Do you need special paint for kitchen cabinets?

Choose a high-quality paint. Special cabinet paints are available that provide a smooth finish, but any high-quality paint should work. Make sure your paint is acrylic, not vinyl. Acrylic latex-based paint is durable and easy to clean up.

What kind of paint should you use on kitchen cabinets?

There are many types of paint to choose from, but the best paint for kitchen cabinets is semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Matte is not practical in kitchens and baths where you will need durable paint you can easily clean.

What is the difference between cabinet paint and regular paint?

The two primary differences between oil-based paint and latex-based paint on kitchen cabinets are final texture and dry time. Oil-based is more traditional and popular with purists who like the “painterly” look of brush marks, while latex gives a more consistent finish.

What kind of paint is most durable for kitchen cabinets?

For painting your kitchen cabinets, the best paint is one that's consistently easy to apply. ProClassic Alkyd Interior Enamel is a traditional oil-based paint that when fully cured (21 to 30 days), provides a harder, more durable finish than latex or acrylic paints.

What type of paint finish is best for cabinets?

So if you want a kitchen cabinet paint which is durable and doesn't show imperfections easily, use oil-based matte and satin finishes. Semi-gloss could work for you too.

DIY How to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets A to Z

Can you use regular paint on cabinets?

Well yes, you can use anything you want. But latex paint, as in regular wall paint, will not give you as smooth or durable a finish as enamel paint. I'll admit that, in a pinch, I've painted cabinets and furniture with latex paint that I had on hand.

Should kitchen cabinets be satin or semi-gloss?

While satin finishes tend to be fairly durable in high traffic areas, they're not as durable and versatile as semi-gloss against mildew and mold. Kitchen cabinets in high moisture environments can, therefore, do better with semi-gloss paints.

Do painted cabinets hold up?

With proper care of professionally painted kitchen cabinets, you can expect your newly painted cabinets to last 8-10 years. However, there are a few things that can drastically shorten this timeframe, leaving you needing them repainted 3-4 years later.

What paint to use on cabinets without sanding?

Buy a cabinet painting kit and get the paint tinted to your preference. Good commercial kits contain a de-glosser to remove any older coats of paint on existing cabinetry. The de-glosser eliminates the need to sand or prime surfaces that are already finished.

How do you paint cabinet doors without brush marks?

Is it necessary to Prime cabinets before painting?

While priming never hurts, whether it's necessary or not is determined by the type of paint (oil or latex) currently on your cabinets and the type you plan to use for repainting. If you're changing the type of paint or painting over natural wood cabinets, then it's important to prime the cabinets first.

How many coats of paint do I need for cabinets?

Two coats of paint are essential for cabinets—you're building a surface. By the way, to get the nicest finish, use a brush, a 2- to 2 1/2-inch fine bristle brush. Whatever paint you use, ventilate the room—direct a fan out the window—and wear the masks they sell in paint stores.

What happens if you don't sand cabinets before painting?

If you don't clean before sanding, contaminates (like cooking grease) will be pressed down into the wood. Contaminates will keep the soon be applied paint for sticking.

What paint finish is best for kitchens?

Since kitchens are such a busy part of a home and often need extra cleaning, a satin or semi-gloss finish is the best options. Satin and eggshell finishes are commonly believed to be the same, but in fact, satin is a bit shinier. Satin finishes are easy to clean and good at standing up to mildew, stains and dirt.

Can I paint cabinets without stripping?

Yes, it is possible to paint cabinets without sanding.

Why you shouldn't paint your cabinets?

Detailed Patterns, Warped or Damaged Cabinets

If your cabinets have detailed patterns or they are warped, chipped, cracked or have other damage to them, then painting your kitchen cabinets is not the way to go – it most definitely won't solve your cabinet problem.

Why are my painted cabinets chipping?

Friction from loose hardware can cause paint to tear, chip and peel, even if you've used the best paint for kitchen cabinets. Regularly tighten hardware to prevent it from contributing to a paint chipping problem. Sometimes the paint on kitchen cabinets peels behind closed doors — literally.

What's the average cost to paint kitchen cabinets?

National Average: $762

The cost to paint kitchen cabinets is lower than you might think—certainly lower than replacing or even refacing them. On average, homeowners spend $762 to repaint the doors and cabinets in their kitchens, with a typical range of $394 to $1,254.

What is the most popular finish for kitchen cabinets?

Semi-Gloss Finish

As the most popular sheen, semi-gloss provides your kitchen cabinets with a nice shine that is not overbearing.

Is Sherwin Williams paint good for cabinets?

Sherwin Williams sells an assortment of primer and paints that work well for cabinet painting. Sherwin Williams is also a little less expensive than Benjamin Moore, and their premium paints provide the same quality.

What do you seal painted cabinets with?

Polyurethane. Polyurethane is a durable, water-resistant finish that dries very hard. It can be used on a wide range of furniture but is mainly used on floors, cabinets, fences, and other surfaces that need protection from water and scratches.

Can you use interior latex paint on cabinets?

Despite oil-based paints' reputation for easy application and long-lasting finishes that can be scrubbed and cleaned regularly, latex paint is widely considered the best choice for most kitchen cabinets since it offers lower levels of VOCs and dries faster.

Should I use a brush or roller to paint cabinets?

Cabinet Painting with a Roller & a Brush

On the fronts and backs of drawers and doors, you can use a roller. This will apply the paint in a more smooth and even manner and is much faster than only using a paint brush. Then, use a brush for touching up small areas or for hard-to-reach spots.