The Best Paint For Kitchen Cabinets & How To Apply It

Painting Kitchen Cabinets & Cupboards

The first stage of any decorating project is understanding the surface you are trying to paint. Kitchen units such as cupboards and cabinets are made of a range of materials, from solid wood to MDF. While these surfaces are widely known as materials you can paint, kitchen cabinets are rarely painted by homeowners, either because they do not know it is possible or that they think it may be more difficult than it actually is. The reality is, for a small amount of money, if you take your time you can completely transform your kitchen.

Before you decide that painting kitchen cabinets is for you, there are a number of things to consider:

Advantages

• Saves money - fitting new kitchen units can be hugely costly not only in materials but in labour costs. Painting kitchen units can be done yourself for a fraction of the price.
  
• Flexibility - you can achieve any look you desire with paint. There are a huge range of finishes and an endless list of colours that can create a unique look that is perfect for you.

Disadvantages

• Skipping steps - as with any painting project, you must take your time to ensure you get long-lasting results. Do not try and cut corners as it will simply result in you having to either re-decorate yourself or have to pay a professional to do it.
• The risk of further problems - painting any surface does not guarantee that you will achieve long-lasting results. There is always a risk of paint chipping or scratches when painting kitchen cupboards, although this can be reduced by following the right advice.

Overall, painting kitchen cabinets can be one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your home if done correctly. Don't worry, we've got you covered as we're going to discuss not only the best paints but exactly how to go about applying them.

The Best Paint For Kitchen Cabinets

If you have decided that painting kitchen cabinets is the best option for you, the next step is to find exactly what paint will be best. Finding the best paint to use for your project can be difficult as there is a seemingly endless list of paints on the market. The reality is, all paints vary in terms of quality, coverage & durability that can all make a real difference when painting anything, but especially with an important project like painting kitchen cabinets.

The first step to consider is the various finishes that paint comes in. After all, the best paint for you may depend on the finish you want to achieve. Paint comes in a range of finishes that vary in level of sheen. This sheen refers to the ability for the paint to reflect light, the higher the sheen, the more light in reflects. As well as this, sheen also provides paint with durability against scuffs, marks and scratching. This means that more sheen a paint has, the more durable it is.

• Matt - the finish that has the least sheen, most often used on interior walls & ceilings with vinyl matt emulsions, although it is available in a range of paints due to its modern look.
• Eggshell - slightly higher sheen than matt paint with more durability. In oil-based form it is popular on woodwork, although it comes in water-based form that can be used on walls & woodwork.
• Silk - a mid-sheen finish that is traditionally used on interior walls & ceilings
• Soft Sheen - a mid-sheen finish with a more subtle 'shine' than silk, ideal for interior walls & ceilings.
• Satin - a mid-sheen finish that is most often used solely on woodwork & metal such as skirting boards & doors.
• Gloss - the highest sheen level, which is why it is most commonly used on woodwork & metal as it is highly durable and offers a traditional finish.

Not all of these finishes are suitable for use on kitchen cabinets. Soft-sheen and silk are used primarily on interior walls and would therefore not be the best options. Now we have covered the various paint finishes, you are equipped with the information you need to decide what the best paint for you is.

Here are our experts picks for the best paints for kitchen cupboards & cabinets:

1. Zinsser Allcoat

A paint that is familiar to many due to its huge popularity in the UK today. Zinsser Allcoat is a multi-surface paint meaning it can be applied to almost any surface, including wood, metal, UPVC & masonry. While it is a product that has been designed for exterior use, this does not mean it can't be used on interior surfaces. It is simply designed to withstand the weathering that an exterior paint must endure, which provides it with the added durability that is required when painting kitchen cabinets. To be exact, it has a 15 year lifespan on exterior surfaces, without peeling or flaking, which means it is highly durable.

The other huge benefit of Zinsser Allcoat, and why it is loved by professional decorators and DIY'ers is that it is self-priming. There is no need to apply a priming layer before painting, which can save time & money!

Aside from its performance, the other reason we would recommend Zinsser Allcoat is that it provides unrivalled flexibility. It is available in matt, satin & gloss finishes and is available in almost any colour, which means you can achieve any look you want, on any surface you want. The paint mixing service here at Painters World allows you to pick any colour you want. This includes RAL, British Standard & NCS colours, as well as equivalent shades of almost all paint manufacturers, including designer shades. If you have the name of the shade, you can get it in Zinsser Allcoat. All you have to do is select a shade or type the name of the shade in the text box.

If you are looking to achieve a matt finish, Zinsser Allcoat is by far the best paint to use. Very little other matt paints offer the durability required to be applied to kitchen cabinets. A flat matt finish is extremely contemporary, homely, chic and do not need to be cleaned as often as higher sheen finishes when used on kitchen cupboards as sheen can create finger prints,

Benefits

• Superb durability
• Available in matt, gloss & satin
• Fast recoat time in just 1 hour as it is a water-based paint
• Self-priming
• Excellent colour retention
• Can be used on other projects to match your decor without having to purchase multiple paints

Drawbacks

• Takes 5-7 days to mechanically cure, which can make it slightly prone to damage when newly painted

2. Dulux Diamond Satinwood

At the top of the pile when it comes to a dedicated satinwood paint is Diamond Satinwood from Dulux Trade. As it is water-based paint, it is fast-drying, non-yellowing & low in VOC's, unlike the oil-based satin wood equivalents. We would recommend you avoid these as the water-based paints are easier to use, especially for the average DIY'er.

It has exceptional durability, that provides excellent protection from scratches, stains and grease on kitchen cupboards it is applied to.

As a satinwood paint it comes in a satin finish, which unfortunately can limit you depending on the look you want to achieve. Having said this, satin is a popular choice as it is often said to appear velvety, which is why it is a used traditionally, along with gloss, on all wood & metal trim such as furniture, skirting boards & doors.

Overall, Dulux Diamond Satinwood is the best satinwood paint on the market currently in the UK, at least in our the opinion of our experts. While it is more expensive than other satinwood paints, it more than warrants the price tag. It can often be tempting to save money on paint and decorating supplies, however the long-term value of getting a professional finish that will remain looking that way for years to come more than warrants the small amount of money extra.

Benefits

• Excellent protection from scratches
• Stain and grease resistant
  
• Great opacity
• 12 square metres per litre coverage
• Fantastic colour, especially in white
• Easier to use, quicker drying and non-yellowing when compared to the oil-based version
• Can be mixed in almost any colour

Drawbacks

• Only comes in a satin finish
• Is more expensive than other options
• Requires a primer

3. Tikkurila Helmi

When it comes to premium paints, no one can beat Tikkurila. The Tikkurila range contains a huge array of specialist products that represent the very best paint you can get. Tikkurila Helmi is an acrylic high performance paint that is specially designed for use on trim and furniture. It is ideal for application to kitchen cabinets as it offers unrivalled opacity & adhesion, creating an incredibly tough film which can be cleaned and washed once dried and cured.

It is available to be mixed in thousands of colours and comes in matt, satin or gloss finishes, giving you full flexibility over the look you want to achieve. Tikkurila products come with numbers in their products which refer to their sheen level. The lower the number, the lower the sheen. Helmi 10 refers to a matt finish, Helmi 30 refers to a satin finish & Helmi 80 is a gloss finish.

Benefits

• Great durability
• Superb opacity
• Non-yellowing
• Comes in matt, satin & gloss
• Can be mixed in almost any colour

Drawbacks

• Requires a primer

4. Isomat Isolac Aqua Enamel

Isomat Isolac Aqua is a water-based paint that has added modified enamel that means it dries extremely hard, resisting scratches and impacts. As a water-based formulation it will not yellow like oil-based paints, plus it has a quick drying time. While its performance is excellent against a range of damage, with it being suitable for interior & exterior use, it is limited in terms of look. It only comes in gloss and satin, plus it is only available in white as a standard colour and can be mixed in pastel shades only. Having said this, the finish it can achieve is extremely smooth & uniform, which can look fantastic on kitchen units.

Benefits

• Added enamel to provide protection from scratches & impacts
• Strong adhesion
• 12 square metres per litre coverage
• Fantastic finish

Drawbacks

• Only comes in a satin & gloss finish
• Is more expensive than other options
• Only mixed in pastel shades
• Requires a primer

How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets & Cupboards

Once you have decided what paint to use, the next stage is to follow our step-by-step guide to painting kitchen cupboards, so you can achieve the best possible results from your project.

What You Will Need

• Paint
• Primer (if required)
• Paint brush
• Short-pile mini paint roller
• Masking tape
• Dust sheet
• Screwdriver
• Filler, sandpaper & filling knife (if required)

1. Preparation

The start of any painting project! Proper preparation is the key to achieving high-quality and long-lasting results so do not rush ahead and skip steps. The cupboards and cabinets must be clean & sound before you can apply any paint to them.

Start by removing the doors & brackets from the units as this will make painting them much easier. This can be done quickly using a screwdriver. It is also recommended to remove door handles at the point too. This is the perfect opportunity to update the cupboards with new ones that can make a real difference in modernising the kitchen.

Once the units are dismantled, put down a dust sheet on the floor and mask up any areas you do not want to paint. A fine surface masking tape is best for delicate surfaces like kitchen cabinets and cupboards. To prevent bleed through, use a good quality masking tape as this will allow you to get those perfectly crisp lines in your paintwork.

You can then clean the units using a cleaner & degreaser to remove any dirt & grease that will prevent the paint from properly adhering to the surface. Leave to completely dry before moving on.

The final step of the preparation stage is to filler any cracks or holes in the cupboards using a wood filler such as Toupret Wood Filler that won't shrink, can be easily sanded down and dried quickly. Fill using a filling knife work the filler in up and down motions, ensuring you completely fill the crack. You can then sand this down using a 120-grit sandpaper once it is completely dry.

2. Prime

If you are using Zinsser Allcoat, you do not need to apply a primer. A primer creates a layer that helps the paint adhere to the surface that is being painted, both while paint is being applied and long-term. If you are using Isomat Isolac, there is a dedicated primer in Isolac Aqua Primer White. For other paints such as Johnstones Acrylic Eggshell or Dulux Diamond Satinwood, a fantastic primer that offers great value for money is Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3.

Primers come in a thin, milky liquid that can be easily applied using a paint brush or a roller. Apply a thin but even layer of the primer and leave to completely dry as per the manufacturers instructions. You only require one coat of primer.

3. Paint

When your kitchen units & doors are fully prepared and primed if required, it is time to get painting. Apply your first coat of paint around the edges first. Ensure you apply the paint evenly but not too thick, as this first coat is to create a solid base for your topcoat. We recommend using a 4" mini roller to paint the surface as this will ensure you achieve a uniform finish on the cupboards without any flashing. Ensure the roller sleeve you use is a short-pile roller such as a foam roller, as this achieves the smoothest finish.

If you have an bobbles in the paint, you can sand these down once it has completely dried to ensure you get a perfect finish.

You can then apply your second coat of paint, repeating the process you just took but applying slightly more paint this time round. If you are using a good quality paint, you should only require two coats of paint. If you opt for a cheaper paint, this may take three coats, which you can then apply once the second coat is dry.

Once painted, you can attach the doors to the units and fix the handles back on. If you have used paints that take time to cure, be careful at this stage as you do not want to knock the doors and have to repaint them again.

Always ensure you take your time. Do not rush a step as it could completely ruin your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does kitchen cabinet paint work?

Yes, paints that can be used on kitchen cabinets do work if applied correctly. We would however recommend you do not opt for a paint that is labelled 'kitchen cabinet paint' as these are retail paints.

The major paint manufacturers generally develop two versions of their paints, a retail version and a trade version. These vary to suit what a professional decorator wants compared to the average DIY'er. Trade paints are higher quality, durability and have a better coverage when compared to retail paint, which ensures they achieve a consistently professional finish. Retail paint on the other hand is developed to be cheap, as the average DIY'er is more price sensitive.

While trade paints are not developed for specific tasks, they can be used for a range of tasks. If a product is labelled as a kitchen cabinet paint, while it can be applied to kitchen cabinets, it will not be the best quality product you can buy. The long-term value for money with a trade paint is significantly more, After all, it is often said that if you buy a cheap paint, you will end up paying twice.

Anyone can buy trade paint, you do not have to be involved in the paint trade. It is just as easy to buy and to apply as a retail paint.

Q. What paint brush should I use?

We recommend using a mini-roller, however if you prefer to use a paint brush you can do. This will in fact create a bit more of a rustic look, which can be desirable for many. All of the paints we have suggested are examples of water-based paint. You must use a synthetic bristle paint brush as this will not absorb water, unlike a natural bristle paint brush which is made of animal hair that will absorb water.

Q. What makes a good kitchen cabinet paint colour?

The beauty of modern decor is that the are no rules. Whether you go for a neutral white or cream, an ultra-modern black or anthracite grey or a colourful orange or red, the options are endless.

Here are a few of our favourites to help give you a bit of inspiration:

We love green at the moment! Whether it is a pale green or a dark green, they have a fantastic ability to create a homely feel and bring life to any room. Why not try a dark green like NTB93 or a light pale green like NTB47, that are both hugely popular at the moment all over the home.

Our next piece of kitchen cupboard inspiration is a demonstration of just how beautiful black can be. Many people are scared of black, but they shouldn't! Dark kitchen units are an easy way to create a luxurious feel. Even the most rundown kitchen units can look completely different in black, especially when a high sheen glossy finish is uses to create a polished look.

Why not opt for a bold deep black such as jet black, or a slightly more subtle black grey. There are plenty of choices that can all work brilliantly, especially depending on the finish of paint you opt for.

Many people think grey automatically means boring, but when it comes to kitchens, grey is a fabulous choice. No shade is more versatile than grey. They come in a huge variety of shades, with dark and light options, plus the ability to have a tinge of others colours such as blues or greens. Whether you want a modern or a rustic look, they can work in any scenario.

A fashionably dark, glossy grey kitchen cabinet can be equally effective as a light grey such as NTB25 shade, that has a beautiful slate blue finish.

We hope this has answered any questions regarding how to paint kitchen cabinets & cupboards, plus what the best paint for the task is. Now your equipped with the information you need, why not get started? At Painters World we have a wide range of paints & decorating supplies available, including a full range of paint for kitchen cupboards, all available with FREE next working day delivery on all orders over £50. Shop the range today or if you required any more information, send an email to hello@paintersworld.co.uk, where our team of experts will be able to advise you.