The 10 Best Paints for Cabinets of 2023 That Look Factory Finished

The Bottom Line

As our top pick for the best paint for cabinets, the Farrow & Ball Full Gloss Paint makes your cabinets look like they arrived painted straight from the factory. The final result is smooth, brush-stroke-free, long-lasting, and suitable for outdoor and indoor cabinets, metal, and wood. The paint is washable and wipeable, and the color will stay bright and look new for at least six years.

What to Know About Paint for Cabinets Before Shopping

Paint Base

Paint for cabinets can be either oil-based, alkyd (similar to oil, without any oil in them), latex (water-based), or acrylic (water and chemical-based). “Oil-based paint is the preferred formulation for cabinets due to its leveling qualities while painting, and stain-resistance and clean-up once they’re in use,” says Hathaway. “Latex paint offers easy cleanup but doesn’t have the ease of care that oil-based paint offers.”

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Oil-based paints are easy to clean and provide ample coverage over wood and other imperfections. They’re also durable. However, they take the longest to dry (up to 24 hours) and could start to go yellowish over time. These paints also have the highest levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and should be used in well-ventilated areas to avoid irritation.

Alkyd paints behave similarly to oil-based paints and have many of the same benefits. However, alkyds take much less time to dry, are water-and-humidity-resistant, and won’t fade over time. These paints use petroleum-based solvents and have high levels of VOCs, too.

Latex paints are water-based and super easy to apply, last a long time, and, depending on the formula, can even be scrubbed clean. Their VOCs are low, they dry quickly, and you can even use them on previously painted cabinets. However, they’re thinner than oil-based paints and could show any imperfections. A good primer is important when using latex paints, as is prep work, like sanding and degreasing.

The benefits of acrylic paints include that they have more elasticity and can expand and contract as the room temperatures fluctuate. This means that you won’t get any flaking and cracking over time. This feature makes these types of paints preferable for outdoor use, i.e., if you have an outdoor kitchen area, as they’re also sun-resistant. Their base is water-and-chemical based and durable but priced higher than other options on the market.

Finishes

When working on a DIY project, it’s important to consider the paint’s final look and sheen. Semi-gloss is one of the best paints for cabinets because it is durable and washable and has a light-reflecting appearance that can brighten up your kitchen.

Full gloss is also a popular type of finish for kitchens because it’s even more durable than semi-gloss, is super shiny which makes it easy to wipe clean, and gives the appearance of store-bought laminate cabinets. An eggshell finish can look great but is not as durable as the other two finishes. Plus, it tends to scuff more easily. These paints also aren’t washable.

There are some other factors to consider, though. “The glossy sheens, like high gloss and semi-gloss, can show every imperfection and every brush stroke,” notes Hathaway. “Satin and eggshell finishes are popular choices because of their depth and blemish-hiding qualities.”

Number of Colors

There are basically a never-ending amount of paint colors available in any type of finish. For example, if you want an off-white, there will be hundreds to choose from; from creamy shades to cooler tones, you’ll be able to find the ideal color to perfectly compliment your kitchen. You will, however, have to factor in the surrounding kitchen colors, for example, the color of your floor, furniture, and even appliances, so that the cabinet paint you choose matches and doesn’t clash.

Dry Time

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Each paint type will have its own set drying time, and it’s always good to let the stated amount of time pass between coats. Drying time can also vary between brands, even if it is the same type of paint.

As a general guide, latex and acrylic paints are the quickest to dry, feeling dry to the touch in 30-60 minutes, but you should still wait at least four hours between coats. Chalk paint is also fast-drying and typically dries in one hour and can be ready to re-coat in two to four hours (as long as the directions on the can specify this).

Oil-based paints take the longest to dry, taking around six to eight hours to dry. For the best result with oil-based paints, you should wait a day before applying the second coat. This will ensure that the paint adheres better and won’t peel with time.

Primer Requirements

Unless the paint you’ve bought specifically states that the primer is included in the formula and you don’t need an extra one, you should be priming your cabinets with a product appropriate for the type of paint you’ve purchased.

“Choose a primer that is formulated for the job and the type of paint you buy,” says Hathaway. “The success of your painting project depends on your primer, so it’s a good idea to give it as much thought as choosing your paint.”

Your Questions, Answered

How do you prep cabinets to be painted?

“The easiest way to prep cabinets to be painted is to remove the doors and sand both the doors and the boxes,” Small tells us. Before removing your cabinet doors and drawer fronts, Hathaway advises creating a simple drawing of your cabinet layout using numbers for each piece. Then label each piece (as it’s removed) to help put the cabinet back together. Any loose hardware should be placed into a plastic bag to avoid losing it.

The next step, according to Hathaway, is to use a spray-on degreaser to remove grease, oil, and dirt, before priming. “This is an important step that you may be tempted to skip, but it’s essential that you take the time to clean the cabinet surfaces,” she says.

Next, you’ll have to prepare the cabinet surfaces for a primer with light sanding using 150-grit sandpaper. “The goal is to remove the gloss from the cabinet surface, not remove the finish by sanding it down to the wood,” Hathaway says. “This will help your primer and paint adhere to the cabinet surface. After sanding, follow up with a soft cloth to remove any dust.”

You’ll then have to apply the primer. Follow the directions stated on the product, and give it the proper drying time so that your paint can adhere to it properly. After your primer is fully dry, Hathaway recommends using 220-grit sandpaper to smooth any imperfections. Finally, wipe with a clean cloth to remove dust from the sanding for a smooth paint application.

How do you tape cabinets to be painted?

Once you’ve removed the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, Hathaway advises applying painter’s tape to any cabinet surface adjacent to your wall, backsplash, or molding. “No tape is necessary for the doors and drawer fronts that were removed,” Small says.

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“If you can’t remove countertops,” Small says, “make sure to use painter’s tape and drop cloths to cover your floor and countertops from any paint. Stand cabinet doors on drop cloths, preferably somewhere outside.”

How do you know how much paint you need for a cabinet?

“In most painting projects, one gallon of paint can cover 350-400 square feet,” Hathaway explains. “Measure the square feet of your cabinets before taking things apart. Also, take into consideration the inside of your cabinet doors when calculating square feet. Unlike a flat wall surface, cabinets and drawer fronts may have detailed designs, so you’ll want to be sure you have enough paint on hand when you start your cabinet project.”

Small mentions that all paints will be different, so be sure to read the container before starting. “Most popular cabinet paints require a single base coat and main color coat,” Small says. “That means about one gallon for five feet of cabinets.”

What type of paint is best for cabinets?

There are several options when it comes to paint for cabinets and the best type largely depends on the desired finish, how often you want to clean and maintain the paint, and your preferred level of durability, says Roman Smolevskiy, owner of A+ Construction & Remodeling.

“I often recommend clients go for 100% acrylic, semi-gloss, or satin paint,” he says. “These are resistant to chipping and easy to clean, making them perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.”

What do professional painters use to paint cabinets?

When choosing the right paint and paint tools for your bathroom or kitchen cabinets, you may want to know what the pros recommend and prefer. Smolevskiy says that the one tool every professional loves using is a high-quality sprayer.

“Using a sprayer allows for a smooth, flawless finish without brush or roller marks,” he says. “However, if a sprayer isn’t available, a synthetic brush can also ensure a smooth application.”

Can you paint cabinets without sanding?

One of the most important parts of painting your cabinets is the preparation, particularly the process of sanding. This process involves using sandpaper to strip the top layer of the cabinet to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Both Smolevskiy and Gelormini both say that while you can technically paint cabinets without sanding, you shouldn’t since sanding will help your cabinets look better and last longer.

“Never skip this step! I have seen painters try to skip sanding, usually opting for just a primer, and the paint on the cabinets get chipped every time,” says Gelormini.

Who We Are

This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, a contributing writer for Better Homes & Gardens with three years of experience specifically writing lifestyle content and product reviews for a variety of publications; and Kat de Naoum, who has over ten years of commerce writing experience.

For this article, Daniela and Kat spent several hours researching the best paints for cabinets and reading customer reviews. They also consulted Diana Hathaway, color expert, interior designer, and founder of Gorgeous Color; Lucy Small, founder of State and Season; Roman Smolevskiy, owner of A+ Construction & Remodeling; and Cindy Gelormini, paint color specialist and Benjamin Moore Color Expert known as “The Paint Diva.”

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens