Best Paint for Your Next Cabinet Project (2024)

FAQs

What type of paint is best for cabinets? ›

There are many types of paint to choose from, but the best paint for kitchen cabinets is semi-gloss, gloss or satin.

Polyurethane. Polyurethane is a popular clear coat known for its durability, water resistance, and protective properties. It is available in both oil-based and water-based formulas. Oil-based polyurethane tends to have a slight amber tone, while water-based options remain clear.

Kitchen walls and especially kitchen cabinets require a paint finish that's tough, easy to wipe down, and attractive. Satin and eggshell paint finishes work well for kitchen walls, while semi-gloss proves best for kitchen cabinets.

Kitchen cabinets are painted in industrial settings with industrial-grade paints and equipment that sprays the paint onto the wood surface with high velocity. It is usually lacquer or enamel-type oil-based paint and it might have undergone an additional curing process.

While both satin and semi-gloss finishes provide an attractive look for your kitchen cabinets, one key difference between them lies in their ability to reflect light. Semi-gloss has a higher sheen level which can make any dents or scratches more noticeable when painted over compared with a satin finish.

DIY enthusiasts and professionals have grown fond of using high-density foam rollers. This makes them a great choice is their ability to provide a flawless, smooth surface, making them ideal for use on cabinets and furniture.

A polyurethane varnish finish can cut down on the wear and tear of kitchen cabinets, help keep them looking new and extend the life of the cabinets. Polyurethane works best on unfinished wood but can also be painted directly onto painted surfaces.

Once your surface is clean and dry, you are ready for your second coat. Follow the same steps as the first coat, only this time use a heavier application. If you have a high-traffic kitchen, you may want to add a third coat to ensure longevity and durability.

Yellow is a common go-to kitchen color; on cabinets you can try a light, buttery yellow or a pastel shade more reminiscent of lemonade. Sky blue is another popular kitchen color for walls and cabinets. It can create an airy, ethereal vibe and looks great with white and stainless steel accents.

What Sherwin Williams paint is best for cabinets? ›

Once you've taken care of primer, the best paint for cabinets is Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel. This product creates a hard, durable finish that withstands the wear and tear of frequently used areas like kitchens.

The most durable kitchen cabinet finish is a catalyzed conversion varnish. This is the most durable finish available for wood. It's chemical and moisture resistant, making it easy to clean. It's also more flexible.

For wood, brushing is fine, but you may want to hire a professional for a good finish. Using a roller to paint cabinets is a lot faster than brush painting, however, the fabric on the roller will create a 'bobbly' texture on the surface. The texture a roller puts on cabinets makes it unsuitable for gloss paint.

Can You Paint Over Cabinets Without Sanding? Skipping the sanding step is OK if you're making a change from one newly painted surface to another, or painting raw, unvarnished wood cabinets.

Wood, wood-laminate and metal cabinets usually can be repainted without difficulty. Plastic laminate cabinets might not accept a topcoat of paint — those that can be refinished often require special paints and techniques, and results can vary.

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to get the job done, rolling is the way to go. But if you want excellent results that will last, it's best to hire professionals. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference – some people swear by brushes for cabinet painting while others prefer rollers.

Once your cabinets are clean and dry, use a 100 or 150-grit sandpaper to roughen up the surface of the cabinets. Cabinet paint won't adhere properly to a smooth or shiny surface. You don't need to completely remove the prior finish, just rough up the surface enough to give the primer something to stick to.

If you don't have an airless sprayer you can get a smooth finish with a low pile microfiber mini roller (and a good brush) if you roll on an even coat and let the paint further even itself out. Might use a foam brush when going back to check for drips.

'Semi-gloss has a higher sheen level than satin,' confirms Helen Shaw, director at Benjamin Moore, 'meaning that it is more reflective. The extra levels of luminosity make it perfectly suited to highlight the architectural details.