How To Choose The Best Paint For Your Kitchen Cabinets?

Refreshing your cabinetry with new paint is a simple yet significant way to update your kitchen. The right paint colour can give your kitchen a new lease on life and make it a space where you can express your individuality. Unfortunately, many paints are out there, making it difficult to pick the best one for your kitchen cabinets.

To help you choose a paint colour for your kitchen cabinets that will last, this guide will go over some of the most important considerations to keep in mind.

Do I Need To Paint My Cabinets?

If your cabinets are in reasonably good condition, you skip buying new paint and spend that money on something more useful. Poorly made cabinets that have seen better days won't be saved by any amount of paint. Particle board cabinet bottoms and shelves droop and break, and hanging rails become loose; thin veneers peel or delaminate. It may be time to replace your kitchen cabinets if these are the problems you're experiencing.

Let's assume that your kitchen appliances are in good working order and go over some of the questions you need to answer before you repaint your cabinets.

The Importance Of Choosing The Right Paint

Choosing the right paint colour for your kitchen cabinets is crucial. It can greatly improve your cabinets' appearance and longevity. Consider these factors when making your paint selection:

Aesthetic Appeal

The kitchen's aesthetic is greatly influenced by the cabinets you choose. Bringing the space up to date can be as simple as selecting a new paint colour for the cabinets. Likewise, the mood of your kitchen can be set by the paint you choose, whether you're going for a sleek, modern look or a warm, rustic feel.

Durability

The kitchen cabinets, doors, and drawers must survive being opened and closed hundreds of times daily. If you choose high-quality paint, your cabinets will last longer without showing wear and tear, like scratches, chips, or peeling. This will keep your cabinets looking great and working well for years.

Longevity

Remodelling a kitchen can take a lot of time and money. You can extend the life of your cabinets by spending money on good paint. You won't have to paint or replace your cabinets as often if you invest in a high-quality paint job.

Protection

Cabinets in a kitchen are vulnerable to damage from some sources. This is because cabinets are constantly subjected to harsh conditions, such as steam, heat, grease, and spills. Choose high-quality paint to create a barrier that prevents damage to your cabinets and makes them easier to keep clean.

Easy Maintenance

The kitchen is a high-traffic area that is prone to messes. Selecting a paint that doesn't show dirt and dust as easily as others will help you save time and energy in the long run. Look for washable and stain-resistant paints, making regular cleaning much easier.

Personalisation

The design of your kitchen should be a reflection of who you are. Cabinets can be personalised to your tastes with the help of paint. Pick a shade of paint for your kitchen that complements your personality, whether it's a timeless white, a daring statement colour, or a trendy shade.

Oil Paint Vs. Latex Paint Vs. Alkyd Paint

Are you debating whether to paint your kitchen cabinets with modern latex paint or more traditional oil paint? Find out more about your choices and the benefits and drawbacks of various methods.

Cabinet Paint With An Oil Base

You may first think of oil-based paints when trying to decide what colour to paint your kitchen cabinets because of their reputation for durability. In addition, when painting a surface, oil-based paints make cleanup a breeze.

If you open a cabinet and your hands are sticky or greasy, you don't have to worry about damaging the paint or dulling the surface; give it a quick scrub. However, the drawbacks of oil-based paints become more noticeable than usual when painting cabinets.

While easy to apply, oil-based paint can take up to 16 hours to dry between coats. In addition, the paint could take days to dry if there isn't enough ventilation (often in a kitchen).

Many people want to avoid emptying their cabinets for days while the paint dries between coats. However, cabinets painted with oil-based paint may also look dingy after some time has passed, especially if they are in a dark room.

Cabinet Paint In Latex

While oil-based paints have a good reputation for being simple to apply and having a finish that holds up well to repeated scrubbing, latex paint is the better option for most kitchen cabinets because it contains fewer volatile organic compounds and dries more quickly.

Latex paint for kitchen cabinets is much more practical now that water-based paint formulas have improved. These days, you can find latex paints that can withstand repeated scrubbings without chipping or peeling. Also, look for paint that can be easily cleaned, as this is an absolute must for kitchen cabinets.

Preparing the surface for latex paint is essential before painting wood cabinets. Latex paint highlights surface irregularities like wood grain or texture, whereas oil-based paint covers them completely. Preparation is the key to a successful painting project and achieving a professional look.

Kitchen cabinets that are painted (rather than made of natural wood) are another good candidate for latex paint. If you are still determining the type of paint already on your cabinets, a water-based latex formula is your best bet. Latex paint can adhere to a surface painted with either oil or latex, but oil-based paint will not adhere well to latex paint.

Cabinet Paint With Alkyd

Water-based alkyd paint has an enamel sheen and behaves differently from oil paint despite their similarities in appearance and consistency. Unlike oil-based paint, this one does not require a top coat to protect its hard, semi-gloss finish from wear and tear. Self-levelling alkyd enamel smooths out as it dries, giving it a professional appearance. Alkyd paint dries so smoothly that brush marks are barely noticeable.

If you want professional results when painting kitchen cabinets, alkyd paints are what you need. Most commonly used on metal, wood, and cabinetry, alkyd paint is rarely seen on walls. It has a tough coating that makes it ideal for cabinetry. Use either another or oil-based paint for the best results when painting over alkyd.

The supplies and paints are hazardous if not disposed of properly and should only be used in a well-ventilated area.

Hybrid enamel paint's durability and low upkeep make it a popular choice for kitchen cabinetry. Hybrid formulations are safer because they release fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can be washed off with soap and water. They stick like crazy. Priming and sanding are unnecessary for alkyd paints.

Cabinet Painting Procedures

Prepare The Room

Preparation is the key to a professional-looking paint job, so the first few steps involve cleaning and sanding the walls and cabinets.

• First, clear off the countertops, empty the cabinets, and remove any freestanding appliances.
• Please bring the furniture into the living room.
• Cover the counters and floor with rosin paper and seal off the rest of the house with plastic by taping it to the backsplash, appliances, windows, and interior doors.
• The area around the cabinets should be masked off.
• Prepare a painting workspace for cabinet and furniture surfaces.

TIP: Make Your Paint Station

Using this makeshift drying rack, you can access every inch of a closed cabinet door. Here are the steps to take to get it set up:

• Span two ladders with a pair of 2x4s at eye level.
• For each door that needs painting, screw an eye hook into a 24, and screw hooks into the opposite ends of the 24 for each pair of doors.
• To hide the resulting screw holes, install matching hooks on the upper and lower edges of the upper and lower cabinet doors.

Detach The Drawers, doors, And Shelves.

• Label the doors and drawer fronts with a marker to avoid mixing the doors and drawer fronts. This stamp belongs on the reverse side of the hinge.
• Unscrew the hinges from the cabinet's frame and pull the doors off.
• Tape them with sequential numbers, moving from left to right and then up and down. Drawer and shelf bottoms and shelf edges should be numbered as well.
• Put the hardware for hanging shelves aside.
• Get everything that can be reused out of the way on your workbench.
• Remove the tape from the door and write the number on the unfinished wood under the hinge.
• Put some new tape over it.

Ensure That All Surfaces Are Clean.

• Apply a degreaser spray to a rag and wipe down the cabinet to clean it. This removes any dirt, dust, oils, or grease that might otherwise ruin the final product. If regular cleaning products aren't doing the trick, a more powerful cleaner can be purchased from hardware and paint stores. To ensure your safety, always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Rinse the cabinet parts in running water and then air dry them once you clean them.

Prepare The Boxes.

• Ventilate the room by opening the windows, and wear your protective gear. Scrub all the surfaces with an abrasive pad dampened in a liquid deglosser.
• Keep a rag under it to soak up the liquid. Please remove any remaining deglosser with a fresh rag dampened with more of the cleaner before it dries.
• If the fasteners are being moved, use a two-component polyester wood or autobody filler to cover the screw holes left behind.
• It hardens in about 5 minutes, so only make what you can use simultaneously. Because of the filler contracts, it is important to overfill the holes slightly.
• When it dries, use a paint scraper to remove the excess. If it completely sets, smooth it out with some sandpaper.
• Sand the drawers, cabinets, and doors down using a foam sanding block to create a worn look. This is just a quick sanding to help the primer stick, so stop short of the raw wood. Sanding dust can be cleaned up with a tack cloth.
• Clean the cabinets thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner as well as a lint-free cloth to wipe away any residue of dirt that may have settled on the surface.

The Cabinet Boxes Should Be Primed.

It's time for the introductory lesson. A stain-blocking primer should be used first on stained cabinets; it dries quickly, seals knots and other surface defects, and prevents bleed-through from topcoats. In most cases, a primer made of oil or 100% acrylic latex will suffice, rather than a stain blocker.

• Priming the paint tray and loading the roller and brush with primer. Apply primer to the doors, cabinet, and drawer fronts, brushing it around the edges and into tight spots and rolling it on over larger, flatter areas.
• Apply primer across the grain from the top of the cabinet down, and then "tip-off," or lightly brush the wet finish with the brush while moving toward the grain. The proper way to tip off is always with one fluid motion from end to end.
• When brushing a cabinet or door, stick to the framework. If you plan on painting the stile before you paint the part of the rail that overlaps it, you should paint it first.
• Purge while you wait for the primer to finish drying. Your tools (brush, roller, and sleeve) and the paint tray (pour any unused primer into the can).

Fill, Caulk, And Sand

• Once the primer has dried, smooth the flat areas with 220-grit sandpaper.
• Use a sanding sponge with medium grit to smooth out curved or angled areas. The finished wood should have the feel of polished glass.
• Apply a small bead of latex caulk to any cracks you find. (A caulk tube's opening shouldn't be bigger than a sharp pencil's point.)
• Smooth the caulk with a wet finger after pulling the tip as you go. Use a vinyl spackle and a putty knife to fill in and smooth out any dings, scratches, or dents.
• After waiting an hour for the spackle to dry, sand it again with 220 gritty paper, vacuum it up, and then wipe it down with a tack cloth.
• Prime the spackle and the areas where the steel wool has "destroyed through" the base coat with a fast-drying oil-based primer.
• Once an hour has passed, 280-grit paper can lightly sand the primer.
• Clean everything with a tack cloth and a vacuum.

Painted Cabinet Boxes

Get out there and start painting! If you're using a colour that's close to the one already there, two coats should be sufficient. You might be able to make a double ace. If you want to paint over a dark completion with a light colour, you may need to use three coats. Always use a clean brush when applying the product.

• Fill the paint tray with enamel paint for the trim and cabinets, then load the roller and brush. Instead of rolling it on, you should use a brush to paint the edges and corners and avoid painting the space between them. Use a roller to paint a large, flat area with enamel.
• When painting the inside of the cabinets, use a mini roller with a smooth surface to achieve an orange peel effect.
• Use plastic bags to shield the roller and brush while having to wait for the first coat to dry.
• Light sanding in between coats is recommended, as is thorough cleanup.
• The cabinet needs another coat of paint. This coat must cover everything perfectly, with no thin or light spots where the wood grain shines through.

Doors, Shelves, And Drawers should Be Cleaned, Primed, And Painted.

When painting cabinet doors, shelves, and drawers, use the same steps as when painting cabinets, but conduct the job on a table to avoid runs, drips, and sags.

• Start painting the frame around each panel on a door with panels first.
• The panel's main field should be completed next, followed by the rails and stiles that frame it.
• To prevent lap marks from appearing, clean up any paint that gets on nearby dry surfaces as you go.

Tip: To speed up the drying process, simply insert two screw hooks into holes drilled into a hidden door edge and twist.

A drywall screw driven into an already-existing hardware hole will hold the door in place after an hour of drying while it is laid flat. If you want to paint the back of the door, you'll need to prop it up at an angle.

• In order to hang the door from a sturdy clothes hanger once you're done painting, you'll need to pick it up using the screw and one of the hooks. Use the rod from the shower curtain or a hanger to suspend the door.

Replace All Of The Pieces.

• The doors and drawer fronts can be reattached after the second coat of paint has dried. Take pride in the fact that you updated the appearance of your kitchen cabinets without spending a fortune.
• Door numbers taped over with masking tape must be unmasked, and hardware must be reinstalled before the doors can be hung.
• Pull out each drawer, replace the handles, and put it back in its place.

Conclusion 

Refreshing your kitchen cabinets with new paint is a simple yet significant way to update it. It is important to consider the following factors when making a paint selection: aesthetic appeal, mood of the kitchen, durability, and affordability. Poorly made cabinets that have seen better days won't be saved by any amount of paint, so it may be time to replace them if these are the problems you're experiencing. High-quality paint can extend the life of kitchen cabinets, protect them from damage, and make them easier to maintain. It can also be personalised to your tastes with a shade of paint that complements your personality.

Oil Paint Vs. Latex Paint Vs. Alkyd Paint: Oil-based paints have a reputation for durability and make cleanup a breeze. Oil-based paints are easy to apply and have a finish that holds up well to repeated scrubbing. Latex paint is the better option for most kitchen cabinets because it contains fewer volatile organic compounds and dries more quickly. Water-based latex paint has an enamel sheen and does not require a top coat to protect its hard, semi-gloss finish from wear and tear. Alkyd paint has an enamel sheen and behaves differently from oil paint despite their similarities in appearance and consistency.

It does not require a top coat to protect its hard, semi-gloss finish from wear and tear. Alkyd paints are a popular choice for kitchen cabinetry due to their tough coating and low upkeep. Hybrid enamel paint is also a popular choice due to its durability and low upkeep. Cabinet painting procedures include cleaning and sanding the walls and cabinets, preparing a painting workspace, making a drying rack, detaching the drawers, doors, and shelves, labeling the doors and drawer fronts, unscrewing the hinges from the cabinet's frame, and removing tape from the door. The most important details in this text are the steps needed to prepare the cabinets for painting.

First, the cabinets should be cleaned with a degreaser spray and rinsed in running water. Next, the cabinets should be prepared with an abrasive pad dampened in a liquid deglosser. If the fasteners are being moved, a two-component polyester wood or autobody filler should be used to cover the screw holes. Finally, the cabinets should be primed with a stain-blocking primer made of oil or 100% acrylic latex. The most important details in this text are the steps needed to paint a cabinet or door.

These include brushing the framework, smoothing the flat areas with 220-grit sandpaper, applying latex caulk to any cracks, filling in and smoothing out any dings, scratches, or dents, priming the spackle and areas where the steel wool has "destroyed through" the base coat with a fast-drying oil-based primer, and cleaning everything with a tack cloth and vacuum. The cabinet needs another coat of paint. Cabinet doors, shelves, and drawers should be cleaned, primed, and painted on a table to avoid runs, drips, and sags. To speed up the drying process, insert two screw hooks into holes drilled into a hidden door edge and twist. To hang the door from a sturdy clothes hanger, use a rod from the shower curtain or a hanger.

After the second coat of paint has dried, the doors and drawer fronts can be reattached. Door numbers taped over with masking tape must be unmasked and hardware must be reinstalled before the doors can be hung.

Content Summary: 

• Refreshing your cabinetry with new paint is a simple yet significant way to update your kitchen.
• To help you choose a paint colour for your kitchen cabinets that will last, this guide will go over some of the most important considerations to keep in mind.
• Choosing the right paint colour for your kitchen cabinets is crucial.
• It can greatly improve your cabinets' appearance and longevity.
• Bringing the space up to date can be as simple as selecting a new paint colour for the cabinets.
• If you choose high-quality paint, your cabinets will last longer without showing wear and tear, like scratches, chips, or peeling.
• You can extend the life of your cabinets by spending money on good paint.
• You won't have to paint or replace your cabinets as often if you invest in a high-quality paint job.
• Choose high-quality paint to create a barrier that prevents damage to your cabinets and makes them easier to keep clean.
• Cabinets can be personalised to your tastes with the help of paint.
• Pick a shade of paint for your kitchen that complements your personality, whether it's a timeless white, a daring statement colour, or a trendy shade.
• Are you debating whether to paint your kitchen cabinets with modern latex paint or more traditional oil paint?
• However, the drawbacks of oil-based paints become more noticeable than usual when painting cabinets.
• While easy to apply, oil-based paint can take up to 16 hours to dry between coats.
• Preparing the surface for latex paint is essential before painting wood cabinets.
• If you are still determining the type of paint already on your cabinets, a water-based latex formula is your best bet.
• Latex paint can adhere to a surface painted with either oil or latex, but oil-based paint will not adhere well to latex paint.
• Water-based alkyd paint has an enamel sheen and behaves differently from oil paint despite their similarities in appearance and consistency.
• If you want professional results when painting kitchen cabinets, alkyd paints are what you need.
• Use either another or oil-based paint for the best results when painting over alkyd.
• Priming and sanding are unnecessary for alkyd paints.
• The Room Preparation is the key to a professional-looking paint job, so the first few steps involve cleaning and sanding the walls and cabinets.
• Prepare a painting workspace for cabinet and furniture surfaces.
• Apply a degreaser spray to a rag and wipe down the cabinet to clean it.
• Rinse the cabinet parts in running water and then air dry them once you clean them.
• Scrub all the surfaces with an abrasive pad dampened in a liquid deglosser.
• Sand the drawers, cabinets, and doors down using a foam sanding block to create a worn look.
• Clean the cabinets thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner as well as a lint-free cloth to wipe away any residue of dirt that may have settled on the surface.
• It's time for the introductory lesson.
• When brushing a cabinet or door, stick to the framework.
• If you plan on painting the stile before you paint the part of the rail that overlaps it, you should paint it first.
• Purge while you wait for the primer to finish drying.
• Once the primer has dried, smooth the flat areas with 220-grit sandpaper.
• Apply a small bead of latex caulk to any cracks you find. 
• Smooth the caulk with a wet finger after pulling the tip as you go.
• Clean everything with a tack cloth and a vacuum.
• If you want to paint over a dark completion with a light colour, you may need to use three coats.
• Fill the paint tray with enamel paint for the trim and cabinets, then load the roller and brush.
• Instead of rolling it on, you should use a brush to paint the edges and corners and avoid painting the space between them.
• When painting cabinet doors, shelves, and drawers, use the same steps as when painting cabinets, but conduct the job on a table to avoid runs, drips, and sags.
• Start painting the frame around each panel on a door with panels first.
• To prevent lap marks from appearing, clean up any paint that gets on nearby dry surfaces as you go.
• A drywall screw driven into an already-existing hardware hole will hold the door in place after an hour of drying while it is laid flat.
• If you want to paint the back of the door, you'll need to prop it up at an angle.
• Use the rod from the shower curtain or a hanger to suspend the door.
• The doors and drawer fronts can be reattached after the second coat of paint has dried.
• Take pride in the fact that you updated the appearance of your kitchen cabinets without spending a fortune.