Your cabinets can be to blame if your kitchen appears outdated. Over time, all that handling, opening, and closing will undoubtedly wear on the item.
A fresh coat of paint is inexpensive to brighten and revitalize your kitchen if you’re intimidated by the expense and work of replacing your kitchen cabinets. The first step in completely remodeling your kitchen is to get the best paint for kitchen cabinets.
Giving your kitchen cabinets a quick coat of paint can provide a quick, simple, and economical option if you hate the color of an otherwise perfectly good kitchen or wish to renovate your kitchen.
Best Paint For Kitchen Cabinets
Without the effort and expense of ripping out your current cabinets, the best kitchen cabinet paint can completely change the aesthetic of your kitchen.
It might surprise you how much a fresh coat of paint on a wall or new doors and cabinets can make you fall in love with your kitchen all over again. Additionally, it doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming.
Furthermore, it makes no difference if your kitchen is made of solid wood, wood veneer, melamine, or a high gloss finish. Any experienced DIYer should be able to paint kitchen cabinets with the right paint in less time than it would take to tear out an old kitchen and install a new one as long as you properly prepare your cabinets and doors.
But what kind of paint should you choose if you decide to paint? Let’s find out some of the best paints for kitchen cabinets that I have listed down:
Pure White By Sherwin-Williams
A popular Sherwin Williams white cabinet paint shade among homes is Pure White. This extremely popular white color for cabinets achieves that elusive harmony between cool and warm tones.
It functions admirably as a stylish upper hue for a two-tone design. Additionally, it complements stainless steel kitchen appliances like microwaves, ovens, and refrigerators effectively.
Compared to a softer tone like White Dove, Pure White is whiter and brighter. It actually goes well with white surfaces made of marble or quartz with veining. In fact, we adore applying this fashionable white color for modern or contemporary cabinet door types.
Pros
- Provides excellent coverage
- Simple to use
- Provides effective defense against UV and water harm
Cons
- Offers little physical protection and takes a while to heal completely
- There aren’t always options for various hues.
Diamond Brite Oil-Based Enamel Interior/Exterior Paint
Since it adheres well to the majority of popular cabinet materials, Diamond Brite’s Oil Based Enamel Interior/Exterior Paint is a great choice for kitchen cabinets. Additionally, it is incredibly strong and can withstand even the severe wear and tear that many cabinets endure.
This paint has a highly sturdy and smooth finish because it is oil-based. This paint’s coverage may be better, and some customers say they needed more than one coat to get the kind of polished look they were going for.
This paint has relatively high VOC emission levels at 2.39 pounds per gallon, as you might anticipate from oil-based paint. Given the high levels of VOC, it is recommended to paint your cabinets outside, if feasible, or to dramatically increase ventilation while avoiding the area until the harmful fumes dissipate.
Pros
- Offers superior defense against bodily damage
- Waterproof
- Appropriate for most substrates
- Offers superior service
- 12 distinct colors are available
Cons
- Fades more rapidly than the majority of alternatives
- The drying period is extremely long
- Drip formation is simple
Advance Benjamin Moore Interior Paint
Kitchen cabinets look fantastic painted with Benjamin Moore’s Advance Interior Paint because of its exceptional durability. You can wipe off your cabinets when they get filthy without worrying that the paint will deteriorate because it is simple to apply, produces a smooth surface, and does not require any special tools.
Some consumers complain that the paint is too thin and needs more than one coat to cover the surface fully. It varies greatly on whether you’re applying oil-based paint with a roller, brush, or sprayer, although this is relatively uncommon.
Considering the primary constituent, this paint has minimal VOC levels and is alkyd-based. The VOC content of this paint is 0.36 pounds per gallon, which necessitates enough ventilation to prevent fume inhalation but isn’t excessive enough to pose a significant health risk when used inside.
Pros
- Outstanding displaying
- Dries to an incredibly flawless surface
- Passed the “Scrubability” test with flying colors Low-VOC
Cons
- Longer drying period compared to some of its rivals
BEHR Premium Waterproofing Stain and Sealer
One of the most well-known and dependable brands in the painting sector, BEHR’s dedication to quality is evident in every one of its offerings.
The coverage is good, and the oil-based paint applies fairly smoothly. It can also be applied with an airless sprayer or an HVLP spray cannon because it is thin enough to do so.
It has a cedar hue that is translucent enough to show the wood’s grain through. This is a wonderful choice if you want your decking or outdoor furniture to have a more natural appearance.
It offers a strong waterproofing layer that can easily withstand the weather. An 8-year guarantee backs this sealer for railings and a 6-year warranty for decks from BEHR. You’ll probably want to reapply the paint every other year or so to keep your projects looking clean and new, even though I have no question that it will withstand wear for that long.
It resists solar fading and won’t go out of style as quickly as other outdoor stains. It is appropriate for use on high-traffic projects because it provides protection from physical wear.
Pros
- An excellent coverage
- Applying it is simple and allows the wood’s texture to show. It is also waterproof.
- Guarantees defense against foot activity
- Prevents sun damage to timber
Cons
- Only one color is offered
- Time-consuming to cure
Shabby Chic Chalk-Based Furniture Paint
This is the finest kitchen cabinet paint for a rustic, chalky finish is what you need. More people than ever are interested in the distinctive appearance of chalk-based paint, and while it may surprise you that our top choice comes from the small supplier easichalk, Shabby Chic Chalk Based Furniture Paint has the positive reviews to compete with the major names.
Reviewers praised its vintage-style, almost velvety ultra-matte finish and discovered that despite their early concerns about the size of the tin, a little went a very long way. In addition, reviewers suggest Liquorice as the ideal black for the best paint for kitchen cabinets for anyone wanting to join the black-on-black kitchen trend.
Pros
- Little is often enough
- Stylish, natural appearance
- Fashionable, subdued color choices
Cons
- The chalk color can’t be washed off
Rust-Oleum Kitchen Cupboard Paint

Rust-Oleum Kitchen Cupboard Paint is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for self-priming, stain-resistant paint with a huge range of colors.
Even though a gloss or semi-gloss finish for kitchen cabinets is typically advised, this ultra-flat matte finish offers a good alternative if you’re against a sheen, and the water-based recipe is simpler to work with than an oil- or solvent-based choice.
It is washable, making it simple to remove spills or splatters over time, and it provides a smooth surface in just one or two coats. It was specifically created for kitchens. The fact that you don’t have to give up on your creative vision thanks to the 110 color selections is the finest part, though.
Using a primer or topcoat is unnecessary, but you may want to if you’re painting over a really dark surface with a light color or see stain bleed or knots in the underlying wood.
Pros
- No need for a primer or finish
- A variety of colors
- Washable
- One hour for cooling
Cons
- Only offered in matte
What are Things To Consider While Purchasing Paint For Kitchen Cabinets?
Since there are many factors to consider when selecting a worthy alternative, making the right decision is never easy. We can’t overlook the solvents that are contained in paints since they are so numerous.
It takes much more than just appearances to give your painted surfaces that finish. Therefore, some crucial factors that you ought to think about when purchasing your preferred good alternative paint are:
1. The Color Of The Paint
The most crucial factor to consider when purchasing paint for kitchen cabinets is that once painted, it cannot be changed frequently because we are painting on plywood or wood.
The best color for the kitchen should therefore be carefully considered. Check the photographs where the same color has been used to understand what it will look like after finishing rather than relying solely on the paint card presentation because it will appear different after finishing.
The direction the cabinets or kitchen faces is another consideration when picking a color. Choose a color with subtle hues for an attractive appearance, for example, if facing the north side of the room where there is no light coming. You should also choose the color based on the amount of light hitting the kitchen cabinets and kitchen.
Avoid choosing really dark or dreary colors for your kitchen because they are expensive and won’t provide a comfortable working environment.
2. Area Covered By The Paint
If the thickness is high, anything you apply, whether it is a primer, undercoat, or new paint, will only be able to cover a small area. Due to this, you will need to apply two or three coats to the area in order to hide the current color and prevent it from popping. As a result, you will need to purchase more paint than you originally planned.
Check the paint’s thickness, the area you need to cover, and the recommended amount of coating before making a purchase to ensure the kitchen and kitchen cabinets are finished to a high standard.
3. Primer and Finish
Make sure your desired color for your kitchen cabinets is compatible with the coats and primers before making your decision. Reading the right instructions on the paint boxes before applying the paint to the surface is advised since problems might arise when painting onto the current wood color because it will hold the new paint.
The undercoat must be carefully inspected to determine how much coating is required to completely cover the previously applied paint in order to get a high-quality finish on the kitchen cabinets.
However, before painting the surfaces of the kitchen cabinets, you should be aware of primers and undercoats.
4. Moisture Resistance
Among all the rooms in your house, the kitchen is one that frequently has fluctuating humidity and temperature levels. For cabinet paint to avoid bubbling, peeling, or otherwise degrading, it must be extremely resistant to these shifting environmental variables.
The finest paints for these circumstances are those made expressly for them, and mid-to high-gloss paint finishes are fantastic at keeping moisture at bay.
5. Touch-Ups
As kitchen and bathroom cabinets are subjected to heavy traffic and frequent human contact, the paint will ultimately suffer some damage. Some paints are considerably easier to touch up than others since the patch effortlessly merges into the surrounding surface. In general, lower gloss paints conceal touch-ups better than higher gloss paints.
How Should Kitchen Cabinets Be Prepared For Painting?
Even though it’s simple to become excited about getting your brush out and painting your cabinets, it will surely pay off to do some preparation work in advance.
First, remove any handles or knobs from the cupboards and drawers to create a clear workspace.
Use a decent degreasing detergent or all-purpose cleaner to thoroughly clean all the surfaces you intend to paint. This is crucial for getting rid of the grease and filth that accumulate in the kitchen over time.
The surfaces should then be lightly sanded or “keyed” to aid the paint’s adhesion. To make an even, matte surface, it is recommended to lightly sand with fine-grit paper, between 150 and 250 grit.
When finished, be sure to use a moist cloth to remove any remaining dust and allow the surfaces to dry thoroughly.
Apply a dust-proof covering to the work surfaces and floors to prevent paint splatter, and run the masking tape around the cabinet edges to keep paint off the walls.
Is It A Good Idea To Paint the Kitchen Cupboards?
Yes, painting kitchen cabinets without sanding or removing the doors is entirely feasible. If they are constructed of solid hardwood like oak or maple, sand them lightly with fine-grain sandpaper using the appropriate grit before you begin painting.
However, if the cabinets are made of plywood or veneered particleboard, you can leave them alone in this situation since primer and paint will be applied to these surfaces anyhow.
Depending on your needs for painting these cabinets right now, each approach has advantages and disadvantages. Go ahead and give it a try if you’re searching for a less expensive alternative to replacing them, but keep in mind that it won’t be a simple task and will take a lot of time because wood typically requires more preparation than simply painting over it.
What Kitchen Cabinet Paint Is The Most Resilient?
The endurance of the paint is generally unaffected by the paint’s finish. The type of paint you use (oil-based, water-based, latex-based, etc.), its quality, its producer, the number of layers you apply, and whether or not you use a clear coat or polyurethane to increase the durability of the cabinet paint are all factors.
It might take more than just a few good coats of paint!
Regardless of the finish, oil-based paint is generally the most resilient. When it does dry, oil-based paint is much tougher than water-based paint since it takes much longer to dry. If you have the money and the patience to wait for the drying,
Use a layer of oil-based polyurethane to really seal the deal and help them last even longer.
Is Painting Cabinets The Right Choice?
Sometimes, painting your cabinets won’t be sufficient to give them new life. If they are scratched or chipped, the paint will work. However, if they’re drooping or the rails are damaged, it could be time to splurge on a completely new arrangement.
If the boxes are in good shape, but the doors or drawers are damaged, you can reface the furniture by veneering the boxes and replacing the doors and drawers.
One further thing to remember is that laminated cabinetry won’t take paint as well as wooden ones.
How To Make Sure You Pick The Correct Paint For Kitchen Cabinets?
Finding the best paint for kitchen cabinet reviews may be challenging for you if you are a first-time or new user. You might not be aware of some aspects of the reviews for paint on kitchen cabinets that you could have been considering.
However, the following suggestions are useful in your search:
Price
Everybody has a spending limit, and they all want to make purchases that are within those limits. Make sure you shop around in as many markets as possible to compare costs to ensure you receive the greatest bargain.
You can use this to obtain a general sense of the market’s situation. Determine your price range based on your knowledge.
Brand
Brand loyalty is quite high in the paint for kitchen cabinet reviews market. As a result, customers frequently select the brand they have had the most experience with. Popular names ensure dependability.
Otherwise, the general public wouldn’t have bought goods from well-known companies. Different brands have various characteristics. Pick a brand whose characteristics you are most at ease with.
Various brands have distinctive visual traits. People also select different products as a result of this.
Customer Support
If you are a new user, consider seeking advice from active users of reviews of paint for kitchen cabinets. They’ll be able to impart to you their experience-based practical expertise. Sometimes you can get information from people you can’t get via the mainstream media; this information may be favorable or unfavorable to the product.
People frequently rely heavily on customer evaluations when deciding which kind of paint to buy for their kitchen cabinets. They might wind up making the final decision on the purchase.
Functionality
It is essential that you comprehend the functionality of any paint for kitchen cabinet reviews before making a purchase. Using and experiencing a product indeed helps one learn a lot about it. Try to select the type that most closely matches your needs among the available options.
Related Questions
Is it crucial to coat before painting?
Yes, it is crucial since a coating makes it simple to conceal old paint and creates a solid foundation for putting new paint on the surface.
With coating, you get a flawless finish that will retain the new paint superbly for a longer period of time to maintain the appearance of freshly painted surfaces.
How do you pick the best finish?
Selecting the proper finish type might be challenging because it relies on where you plan to use it.
For instance, satin finish types are best for high-traffic areas like a dining room or kitchen where we touch the surfaces more frequently than other places as these types will not come off easily and will maintain the shine for a longer time with ease, and semi-gloss finish is the best to finish for living rooms and bedrooms where you need a reflective surface. Decide accordingly based on the surface you will be painting.
Is rolling or brushing paint on cabinets preferable?
For wood, brushing is acceptable, but you might want to employ a professional for a quality finish. Although using a roller to paint cabinets is much quicker than using a brush, the surface will have a “bobbly” look due to the fabric on the roller. Cabinets cannot be painted with gloss because of the texture that a roller leaves behind.
What occurs if cabinets aren’t sanded before painting?
Contaminants (such as cooking grease) will be pushed into the wood if you don’t clean it before sanding. Contaminants will prevent the paint from sticking, which will be applied soon. The doors can be removed now, or you can wait until after you’ve cleaned them. It is entirely up to you, depending on the circumstances.
Do you paint cabinet interiors?
It makes no difference how kitchen cabinets are painted inside. Painting inside is not essential because the wood is already protected from oil fumes. Although it could be challenging, doing so can add visual interest to a dull kitchen. Painting your kitchen cabinets is a simple alternative if you want to remodel it.
Conclusion
Indeed, it is a tough decision to choose the right paint for kitchen cabinets as there are so many types and different shades available in the market, but we have chosen the best paint for kitchen cabinets to have an appealing environment for cooking purposes with ease.
Advance Benjamin Moore Interior Paint was not only the best overall cabinet paint but also the best paint for coverage. I was really impressed with how well a single coat covered without using much paint. I was stunned that I had just used a little over a gallon on all of my cabinets.
Rust-Oleum Kitchen Cupboard Paint is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a self-priming, waterproof layer that resists sun damage. It’s easy to apply, and its hard, protective properties make it an excellent option for projects with a lot of physical interaction.
Choosing the right is very important as these cabinets don’t get replaced or painted frequently, again and again, so to maintain their shine and durability, choose the worthy one. Also, it is not necessary that the chosen paint can be available in your favorite color, so choose accordingly and paint the kitchen cabinet to get an amazing look.