What kind of paint for kitchen cabinets is the first thing you should consider when it comes to repainting your kitchen cabinet.
While it may seem like a straightforward task, painting and refinishing requires great attention to detail.
There are many options to choose from and it is important that you know how to pick the best one. Continue reading to find out what kind of paint for kitchen cabinets to use for your kitchen.
We have also included some tips and tricks to get the perfect finish!
What Kind of Paint for Kitchen Cabinets is The Best
Giving your kitchen cabinets a fresh coat is an easier and more affordable way of renovating your entire cooking area. It is also a process that you can do on your own.
As long as you use the proper tools and pick the right paint, you can instantly make your kitchen cabinets as good as new.
what kind of paint should I use on kitchen cabinets is the best depends on a lot of factors. What cabinet do you have? What finish are you eyeing on?
Each type of paint caters to a specific need and only you can decide which one is right for you
So, what kind of paint should I use on kitchen cabinets? Here are the different paints you can choose from as well as the pros and cons of each.
Latex Paint
First in our what kind of paint should I use on kitchen cabinets list is latex paint. This kind of paint is widely used in different furniture because of its affordability and accessibility.
It is also very convenient to clean and wipe off because the stain doesn’t stick too much.
However, they are prone to peel off easily compared to other paints. That is why most contractors use priming chemicals and top coat to make the finish more durable and even.
Pros:
- Cheapest in the market
- Accessible
- Dries quickly
- Easy and fast to cleanup
Cons:
- Needs a topcoat
- Not as durable
- Peels off easily
- Can have an uneven finish
Oil-based Paint
What kind of paint should I use on kitchen cabinets is very impressive for its price point? None other than oil-based paint!
While it may not be easy to work with because of its strong scent and meticulous cleanup, oil-based paints are very high quality.
Oil-based paints are one of the most durable ones on the market. As soon as it dries, it would be very difficult to peel or scratch it off.
Another advantage of this paint is it has no brush strokes. Your kitchen cabinet will look very smooth with this one.
If you are always asking what kind of paint should I use on kitchen cabinets? Then maybe it is time you should give oil-based paints a try.
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- No visible brush marks
- Cost-efficient
- Great coverage
Cons:
- Strong smell
- Hard to clean up
- Takes several hours to dry
Alkyd Paint
What kind of paint should I use on kitchen cabinets that are better than latex paint? Alkyd paints would be your choice! They are an improved version of latex paints.
For what kind of paint for kitchen cabinets has the same finish as latex paints and has a quick drying time, but is more durable.
You also do not need a top coat for this one. Unlike latex, alkyd paints do not leave any brush strokes.
It may wear off more easily than oil-based paints, but it still has good coverage for its price.
Pros:
- No topcoat needed
- Shiny finish
- Convenient to clean
- Dries quickly like latex paints
Cons:
- Strong smell and VOCs
- More expensive than latex paints
- Prone to turn yellowish in the long run
Chalk Paint
Next in our what kind of paint for kitchen cabinets list is chalk paint.
Despite its expensive price, chalk paints are very thick and offer good coverage. You only need a few coats and it also doesn’t need priming.
Chalk paint can be applied in many ways, even with using a sprayer! Take note though that it can be difficult to clean up because of its thick consistency.
It also catches stains more compared to latex paints.
Pros:
- Thick coat
- Matte finish
- Takes less time to dry
- No need for priming or topcoat
- Blends easier
Cons:
- Can be hard to find in stores
- Quite expensive
- Hard to cleanup
- Prone to stains
Enamel-based Paint
Thinking of what kind of paint should I use on kitchen cabinets? Enamel-based paints are worth trying.
For what kind of paint for kitchen cabinets is known for its glossy and smooth finish. It is also very durable. Yes, it can take longer to dry, but it is manageable when exposed to air.
You should also remember that enamel-based paints have very strong scents and can cause eye sensitivity when exposed for too long.
Pros:
- Glossy finish
- Durable compared to acrylic
- No brush marks
- Doesn’t spill or drip
Cons:
- Takes several hours to dry
- Strong smell and VOCs
- Need to wear protective goggles when using
What paint to use on kitchen cabinets that are wood?
If you are wondering what paint to use on kitchen cabinets that are made of true wood, it is recommended that you use latex or oil-based paints.
Wood kitchen cabinets are quite easy to paint, but you do need to prep them properly by sanding the surface.
There are other options on what paint to use on kitchen cabinets especially for wood cabinets because they are common.
Take note however that those made with bare, natural wood can absorb a lot of paint. So make sure to use a primer when using water-based latex paint.
If your kitchen cabinet has a stain or an existing glossy finish, you need to apply a de-glosser first before applying what paint to use on kitchen cabinets.
What paint for kitchen cabinets that are wood veneers?
Next, what paint for kitchen cabinets is suitable for wood veneers? Similar to pure wood kitchen cabinets, wood veneers are best painted with latex paint or any water-based paints.
For wood veneers, what paint for kitchen cabinets could also be alkyd paint because it has a similar consistency to latex paints.
Wood veneers can sustain several coats, so you can layer generously until all the area is covered.
Make sure that you also look for water-based primers after finding out what paint for kitchen cabinets to use.
If you have trouble deciding what paint for kitchen cabinets to get, just remember to stick to water-based formulas when painting wood veneers.
What paint should I use for kitchen cabinets that are MDF?
Lastly, what paint should I use for kitchen cabinets made with MDF? The rule with Medium Density Fibreboard is to avoid water-based paints at all times.
The answer to what paint should I use for kitchen cabinets of this kind are oil-based paints or chalk paint because of their thick consistency.
MDF kitchen cabinets are very porous and you still need to finish the surface.
Aside from the question what paint should I use for kitchen cabinets? You also need to ask what type of primer is suitable for MDF.
Only oil-based primers can be used because they won’t damage the surface and it wouldn’t be absorbed by the material.
So again what paint should I use for kitchen cabinets that are MDF? Any oil-based paint, primer, and seal will work well with this type of material.
What paint to use on kitchen cabinets that are wood? What paint for kitchen cabinets that are wood veneers? What paint should I use for kitchen cabinets made with MDF?
Well, now you know the ideal paint for each.
Tips and Tricks of Using Kitchen Paint
It is not enough that you know what to paint kitchen cabinets with. For your home project to be a success, you need to know how to properly apply the paint of your choice.
There’s a right way to do it as well as some tips to achieve a flawless finish. Apart from what to paint kitchen cabinets with, what is the proper way of painting your furniture?
After choosing what to paint kitchen cabinets with and studying their current condition, you need to remove the items inside and disassemble the doors.
Then, clean your kitchen cabinet, apply grease, and repair the damaged areas.
Lastly before applying what to paint kitchen cabinets with, sand and prep the area to have a smooth surface.
Knowing what to paint kitchen cabinets with is important, but the execution is also critical. These two things go hand in hand!
Choose Your Kitchen Cabinet Paint Wisely
Nothing beats a fresh coat of paint, but you can only achieve it by knowing what kind of paint for kitchen cabinets is the best one for your specific needs.
You can pick from a lot of options that can transform your kitchen cabinet into a new look.
But ultimately, you should consider what kind of cabinet you own, its current state, the finish you want to have, and your budget as well.
We hope this guide has helped you decide what is best for your needs.
Choose the type of paint wisely so your kitchen makeover can be a success!