Painting kitchen cabinets is not always as easy and simple as it seems! You can hire professional painters if you want. They will do it quickly and efficiently without disrupting your daily activities. But, you totally can do yourself by following our instruction.
If your cabinets are old or the paint coat just peels off, it is time to give your cupboards a new look! However, maybe you are having difficulty in choosing what type of paint to use on kitchen cabinets and seeking for an advice. This article is for you!
Oil-based Paint
Oil-based paint type is considered the most highly recommended one for kitchen cabinets.
What are the advantages of using it?
I have to admit that oil-based paint will be a very good choice because of its advantage.
- Oil-based paint covers the wood surface better, and the paint line goes more smoothly.
- It creates a high-gloss finishing. Besides, there are almost no brush strokes.
- It forms a harder and more resistant shell when it dries. It can tolerate most of the daily use in the kitchen.
- Fewer coats of paint are required.
- It is very durable! It fades less over time.
What are the disadvantages of using it?
However, prepare for some negative points below.
- Oil-based paint may contain high levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
- It emits a very strong chemical odor during painting and drying, so remember to ventilate the room.
- There are a few choices of colors.
- The drying time is longer.
- It is quite difficult to clean up. Turpentine or mineral spirits are necessary to clean the brushes, paint rollers, as well as other tools used in the painting process.
What things do you need to consider?
- After using, you have to dispose of or recycle these chemicals properly.
- Due to the complex process, it is suggested that you can have a professional cabinet painter do for you. This can reduce adverse effects related to the environment and your health.
- And, make sure to ask a painter you hire what type of paint he or she use.
Water-based/Latex Paint
Water-based paint (or latex paint) must be so familiar to you. Recently, on the market, there are more and more brands of water-based paints, which have developed in both performance and quality. Some of latex paint types are satin, semi-gloss, gloss finishes. So now, let’s look at the plus points.
What are the advantages of using it?
- Water-based has a little amount of volatile organic compounds and gives off less odor.
- There are numerous colors for you to choose your favorite one.
- The drying time is faster.
- It is simple to deal with, clean up and maintain.
- It has an excellent level of Ultraviolet toughness, which means it is resistant against chalking and the fade of color.
What are the disadvantages of using it?
- It is not suitable for places you frequently use. This can affect the durability of the paint.
- Latex paint is easier to scratch and peel off than other types of paint. It means that you may refurbish your cabinets more often.
- The paint is especially sensitive to temperature or moist environment. It will sink when it dries.
What things do you need to consider?
Gloss has the highest level of sheen. The paint will reflect the light more and look shiny. Besides, it has more stain resistance than satin. It also indicates how washable a coat of paint is, which means gloss is very easy to wipe down and clean up. This is why higher gloss paint is often used in kitchens, dining rooms, and bathrooms.
Second, semi-gloss.
Semi-gloss has a higher level of sheen than satin, thus creating a little more reflectivity. Due to this reason, the extra sheen of semi-gloss may change how the paint color on your wall looks. For example, with the light reflection, the same paint color may look a little bit darker in a semi-gloss finish but quite lighter in a satin (because a satin surface absorbs additional light).
Another criterion is that semi-gloss may be more durable and washable than satin. So if you have to paint bathrooms, kitchens, kids’ rooms or walls that kids are likely to draw on, and you only choose between semi-gloss and satin, the former is still a better choice.
Last, satin.
A satin finish is more forgiving of imperfections, like holes and patches than semi-gloss and gloss – the paint with much sheen. The reflective characteristic of semi-gloss and also gloss will “unintentionally” attract more attention to every dent in your walls, cabinets or wardrobes.
In contrast, a satin finish can draw the light in, thus making the eye looking at a more even surface and disguise those holes. Therefore, satin is suitable for walls that have pre-existing holes. Satin is also often chosen for the trim and molding.
Alkyd Paint
Another name in the list of the best types of paint for kitchen cabinets is alkyd paint. Actually it mimics oil-based paint without the smelly odor. It is most likely to give you flawless results. You can understand that its durability is similar to oil-based paint, but it goes on like latex paint.
What are the advantages of using it?
- Alkyd paint has a high level of resistance to dirt, humidity, and moisture. Therefore, it is a suitable choice for kitchens (cabinets and cupboards), bathrooms, furniture or children’s playrooms.
- It is resistant to stains because stains are not absorbed easily.
- The drying period is shorter than oil-based paint but longer than acrylics.
- It has excellent adhesion abilities and leveling. It can stick to any surface! And like oil-based paint, there are no brush strokes or the look of rollers when you use it.
- It is less likely to sink when it dries.
- It is easy to clean up. The paint can be easily wiped down for cleaning.
- Its durability is more than regular latex paints but less than oil-based paint.
What are the disadvantages of using it?
- Alkyd paint is More expensive than latex paint.
- It is a little bit smelly, but not as much as oil-based paint.
- The big negative point is that alkyd paint may cause harm to the environment and your health because it contains Volatile Organic Compounds.
- These toxic chemical substances are dangerous to babies, children and pregnant women.
- If you use it, make sure to air out the space and wear a respirator to avoid being affected by the fumes.
- Otherwise, you can hire professional painters.
- The remnants of alkyd paints on the brush or roller must be removed solvents or thinners.
- You must not store rags with paint thinner in a sealed container. Instead, soak them in water overnight before disposal.
What things do you need to consider?
- You can apply alkyd paint over an existing coat of latex paint, but you should no do the opposite! Because the smooth glossy surface means minimal adherence.
- Alkyd paint usually spatters more than latex one.
- So, if you are rolling paint, remember to protect areas you do not want to paint. Mind your clothes, hands, and jewelry too.
- Painting a stain blocking primer is also important, especially when you use old wood cabinets that may have tannins or wood grain bleeding through the paint.
Velvet Finishes Paint
If you are going to refurbish your old wood furniture, velvet finishes paint is a perfect solution! It will create a new and delicate look and feel, just like the fabric as it is named.
What are the advantages of using it?
- It is absolutely one of the easiest paints to use. It will bring your furniture a gorgeous and shiny look!
- There is a variety of colors for you choose.
- The drying process is short.
- It has much resistant to fade, and it is non‐yellowing.
- It is easy to clean up the brushes after use.
- Its durability is quite good.
What are the disadvantages of using it?
- This type of paint is more expensive than other regular paint.
- Because the durability is not perfect, velvet finishes paint may be suitable for dressers, chairs, coffee tables and other furniture rather than kitchen cabinets.
Acrylic Paint
What are the advantages of using it?
- Acrylic paint offers a hard shell of oil paint without the smelly odors. It’s mostly non-toxic.
- There are a lot of ranges of color for you to choose from. You can even mix them to create other colors if you want.
- The drying process takes less time.
- Most acrylic colors have much higher permanence ratings (or lightfastness) than watercolors. It means the paint can resist gradual fading when exposed to light and maintain its vibrant colors.
- Acrylic paint brings a new economical and convenient way of consuming! Heavy body acrylics now are available in both tubes or jars.
- Tubes are small and portable, but if you are going to buy more paint at once, you can buy jars to save money.
- The quality of acrylic paint is classified into two grades: artists’ quality and students’ quality.
- Artists’ quality (or professional) paint has a wide range of colors, a high concentration of exquisitely ground pigment, and high permanence ratings.
- Meanwhile, students’ paint is cheaper. In return, it has a lower level of ground pigment and color strength.
- Another characteristic is viscosity, which means consistency or thickness of the paint.
- Heavy body acrylics have a thick consistency, which is similar to oil paints. It helps the paint to retain brush strokes and make color mixing or blending easier.
- Fluid acrylics are thinner, which is suitable for detail work, such as watercolor techniques, and dry-brush work.
- Acrylic mediums are like something in between of the two. You can mix acrylic paint with other different mediums to get different textures or adhering features you want.
What are the advantages of using it?
- The paint color tends to get a little bit darker when it dries.
- The fast drying time is sometimes troublesome. Do not let acrylic paint dry on your brushes or you will have to take a lot of effort to remove them!
- It is suggested that you should put water near you while you are painting to keep the brushes always wet. By doing so, they are much easier to clean up.
- Because acrylic paints are resistant to water, it is difficult to remove the paint from absorbent surfaces such as carpets and clothing. So, be very careful when using it!
- If you are in this situation, rubbing the clothes with alcohol may be useful.
To Sum Up
I understand, choosing the best type of paint for kitchen cabinets is as hard as picking the paint color or the paint brand. You even have to consider many times to make the last decision. All you need to do is consider the pros and cons as well as the situation application of each type.
You can also read the information and customers’ reviews of the type of paint you are going to buy on websites or forums. I hope this article will help you choose the right one! If you know anything more about information and tips concerning paints, share with us! Thank you for reading.
I am Peter Levick, with over 10 years of experience in the home improvement industry, I have become a seasoned expert in painting and paint sprayers. Through numerous DIY projects, I have developed a keen eye for aesthetics and a deep understanding of the technical aspects involved. My expertise extends to various paint sprayer systems, and I stay updated with the latest advancements. I bring a meticulous approach to every project, ensuring stunning and durable results. Clients can trust in my craftsmanship and commitment to delivering exceptional work.
