repaint their cabinets every year?
In this guide, we’ll cut through the noise and help you pick the best paint for your cabinets, making your kitchen look stunning for years to come.
Key Takeaways:
- This blog covers the best types of paint for kitchen cabinets, from acrylic latex to chalk paint.
- Explain the essential qualities of good paint, including durability, finish, and ease of cleaning.
- Offers practical tips for preparing and applying paint to achieve a professional-looking finish.
What Makes a Paint “Good” for Kitchen Cabinets?
Before we get into specific paints, let’s break down what makes a paint good for kitchen cabinets. A good paint should not only look great but also withstand daily wear and tear. Kitchen cabinets see a lot of action—greasy hands, spills, steam, and constant opening and closing. Therefore, the paint must be durable, easy to clean, and moisture-resistant.
Here’s what to look for in a good paint for kitchen cabinets:
- Durability. The kitchen is a high-traffic area, so your cabinets need paint that won’t chip or scratch easily.
- Finish. The best finishes for cabinets are semi-gloss, satin, and gloss. These not only give a sleek look but also make cleaning easier.
- Adhesion. Paint that sticks well to surfaces is key, especially if you’re painting over a previous finish.
- Low VOC. For a healthier home environment, opt for paints with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Types of Good Paint for Kitchen Cabinets
1. Acrylic Latex Paint
Acrylic latex paint is water-based, which makes it easier to clean up and lower in fumes compared to oil-based paints. It’s one of the most popular options for painting kitchen cabinets because it dries quickly and offers a smooth finish. A good quality acrylic latex paint is also durable enough to resist scratches and stains, making it a solid choice for your kitchen cabinets.
Pros:
- Easy to work with and clean up
- Low odor and quick drying time
- Durable and resistant to fading
Cons:
- Not as hard-wearing as oil-based paints
- May need a primer for better adhesion
Top Recommendation: Look for acrylic latex paints labeled as “trim and cabinet paint.” These are formulated specifically for surfaces like cabinets and offer better durability.
2. Alkyd-Based Paint
Alkyd paint, while technically oil-based, is water-soluble, giving you the best of both worlds. It provides the toughness of oil-based paints but with easier clean-up. Alkyd paints dry to a hard, durable finish that can handle the daily demands of a busy kitchen.
Pros:
- Dries to a smooth, durable finish
- Resistant to scratches and stains
- Excellent adhesion, even on previously painted surfaces
Cons:
- Takes longer to dry than latex paints
- Requires good ventilation during application
Top Recommendation: Benjamin Moore’s Advance line is a popular choice among professionals. It provides a furniture-like finish that makes cabinets look brand new.
3. Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paint has been a traditional choice for cabinet painting for decades. Its hard, durable finish makes it resistant to scratches, stains, and chipping, which is why many professionals swear by it for high-traffic areas like kitchens. Although oil-based paints are a bit more challenging to work with due to longer drying times and strong fumes, the end result is often worth it.
Pros:
- Creates a smooth, glass-like finish that hides brush strokes
- Extremely durable and resistant to moisture
- Easy to clean once cured
Cons:
- Longer drying and curing time
- Requires mineral spirits or paint thinner for cleanup
- Strong odor during application
Top Recommendation: Brands like Rust-Oleum and Valspar offer high-quality oil-based paints designed specifically for cabinetry. Just make sure to work in a well-ventilated area to minimize fumes.
4. Chalk Paint
Chalk paint has become a trendy option for homeowners looking for a more rustic or farmhouse-style finish. It has a matte, chalky appearance that can add character and texture to kitchen cabinets. One of the perks of chalk paint is that it typically requires less surface preparation. In some cases, you can skip the sanding step altogether!
Pros:
- Minimal surface preparation needed
- Dries quickly and is easy to distress for a vintage look
- Low odor and low VOC
Cons:
- Requires a protective topcoat (wax or polyurethane) to prevent stains and scratches
- Not as smooth as other paints without extra sanding between coats
Top Recommendation: Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is a popular choice for cabinets. Pair it with a protective wax or polyurethane topcoat for a longer-lasting finish.
5. Milk Paint
Milk paint is an eco-friendly, non-toxic option made from natural ingredients like milk protein, lime, and pigment. It’s an excellent choice for homeowners who want to avoid chemicals in their homes. Milk paint provides a unique, slightly textured finish that adds character to kitchen cabinets, making it a popular pick for farmhouse and rustic styles. However, to use milk paint on cabinets, you’ll need to mix it with a bonding agent to ensure proper adhesion.
Pros:
- Non-toxic and eco-friendly
- Provides a unique, vintage look
- Mixes easily with pigments for custom colors
Cons:
- Requires a bonding agent for smooth surfaces
- Needs a protective topcoat for durability
Top Recommendation: Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint is well-regarded for its authentic, natural finish. Adding a bonding agent to the mix will help the paint adhere better to previously finished cabinets.
6. Enamel Paint
Enamel paints are known for their durable, glossy finish. While they come in both oil-based and water-based formulas, the water-based enamels are becoming more popular for kitchen cabinets due to their lower odor and faster drying times. Enamel paint dries to a hard, durable surface that resists chipping, scratching, and staining, making it a practical choice for busy kitchens.
Pros:
- Highly durable, hard finish
- Smooth, glossy surface that’s easy to clean
- Available in water-based formulas for easy cleanup
Cons:
- May require multiple coats for full coverage
- Needs proper surface preparation for the best results
Top Recommendation: Look for water-based enamel paints like Sherwin-Williams’ ProClassic Interior Waterbased Acrylic-Alkyd Enamel. It offers the durability of traditional enamel with the ease of water-based cleanup.
7. Cabinet-Specific Paints
Some paint manufacturers offer cabinet-specific paints formulated for optimal durability and adhesion. These paints are designed to withstand the unique challenges of kitchen cabinets, such as exposure to moisture, grease, and frequent use. They usually feature self-leveling properties to minimize brush strokes, resulting in a smooth, professional finish.
Pros:
- Specifically formulated for cabinets
- Dries to a hard, durable surface
- Often includes built-in primer for better adhesion
Cons:
- Can be pricier than general-purpose paints
- Limited color options in some brands
Top Recommendation: Behr’s Cabinet & Trim Enamel or Benjamin Moore’s ADVANCE Interior Cabinet Paint are excellent cabinet-specific options. They’re designed to withstand the daily wear and tear of kitchen life and provide a durable, beautiful finish.
By exploring these additional options, you can choose the perfect paint that aligns with your kitchen style, usage, and the results you want to achieve. From classic oil-based paints to trendy chalk and milk paints, there’s a good paint for kitchen cabinets out there to match every taste and need.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a good paint for kitchen cabinets doesn’t have to be a daunting task. You can achieve a beautiful and lasting finish by focusing on paints designed for durability, easy cleaning, and the specific needs of kitchen cabinetry. Proper preparation and application are key to a successful result, whether you opt for the user-friendly acrylic latex paint or the more durable alkyd-based paint.
At Cabinet Coating Kings, we understand that painting kitchen cabinets can be a big project, and we’re here to help every step of the way. Serving Avalon Park, Doctor Phillips, and the surrounding areas, we offer expert cabinet painting services tailored to your needs. Our professional team will start with a free consultation to discuss your vision, guide you in choosing the perfect paint, and handle the prep work to ensure a flawless finish.
Call us at 407-917-9535 for a FREE estimate today, and let’s transform your kitchen into a space you’ll love!
