Hello, welcome! Yesterday I posted a blog post about the best paint for cabinets discussing what to look for, and gave you my recommendations. Then I realized that people are also looking for the best paint for kitchen cabinets, not just cabinets. You might be wondering what the difference it makes. If that’s the case, you are in the right place. I’m excited to tell you about the differences between regular paint for cabinets and the paint for kitchen cabinets.
I bought my first apartment nearly three years ago, and I was clueless about where to even begin with anything when it comes to renovation. So I’m here to help you with that. Let’s get started!
Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets
Introduction to Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets
Selecting the perfect paint for your cabinets can make all the difference in transforming a piece from old to new, boring to trendy, and tired to excitement. Instead of throwing away your current furniture, painting it can change the whole style of the furniture. Especially if the piece of furniture you are thinking of is kitchen cabinets, painting the old one can save you a lot of time and money than throwing them away and installing a new set. But I get it, there are many options available and you don’t know what the best paint for your kitchen cabinet would be.
As I mentioned above, regular furniture paint is not recommended to be used on kitchen cabinets. There are special types of paint that are resilient to water and heat that can endure the conditions in kitchens. Not only that, you want to check the qualities of the paint and ingredients. As these paints will be painted where you will cook your food, you want eco-friendly and safe paints!
In today’s blog post, we will go over what makes the best paint for kitchen cabinets, what you need to look for, and some of my recommendations. Also, I included a little tip on how to paint kitchen cabinets because I didn’t know anything about how to paint furniture or a wall when I first started. Painting kitchen cabinets might take a few more steps than painting other pieces of furniture.
But don’t worry, I got you! Let’s start with what to look for in the best paint for kitchen cabinets.
Don’t like the look or the color of your current cabinets? Painting it can change the whole mood.
What to Look for in Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets
1. Low or No VOC
As the first thing when selecting the optimal paint for kitchen cabinets, prioritizing low or absent Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) is essential. VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, which dictate the odor emitted by the paint, depending on their type and concentration within it.
These compounds pose health risks as the paint dries and VOC evaporates into the air, potentially causing various health issues. Eco-friendly paints either do not contain VOCs entirely or only have minimal traces, resulting in reduced odor and expedited drying times. The lingering paint smell typically lasts for hours or days, depending on the ventilation and humidity levels of the environment. Consequently, during the drying process, inhaling these harmful chemicals remains a concern. It is recommended to avoid VOC within your living space.
However, finding the best paint for kitchen cabinets is more than just finding furniture paint that is low in VOC. It’s about the ingredients used in the paint as a whole.
2. Eco-Friendly Ingredients
If you are looking for the best paint for kitchen cabinets, it’s very important to consider eco-friendly furniture paint. Finding paint made with eco-friendly ingredients is especially important for indoor use. Why? Well, these paints contain fewer or sometimes no harmful chemicals that could affect both our health and the environment. Opting for non-toxic paints can make a huge difference in improving the air quality inside our homes and lowering the risk of respiratory issues or other health concerns. Plus, they’re a more responsible choice because they often use sustainable or recycled materials in their production.
When you’re checking out paint labels, keep an eye out for some not-so-friendly ingredients like pesticides, biocides, metals, and synthetic solvents. These can cause a whole range of health problems, from allergic reactions to more serious issues like liver or kidney disorders. And it’s not just us—these chemicals can also harm the environment by damaging the ozone layer and contributing to climate change.
So, what’s the key to finding the best paint for kitchen cabinets? Look for eco-friendly options with natural ingredients and minimal VOCs. Think plant-based pigments and natural binders. Not only are these paints safer, but they also come in a wide range of colors and finishes to match your style and needs. Since cabinets are something we interact with daily, let’s prioritize safety when choosing the perfect paint for them.
3. Durability
Once you’ve ticked off the safety box with your paint ingredients, the next biggie to consider for the best kitchen cabinet paint is durability. Furniture goes through a lot, especially those in the kitchen with high traffic and jumps in temperatures and moisture. So some furniture pieces deserve a little extra attention, like kitchen cabinets or tables. They’re the ones that deal with water splashes and hot pots, so they need paint that’s tougher than what you’d slap on a drawer, for example. So, we’re on the hunt for paints that can handle the hustle and bustle and still look great down the road.
4. Adhesion
Alongside durability, let’s not forget about adhesion when we’re making our “best paint for kitchen cabinets” checklist. Nobody wants paint that chips or peels off once it’s dry—that would be such a bummer! So, making sure the paint sticks nicely to different surfaces without flaking or peeling is key for a finish that lasts and lasts.
I recommend applying a top coat or primer before painting a kitchen cabinet. And if you’re tackling special materials like metal, keep an eye out for paints specifically made for that surface. It’s all about setting ourselves up for success!
5. Coverage
6. Color Range
Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets Recommendations
So I hope you found it helpful to learn a few things about the best paint for kitchen cabinets. Here are some of the best paints for kitchen cabinets based on the checklist I shared with you above.
1. Country Chic Chalk Style All-in-One Paint
- All-in-One
- Eco-Friendly & Safe Ingredients
- Premium Quality from 80 Years of Business
- Dries Very Quickly
- Matte Finish
This brand Country Chic is a great paint that ticks off all the checkboxes, so I recommend this in my last blog post about the best paint for cabinets too.
The brand offers all-in-one furniture paints that you do not need primer, wax, a top coat, or a sealant. It makes our lives so much easier! It can be used indoors and outdoors as well as many materials such as wood, laminate, glass, metal, and even kid’s toys. So if your kitchen cabinet has a handle and you want it to be in the same color, you can simply paint it with Country Chic Chalk Style all-in-one paint rather than buy another paint for the material that the handle is in.
This brand is known for its eco-friendly and safe ingredients; there are no harsh chemicals like phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals, or solvents. Also, it has a very low VOC which means it has little odor. It is certified safe as per European Toy Safety Standards and we know how European standards are generally more strict and conservative when it comes to ingredients. If I’m looking for the best paint for cabinets for my home, it has to be the most eco-friendly and safe for my family.
This Country Chic paint is in a chalky matte finish, so if you want more gloss such as satin sheen on your furniture you might want to apply a top coat for that.
2. Heirloom Traditions All-in-One Paint
- All-in-One
- Low VOC
- Good Price
- Velvet-Sheen Finish
This is a great all-in-one paint that requires no sanding, priming, or top coat. You can use it on interior or exterior furniture including walls, doors, cabinets, counters, metal, and glass. It also has a velvet sheen finish, so if you are looking for a slight shine on your furniture, this might be the best paint for cabinets for you. The brand Heirloom Traditions offers some discounts sometimes, so check it out!
3. DWIL Matte Finish Furniture Paint
- Non-Toxic & Low Odor
- No Primer is Needed on the Wood
- Dries Quickly
- Easy Application
- Comes with a Paint Tool Kit
- Matte Finish
When you order this on Amazon, the paint comes with a wood painting kit that consists of a pair of gloves, a brush, a roller, and masking tape. If you are using this paint on wood like the cabinet surface, you don’t need a primer before painting which makes it even simpler! However, it is recommended to use a top coat after painting with the DWIL paint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much paint do I need for my furniture?
Usually, furniture paints can come in these volumes. Look at these general guidelines to see how much paint you might need for your project. Some paints have a better coat and can require less.
4 oz /120ml for 15m2
A chair, side table, small home decor furniture, or products
16 oz / 470ml for 60m2
A cabinet, dining room table, or a dresser
32 oz / 945ml for 120m2
A dining room set, kitchen cabinets, or a wardrobe
Painting Steps for Furniture
It is very important to clean the surface before applying the furniture paint even if it says “no primer needed.” It doesn’t mean any preparation before painting is needed! So let’s learn a few simple steps that can make your paint last long on your furniture.
1. Clean the Surface
Remove any chips or debris on the surface. If there is any dirt, grease, or dust on the surface, we need to wash it. Take a soft cloth and rinse thoroughly with clean water and soap. Allow the surface to dry completely.
2. Remove Hardware
Take off any knobs, handles, hinges, or any other hardware attached to the furniture. I know it’s a little bit of work, but trust me! Once you remove the hardware you can paint very quickly and it will have a beautiful finish.
3. Fill Imperfections
If there are any visible holes or scratches, use a filler for the material of the furniture and fill them in. Allow the filler to dry completely. You can send the filled area once it’s dried to ensure a smooth surface.
4. Prime the Surface (if necessary)
Some paints don’t need a base coat or primer. But unless it is stated that it is an all-in-one product or you do not need a primer, it is recommended to prime the surface. It helps to seal the surface, make it easier for the paint to show its color better, and improve paint adhesion. Leave it to fully dry.
5. Apply Paint
Use a high-quality furniture paint that is safe and has great application and colors, and apply. If the furniture is small, you can use a brush. If the furniture is bigger with a large flat surface, using a roller can give you an even coat and will make your job easier and faster! You might need two to several coats before you achieve the final color.
6. Apply Top Coat (if necessary)
Depending on the desired finish – matte, satin, or gloss – choose the top coat of your choice. Now many paints have a top coat included in the product so you don’t need to apply a top coat. But when applied, the top coat can provide better protection from wear and tear and thus can make your furniture last longer. If you followed this step and applied the top coat, let it dry completely.
7. Reattach the Hardware
Now it is the last step! Once the paint and any topcoat or sealer are fully dry, reattach the hardware to your furniture. Your furniture is now ready to use!
My Thoughts on Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets
I hope you found this article on the best paint for kitchen cabinets, a checklist of what to look for in furniture paints, how to paint, and the recommendations helpful! There are different things to check and look for when it comes to paint that need to be used on high-traffic pieces of furniture like kitchen cabinets. Have fun with your house project and the renovation!
Sustainable & Aesthetic Interior Design
If you are interested in learning more about how to accomplish a sustainable and aesthetic interior design, check out my other blog posts on the interior and home design topic. I blog about a vegan and sustainable lifestyle and achieving a green and beautiful interior is also my great passion!
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Tropical House Plants | Recommendations and Tips for Home Interior
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Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you if you choose to purchase the recommended product. The support allows me to research and continue working to provide the best information for you. Please rest assured that I only give my honest opinions and recommendations.
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