Can I Paint My Kitchen Cabinets With Ordinary Interior Paint?

Painting the inside of kitchen cabinets can achieve a tidy, uniform look, and the best type of paint for this purpose is ADVANCE® Interior paint. This premium furniture-like finish is designed to withstand wear and tear and is available in any Benjamin Moore color. Avoid using wall paint when painting cabinets, as it may not adhere well to the surface due to the slick and difficult surfaces.

To update your kitchen for less than $100, consider using brands like Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Sherwin-Williams. Begin by emptying the cabinets, clearing off the counters, and removing any freestanding items. Choose high-quality paint specifically designed for cabinets and be sure to use special adhesives to help them adhere better. Benjamin Moore’s Advance® paint can make a DIY kitchen cabinet refresh more affordable than replacing the cabinets outright and done in less time than you might think.

When choosing the best paint for kitchen cabinets, focus on diligent prep work, including emptying the room and cabinets, clearing off the counters, and removing any freestanding items. Use a sponge, paint brush, paint roller, and all-purpose cloth to ensure a smooth finish. Oil-based paint has traditionally been the best choice for painting cabinets and trim, but it is not easily adhered to the surface due to the slick nature of cabinet surfaces.

Select a high-quality cabinet paint, such as Valspar Cabinet and Furniture paint, for a smooth finish. Special cabinet paints are available that provide a smooth finish, but any high-quality paint should work. Always use acrylic paint, not vinyl, as it is more suitable for high-traffic areas.

Avoid using traditional wall paint or latex paint, as they may not adhere properly or stand up to the daily wear and tear that cabinets endure. The best type of paint for inside kitchen cabinets is ADVANCE® Interior paint, which offers a premium furniture-like finish that withstands wear and tear.

Can you use any paint on kitchen cabinets?

Kitchen cupboard paints should be used specifically for satin, semi-gloss, or gloss paints as they are easier to wipe down, resistant to grease and cooking fumes, and less prone to chipping or scratching. If your kitchen cupboards are in good condition and you are satisfied with the layout, a refit may not be necessary. Kitchen unit painting is a cost-effective and time-saving way to transform your kitchen and cupboard doors. With a few coats of paint, you can choose from hundreds of colors and finishes, and create bespoke kitchen designs with multiple colors.

Do I need to prime my kitchen cabinets before painting?

New cabinets should be primed before painting to ensure even application and prevent uneven paint absorption. Primer fills the grains in wood, creating a smooth base for even paint application. For metal cabinets, a corrosion-resistant primer is essential to prevent rust and ensure proper paint adhesion. Primer also acts as a protective layer, shielding the underlying material from moisture and contaminants, especially in kitchens with frequent humidity and temperature fluctuations.

Is there a difference between kitchen cabinet paint and regular paint?

Cabinet paints are the best choice for high-touch areas due to their higher levels of resins and resistance to scratches, staining, and fading. These paints generally fall into three categories: acrylic-based latex paints, water-based alkyd paints, and oil-based paints. Acrylic-based latex paints have a sturdier finish, making them easier to wipe clean than traditional wall paint. Water-based alkyd paints, a hybrid between oil and acrylic, are growing in popularity due to their quality, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

These paints level better than acrylic, dry harder, and achieve a more vibrant color. Cleanup involves soap and water, making them a popular choice for DIYers. Popular formulas include Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin-Williams ProClassic, and Behr Alkyd Enamel. While CR hasn’t tested paints specifically designed for cabinets, they offer options in their comprehensive paint ratings.

What is the difference between cabinet paint and interior paint?

Cabinet paints are a superior choice for kitchen cabinets and other surfaces due to their superior adhesion properties and thicker consistency. They are more resistant to scratches, staining, and fading due to their higher content of resins and special pigments. They also provide a high-quality finish by camouflaging imperfections. Despite their higher cost, the added durability and beauty of cabinet paints make them a worthwhile investment.

However, there are significant differences between wall paint and cabinet paint in terms of drying time. Cabinet paint takes significantly longer to dry than regular wall paint, often taking several hours or even days. This makes it a more suitable choice for surfaces that receive significant wear and tear.

What paint is best for kitchen cabinets?

The most appropriate paint for kitchen cabinets is semi-gloss, gloss, or satin, among the various paint options available.

What paint is recommended for kitchen cabinets?

Satin paint is a durable and easy-to-use finish for kitchen cabinets, offering a softer shine and better concealment of imperfections. Semi-gloss paint is a popular choice due to its high stain-resistance and ability to reflect light, giving cabinets a brighter, cleaner appearance. Gloss paint is the most durable and long-lasting, giving cabinets a rich, deep, or shiny look. However, it is essential to prepare before painting to avoid visible imperfections.

To choose the best paint type, consider factors such as durability, ease of application, and ease of application. Acrylic paint is an affordable, quick, and easy-to-use option, but not all are suitable for kitchen cabinets. Water-based acrylic paint is less likely to cause fumes. Alkyd paint, a resin-based finish, is typically easier to clean up with soap and water and has less odor than oil paint. Oil paint, traditionally the top choice for cabinets due to its smooth finish and durability, is more difficult to apply and requires solvent for cleaning and a long dry time.

Can you use interior wood paint on kitchen cupboards?

Painting kitchen cabinets and cupboards is a popular decorating project, but it is not always done by homeowners due to misconceptions or lack of knowledge about the process. These surfaces, made from materials like solid wood and MDF, can be painted for a fraction of the cost of new units. Painting can be done yourself, saving money on materials and labor costs. Additionally, there are advantages to painting kitchen cabinets, such as the ability to achieve any desired look with paint, as there are a wide range of finishes and colors available to create a unique look.

However, it is important to note that these paints are not retail products and should be used with caution. Overall, painting kitchen cabinets can be a cost-effective and versatile way to transform your kitchen.

Is it better to roll or brush paint cabinets?

The use of a brush is recommended for cabinet painting as it ensures a smooth and even finish, and allows for access to tight spaces and corners, which is not possible with rollers.

Can you use regular interior paint on cabinets?

The same paint cannot be used for walls and cabinets. Walls need a flat or matte finish to prevent glossyness, while cabinets require semi-gloss or high gloss finishes for durability and easy cleaning. Different paints may be needed for different surfaces like wood, drywall, and concrete. Selecting the right paint for each task is crucial for a polished look and enduring results. Cabinet paints offer superior durability, while regular paints offer a wide range of color options. Ultimately, choosing the right paint depends on factors such as budget, desired finish, and usage requirements.

What do professional painters use to paint kitchen cabinets?

Pro cabinet painters use professional-grade lacquer, a silky-smooth finish that is the best paint for cabinets. They use this product because it has a gorgeous look and feel, and it is the best paint for cabinets, hands-down. However, mastering sprayed finishes, especially lacquers, can be tricky due to various factors such as the wrong pressure or setting on the spray gun, the wrong distance from the surface, or the wrong speed of movement. To ensure a fast, reliable, and stress-free process, pro painters follow these steps:

1. Disassemble the kitchen by removing cabinet doors and drawer fronts, removing all hardware, and taking off the hinges. Each door hinge is labeled to ensure they are placed correctly when reassembled.

In summary, pro cabinet painters use professional-grade lacquer for their cabinets, which are not easy for homeowners to master over a weekend. They follow a process that is fast, reliable, and stress-free to ensure your cabinets look beautiful and last long.

Do kitchen cabinets require special paint?

Choose high-quality acrylic latex-based paint for a durable and easy-to-clean finish on cabinet doors. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on cure time for latex paints. Consider the desired finish, such as matte for a flatter, low-gloss look, high-gloss for a high-sheen, highly reflective surface, or satin for a flatter, low-gloss look. Remember these tips to ensure a professional-looking job.