Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets: Finish for Professional Results

When it comes to giving your kitchen a fresh new look, painting your cabinets can make a world of difference. I recently did a budget friendly kitchen makeover and repainted the entire kitchen cabinets. The power of paint transformed the kitchen’s look, and I got a professional finish that rivals any high-end renovation. Choosing the best paint, along with the right techniques, is what made it possible to get the smooth, durable finish I wanted.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the process of selecting the best cabinet paint finish for professional results, whether you’re using oil-based paint, latex paint, or a hybrid paint. Whether this is your first time painting cabinets or you’ve tackled similar projects before, these are the tips and techniques that helped me achieve the best results. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can transform your kitchen into a space that feels brand new. I’ll be honest: I hired out this paint job for my kitchen, but I’ve done many on my own and have observed and worked alongside professional painters, so I’m sharing what I’ve learned from both sides.

Before You Begin

Before diving into your kitchen cabinet painting project, it’s essential to spend time planning and prepping. A successful paint job begins long before the first coat of paint touches the wood surface. Trust me when I say this: don’t rush through this stage.

Assess Your Kitchen Cabinets:

I started by thoroughly inspecting my cabinets. Cabinet material affects the type of paint and primer needed. If your cabinets are made of raw wood or already painted, their current condition will influence the type of paint you should use. The main thing is choosing the right formula for compatibility and the final finish you’re after. Think about whether your cabinets need minor repairs or extensive prep work, especially if you’re aiming for a smooth finish without any visible brush marks. If you have stained wood cabinets, your prep work will be slightly different than if you had painted cabinets. I also figured out whether the paint on my cabinets was oil based or water-based paint, which matters more than you might think.

Gather Materials:

Make sure you have all the materials you need for a smooth process. High-quality paint is key. Whether you choose Benjamin Moore’s Advance, Sherwin Williams Emerald, or another trusted brand, this is where your money is best spent, along with a good primer.

Benjamin Moore Scuff-X is ideal for high-traffic kitchen cabinets. Scuff-X is a low-odor, low-VOC paint. Scuff-X dries quickly and has a smooth, hard finish. Benjamin Moore Advance requires 16 hours between coats.

Sherwin-Williams ProClassic offers excellent durability for cabinets. ProClassic is designed for high-traffic areas and resists scratches.

Consider the type of paint you’ll be using, such as oil-based paint, latex paint, or hybrid alkyd enamel paint. Remember you may not need a gallon for every project depending on your kitchen size. You’ll also need primers, brushes, foam rollers, painter’s tape, sandpaper, and drop cloths. If you’re working with a tight budget, you can still find excellent products at your local Home Depot. Good brushes and rollers are a bonus, but for a DIYer the bigger priority is the quality of the paint itself. If you’re just getting into painting projects, it’s worth gathering a few beginner-friendly acrylic painting supplies so you can practice your technique on smaller pieces first.

Plan Your Time:

Painting kitchen cabinets is not a quick weekend project. Depending on the size of your kitchen and the condition of your cabinets, it could take several days or even a week to complete. I allocated enough time for each stage, from prep work to priming, painting, and curing, to make sure I got the best results. Make plans for storing everything that’s currently in drawers because you will be taking them out to paint. I did not anticipate how much eating out we would be doing during this process. I would plan for meals in advance because everything including your fridge will be taped up if you choose to spray your paint.

Clean Your Workspace:

A clean, organized workspace is crucial. I removed items from countertops, covered appliances and floors with drop cloths, and made sure there was proper ventilation, especially when working with oil-based paints or paint sprayers. This helped me focus on achieving a smoother finish without interruptions. Make arrangements for kids and pets to be out of the workspace.

Oil Paint vs Latex for Kitchen Cabinets

One of the most crucial decisions you’ll make when painting kitchen cabinets is choosing between oil-based paint and latex paint. Each type of paint has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and the look you want to achieve.

Oil-Based Paint:

Oil-based paint, particularly alkyd paint, is known for its durability and ability to produce a smooth, brush stroke-free finish. It levels out nicely, which is why it’s often recommended for cabinets. Oil-based paint is also highly resistant to daily use and dries to a hard finish that stands up well to wear in kitchens, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens. That said, it has a longer dry time, a strong odor, and requires mineral spirits for cleanup. While oil-based primer provides excellent adhesion, it can be more challenging to work with compared to water-based options. Personally, I would leave this one to the professionals.

Latex Paint:

Latex paint, especially acrylic paint, has improved significantly in recent years. It offers the ease of use that makes it a popular choice for both professional painters and DIYers. 100% acrylic latex enamel offers flexibility and moisture resistance. Latex paint dries faster than oil paint, keeps odor and VOCs to a minimum with many quality water-based options, and is easier to clean up. High-quality latex paints can achieve a durable finish comparable to that of oil-based paints and are popular with both DIYers and the pro crowd. Latex paints may require additional sanding between coats to ensure a smooth surface, but I found that trade-off worth it.

Hybrid Paint (e.g., Benjamin Moore Advance):

If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, consider hybrid alkyd enamel paint or waterborne alkyd paint. These paints combine the durability of oil-based paints with the easy cleanup of latex paints. They’re a great option for painting cabinets if you want a durable, smooth finish with less hassle.

What Paint Finish to Choose

After choosing the best paint type, the next decision is selecting the right paint finish. The paint sheen you choose will significantly impact the final look of your cabinets, their durability, and how they stand up to daily use.

Matte Paint:

Matte or flat paint finishes offer a non-reflective surface that hides imperfections but are generally not recommended for kitchen cabinets due to their lack of durability and difficulty to clean. It’s usually not the best choice for high-traffic areas and will make even the right color look dull with the flat finish.

Satin/Eggshell Paint:

Satin finishes provide a soft, subtle sheen that works well in kitchens. They offer a smoother finish than matte paint and are more durable, making them a good choice for cabinets. I’ve noticed satin finishes are popular because they balance a smooth appearance with ease of cleaning, without the high gloss that may highlight imperfections. Some paint manufacturers call Satin and Eggshell the same finish while others might have a slight difference between the sheens. Satin and 100% acrylic latex enamel finishes also offer flexibility and moisture resistance, which is beneficial in kitchen environments.

Semi-Gloss Paint:

Semi-gloss paint is perhaps the most popular choice for kitchen cabinets. It offers a noticeable shine, which reflects light and makes your kitchen feel brighter and more open. Semi-gloss finishes are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to moisture, making them ideal for kitchen environments. Semi-gloss paint highlights details like cabinet doors’ trim and paneling, making them stand out beautifully.

High Gloss Paint:

High-gloss paint provides a very shiny, reflective surface. It’s the most durable finish, easy to clean, and perfect for modern kitchens where a sleek, polished look is the goal. High gloss can highlight imperfections, though, so your prep work needs to be flawless to achieve the best results. Surface flaws such as peeling or chipping paint will be more visible with high gloss finishes than with satin or semi-gloss. From my experience, it’s the most difficult paint finish to get right, so be warned.

Prep Work

Proper prep work is the foundation of a successful paint job. No matter how good your paint is, without thorough preparation, you won’t achieve the professional finish you’re after.

Cleaning:

I began by cleaning my cabinets thoroughly. Kitchens are notorious for grease and grime buildup, especially on cabinet doors near the stove. I used a strong degreaser to remove all traces of oil, as these can prevent paint from adhering properly.

Removing Hardware:

Next, I removed all cabinet hardware, including handles, knobs, and hinges. This makes painting easier and prevents you from accidentally getting paint on these parts. I labeled each door and its corresponding hardware to simplify reassembly later. I used painters tape to mark each cabinet box on the inside and wrote the corresponding number on the hinge.

Sanding:

Sanding is crucial for achieving a smooth surface. Whether your cabinets are made of raw wood or already have a finish, sanding helps create a rough surface for the primer to adhere to. I used 120-grit sandpaper for initial sanding, and after applying the first coat of paint, I used finer grit sandpaper (220-grit) for a smoother finish. This helped reduce brush strokes and gave me that professional look. After each time I sanded, I wiped down the cabinets to remove all sanding dust.

Filling Imperfections:

If your cabinets have any dents, scratches, or holes, use wood filler to smooth them out. Sand the filler smooth once it’s dry. This step is essential for achieving a flawless finish, especially if you’re aiming for a higher gloss paint look, where even minor imperfections can be highly visible.

Priming Before Painting

Priming is a non-negotiable step in painting kitchen cabinets. It ensures that the paint adheres well to the wood surface, covers any existing stains or colors, and helps achieve a more durable finish. Don’t fall into the paint plus primer gimmick sold by paint companies. While it works for smaller surfaces I don’t recommend it for an entire kitchen or a high traffic area.

Choosing the Right Primer:

For kitchen cabinets, an oil-based primer or a high-quality bonding primer is usually the best choice. This isn’t the place to save a lot by buying lower-quality primer. Oil-based primers offer excellent adhesion, especially on surfaces that have been previously painted with oil paint. If you’re using latex or hybrid paint, water-based primers are also a good option, as they dry quickly and are easier to clean up.

Applying the Primer:

I applied the primer in thin, even coats using a foam roller or paint sprayer for the best results. I let the primer dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions before sanding lightly and applying the first coat of paint.

Spray or Roll

Choosing between spraying and rolling your paint is another critical decision. Each method has its advantages, and the best choice depends on your skill level, equipment, and desired finish. Understanding the best method for painting cabinets can help you decide what works for your space and skills.

Spray Painting:

Using a paint sprayer can give you the smoothest, most professional-looking finish. Sprayers apply paint evenly and without brush strokes, making them ideal for a high-gloss or semi-gloss finish. They require more prep work, though, including masking off areas to avoid overspray, and they work best in well-ventilated spaces. If you’re aiming for the best finish and have access to a paint sprayer, this is often the best choice. It will require you to wear a respirator and seal off the entire kitchen with plastic sheets.

Rolling and Brushing:

If you don’t have a paint sprayer, using a high-quality foam roller and brush can still yield great results. Foam rollers are excellent for reducing brush marks, and brushes are necessary for cutting in around edges and corners. This method might require a bit more elbow grease, but it’s easier for beginners and doesn’t require as much setup as spraying. With a steady hand you can get great results with rolling.

Sanding Between Coats

Sanding between coats is a step that many beginners overlook, but it’s essential for achieving a professional finish. This process helps smooth out any imperfections from the previous coat and prepares the surface for the next layer of paint.

Why Sanding is Important:

After applying my first coat of paint, tiny imperfections like dust particles or brush marks appeared. Lightly sanding the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit) helped me remove these imperfections and promoted better adhesion for subsequent coats.

How to Sand:

Use a light touch when sanding between coats. You’re not trying to remove the paint, just smooth the surface. After sanding, wipe down the surface with a tack cloth to remove any dust before applying the next coat.

Fixing Mistakes and Curing

Even with the best planning, mistakes can happen. Knowing how to fix them and understanding the importance of curing time can make the difference between a good paint job and a great one.

Fixing Common Mistakes:

If you notice drips, uneven coverage, or brush marks after a coat has dried, don’t panic. I lightly sanded the affected area with fine-grit sandpaper until smooth, then reapplied paint. For larger issues, such as a color mismatch or significant imperfections, you might need to sand down the area and apply a fresh coat of paint. For bigger drips that you notice after the paint is dry use a sharp blade to cut it out then repaint the patch.

The Importance of Curing:

Once the final coat of paint is applied, it’s important to allow sufficient curing time. While paint may feel dry to the touch after a few hours, it can take several days to fully cure and reach its maximum durability. I avoided heavy use of my cabinets during this period to prevent damage. Proper curing ensures that your fresh coat of paint achieves the durable finish you’re aiming for.

How It’s Held Up

It’s mostly held up great! We do have some scuffs and minor paint scratches in the most used areas, which is expected, and nothing a little touch up paint can’t fix. I wouldn’t do anything differently. Since then, the rest of the kitchen has kept evolving with a custom vent hood and brass rail, a refreshed pantry, wallpaper, wall paneling on the peninsula, pendant lights, and new appliances. You can see more in my kitchen cabinet extension post.

Repainting your kitchen cabinets is a powerful way to transform your entire kitchen, and with the right approach, you can achieve professional results without hiring a professional painter. Pairing fresh cabinets with added storage, like a DIY cottage style kitchen pantry, can completely change both the function and feel of your space. By selecting the best product and paint finish, thoroughly prepping the surfaces, and taking your time with each step, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.

Whether you’re a first-time DIYer or have tackled similar projects before, following these guidelines will help you achieve the finish that’s perfect for your kitchen. With the best kitchen cabinet paint brand and the right techniques, your kitchen will look fresh and updated for years to come. If you’re also looking at other parts of your kitchen, an easy DIY kitchen island makeover with wall paneling is another high-impact project that pairs beautifully with freshly painted cabinets. The color I chose for my cabinets is Natural Tan by Sherwin Williams.

Kitchen Design Inspiration and Ideas

Now that you know what you’re getting yourself into when painting your kitchen cabinets, here are some kitchen design ideas and trends you can check out, especially if you’re looking for broader decor ideas for updating your home. Fresh cabinets can completely change how adjacent spaces feel, so you might also want to explore unique accent wall ideas for the dining room, creative dining room buffet table decor ideas, or even a full transitional modern dining room makeover to tie everything together.

• • Decor

Simple European Farmhouse Kitchen With Design Inspiration

• Mahum Haider
• June 21, 2023

If you’re planning a larger kitchen update alongside painting your cabinets, looking at stunning vent hood design ideas can help you turn the cooking area into a beautiful focal point that matches your new cabinet finish.

If you enjoy detail work and want to play with pattern after your cabinets are done, you can try DIY hand painted wallpaper in a breakfast nook or hallway for a fully custom look. And for a fun weekend project that uses many of the same painting skills on a smaller scale, consider my tutorial for easy DIY kids play kitchen ideas with spray paint.

FAQs About Painting Kitchen Cabinets