What Type of Paint to Paint Kitchen Cabinets: Expert Guide and Tips

You are tired of looking at your old kitchen cabinets. They look dull and boring. You want a fresh new look without spending too much money. You ask, What type of paint to paint kitchen cabinets? The best paint is high-quality acrylic or alkyd paint because it sticks well, looks smooth, and lasts long. In this article, I will show you the full guide to help you pick the right paint and how to use it on your cabinets like a pro. Let’s get started with everything you need to know.

Choose the Right Paint Type for Kitchen Cabinets

When you want to paint your kitchen cabinets, choosing the right type of paint is the most important part. If you use the wrong paint, it might peel, chip, or not last long. There are many kinds of paint in the store, but not all of them are good for kitchen cabinets. Some are made for walls, some for furniture, and some for outdoor use. Your kitchen is a busy place with heat, steam, and cooking oil. You need a paint that can handle all of that.

There are two main types of paint to look for: acrylic (water-based) and alkyd (oil-based or hybrid). Acrylic paint is easier to clean, dries fast, and has low smell. Alkyd paint takes longer to dry and has a stronger smell, but it gives a very smooth and strong finish.

Many people now use hybrid alkyd paint. This paint acts like oil paint but can be cleaned with water. It gives the best of both worlds — smooth like oil, easy to clean like water-based. Brands like Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin-Williams Urethane Trim Enamel are very popular for cabinets. These are strong and last long even in a busy kitchen.

You should never use wall paint or chalk paint for kitchen cabinets. They might look nice for a short time, but they do not last. Wall paint can peel, and chalk paint can scratch easily. Also, spray paint in a can is not good unless you are using a professional sprayer.

Before choosing, also think about the finish. Satin, semi-gloss, or gloss finishes are good for cabinets because they are easier to wipe clean. Matte finish looks soft, but it can be hard to clean, and it shows grease more.

Some good brands for cabinet paint include:

• Benjamin Moore Advance
• Sherwin-Williams Emerald or Urethane Trim Enamel
• Behr Alkyd Enamel
• Valspar Cabinet Enamel

Always buy high-quality paint even if it’s a little more expensive. Cheap paint won’t stick well, and you might need to repaint again soon. High-quality paint also spreads better and gives a nice look with fewer coats.

• Use acrylic or alkyd paint for kitchen cabinets
• Hybrid alkyd paints are best for strong and smooth finish
• Avoid wall paint, chalk paint, or spray cans
• Choose satin, semi-gloss, or gloss finish
• Use trusted paint brands made for cabinets

Clean and Prepare Cabinet Surfaces

Before painting, you must clean and prepare your cabinet surfaces. This step takes time but is very important. If you skip it, even the best paint will not stick right.

Start by taking off all doors, drawers, and hardware like handles or knobs. Use a marker and tape to label each piece so you know where it goes later. Put screws and handles in a small box so they do not get lost.

Next, clean all surfaces with a degreaser. Cabinets in the kitchen often have layers of grease and dirt, even if they look clean. Use a cleaner like TSP or a mix of warm water and dish soap. Scrub every part, especially around the handles and near the stove where grease builds up.

After cleaning, let everything dry completely. Then, lightly sand the surfaces with medium-grit sandpaper (around 120 to 150 grit). Sanding helps the paint stick better by removing the shiny layer or old finish. Don’t forget to wipe off the dust after sanding. You can use a damp cloth or tack cloth.

If your cabinets have damage like cracks or holes, use wood filler to fix them. Let the filler dry, then sand it smooth. This will help your paint look clean and fresh later.

For cabinets with glossy or laminate surfaces, sanding is even more important. Laminate is smooth and slippery, and paint will not stick unless you rough it up a little.

Some people use a liquid sander instead of regular sanding. This can work, but make sure to read the directions carefully.

• Remove doors, drawers, and hardware first
• Clean all surfaces with a degreaser or dish soap
• Sand with 120–150 grit sandpaper
• Fill cracks and holes with wood filler
• Wipe all dust before painting

Apply a Strong Primer for Better Paint Stick

After cleaning and sanding, you need to apply a good primer. Primer is the base layer that helps the paint stick better and stay longer. If you skip this part, your paint may peel off or not cover the surface evenly.

Choose a primer made for cabinets or wood surfaces. There are two kinds: water-based primer and oil-based primer. Water-based primer is easy to use and dries fast. Oil-based primer gives strong coverage, especially if you are painting over dark wood or stained cabinets.

Some of the best primers for kitchen cabinets are:

• Zinsser BIN Shellac Primer (great for tough stains)
• KILZ 3 Premium Primer
• Benjamin Moore Fresh Start

Use a good quality brush or small roller to apply the primer. Start with the backside of doors and work your way around. Make sure the primer goes on smooth, not too thick. Let it dry fully before adding paint. This can take a few hours or overnight, depending on the brand.

Sometimes, one coat of primer is enough, but if you still see wood showing through, apply a second coat. Always let it dry completely and lightly sand between coats for the best results.

• Use primer to help paint stick better and last longer
• Choose a water-based or oil-based primer made for cabinets
• Use Zinsser BIN, KILZ 3, or Benjamin Moore Fresh Start
• Apply thin coats and let dry fully before painting
• Lightly sand between primer coats for smooth finish

Pick the Right Paint Tools for Smooth Finish

The tools you use for painting are just as important as the paint. The wrong brush or roller can leave streaks or bubbles. The right tools help you get a clean, smooth look that looks professional.

For small areas like cabinets, use a high-quality angled brush for edges and corners. Look for a brush that says it’s good for trim or furniture. A 1.5-inch or 2-inch angled brush is a good size.

For the flat parts of doors and frames, use a foam roller or a microfiber roller. Foam rollers give a very smooth finish and don’t leave marks. Microfiber rollers also work well and hold more paint.

If you want the smoothest finish, you can use a paint sprayer. But sprayers can be messy and need more setup. If you are a beginner, a brush and roller are good enough and easier to control.

You also need painter’s tape to protect walls or other surfaces you don’t want to paint. Drop cloths or plastic sheets will protect your floors and counters.

Other helpful tools include:

• Paint tray
• Stir stick
• Gloves
• Sanding sponge

Take your time and don’t rush. Good tools help you work better and avoid mistakes.

• Use angled brush for corners and trim
• Foam or microfiber roller for flat parts
• Paint sprayer gives smoothest finish but needs skill
• Use painter’s tape and drop cloths for protection
• Always use high-quality brushes and rollers

Paint the Cabinets with Patience and Care

Now it’s time to paint! After all the cleaning, sanding, and priming, this is the exciting part. But it still needs patience. Rushing can ruin your hard work.

Start with the inside or backside of cabinet doors. This way, if you make a mistake, it won’t show much. Use your angled brush to paint the corners and edges first. Then use your roller to fill the flat parts.

Apply thin coats. Do not try to cover everything in one go. Thin coats dry better and look smoother. After the first coat, let it dry completely. This can take a few hours or more depending on the paint. Follow the directions on the can.

Lightly sand between coats with a very fine sandpaper (220 grit). This makes the surface smooth and helps the next coat stick better. Wipe off any dust before adding the next coat.

Most cabinets need two coats of paint. Some darker cabinets may need three. Take your time. Let the final coat dry for at least 24 hours before touching or putting hardware back.

• Start painting with the backside of cabinet doors
• Use brush for edges and roller for flat areas
• Apply thin coats and let each coat dry fully
• Sand lightly between coats for smooth finish
• Two to three coats usually needed

Let the Paint Cure and Reinstall Carefully

Once the final coat is dry, you must wait for the paint to cure. Dry and cure are not the same. Dry means you can touch it. Cure means it is fully hard and strong.

Paint can take up to 30 days to cure fully. During this time, be gentle. Avoid heavy use of the cabinets. Try not to bump or scratch them.

After at least 24 hours, you can reinstall the doors, drawers, and hardware. Use your labels to match each piece. Do not tighten screws too hard or the paint might chip.

Check for any small touch-ups needed. You can fix small spots with a brush. Be patient and careful. This final step brings everything together and makes your kitchen look fresh and new.

• Let paint cure for up to 30 days
• Wait at least 24 hours before reattaching hardware
• Use labels to match doors and drawers
• Be gentle with cabinets while paint cures
• Touch up small spots carefully

Final Thoughts

Painting kitchen cabinets is a big job, but it is also very rewarding. You do not need to replace your cabinets to get a fresh, beautiful kitchen. Just choosing the right paint and taking time to prep and apply it right can make a huge difference. The best paint for kitchen cabinets is acrylic or hybrid alkyd paint with a satin or semi-gloss finish. When done right, the result looks professional and can last for many years. Be patient, go step by step, and enjoy your new kitchen look.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it okay to use wall paint on kitchen cabinets?

No, wall paint is not made for cabinets. It is not strong enough to handle heat, grease, and daily use in a kitchen. Wall paint can peel or get damaged easily when used on cabinets. Kitchen cabinets need paint that sticks better and gives a harder surface. Paint made for cabinets is more durable and easier to clean. Always choose a high-quality acrylic or alkyd paint designed for trim or furniture, not regular wall paint.

Can I skip the primer when painting cabinets?

Skipping primer is not a good idea. Primer helps paint stick better to the cabinet surface. It also blocks stains and makes the paint last longer. Without primer, the paint may peel or chip after a short time. Even if your cabinets look clean, they often have old finish or grease that makes it hard for paint to stay. A good primer creates a solid base, especially if your cabinets are dark or glossy. Use a primer every time for the best result.

Do I need to sand cabinets before painting?

Yes, sanding is important before painting cabinets. Sanding helps remove the shiny finish and roughens the surface so paint can stick better. If you do not sand, your paint may not stay in place and can start peeling or bubbling. Even light sanding is better than none. Use medium-grit sandpaper and make sure to clean all dust after sanding. For glossy or laminate cabinets, sanding is even more important to get good results.

Is it better to use a brush or roller on cabinets?

Both brush and roller are useful, and the best result comes from using both. Use a high-quality angled brush to paint the corners and edges. Then use a foam or microfiber roller for the flat areas. This way, you get clean edges and a smooth finish. If you want the smoothest result, you can use a paint sprayer, but it needs more skill and setup. For most people, a brush and roller together work very well.

Can I paint laminate cabinets?

Yes, you can paint laminate cabinets, but you must prepare them well. Laminate is a smooth, shiny surface that does not hold paint easily. First, clean the surface to remove grease or dirt. Then sand it lightly to roughen it. Use a strong bonding primer made for slick surfaces. After priming, use high-quality paint like acrylic or hybrid alkyd paint. Let each coat dry completely. When done right, laminate cabinets can look just as nice as wood ones.

Do I need to remove cabinet doors before painting?

It is best to remove the doors and drawers before painting. This helps you paint all surfaces better and avoids drips or missed spots. When you take them off, label each one so you know where it goes. Put the screws and handles in a small bag to keep them safe. Painting doors while they are off also lets you lay them flat, which gives a smoother finish. You will get a more professional result this way.

Is it safe to paint kitchen cabinets myself?

Yes, it is safe to paint kitchen cabinets yourself if you follow the steps and use the right products. Use gloves and a mask if your paint has strong fumes. Make sure the room has good air flow by opening windows. Read all labels on paint and primer. Take your time and work slowly. With care and patience, many people paint their own cabinets and get great results. Just make sure to clean, sand, prime, and paint in the right order.

Can I paint over painted cabinets?

Yes, you can paint over cabinets that were already painted, but you still need to prepare them. Clean them well to remove grease or dirt. Sand the old paint to make the new paint stick better. If the old paint is peeling or chipped, sand it smooth or strip it off. Then use a primer before adding new paint. Follow all steps just like you would for bare wood. The new paint will last longer and look better.