How to Pick Grey Paint for Kitchen Cabinets That Matches Your Style
Grey kitchen cabinets are having a major moment in home design. This versatile neutral adds a touch of sophistication to any kitchen. But with so many grey paint options out there, how do you choose the perfect shade to complement your style?
Follow these tips and you'll end up with a fashionable, functional kitchen that reflects your personal taste.
Determine the Grey Undertones You Want
Not all greys are created equal. Grey paint colors have subtle undertones that create different aesthetic effects. Before choosing a shade, decide whether warm, cozy greys or cool, sleek greys align best with your design vision.
Warm Greys vs Cool Greys
Warm greys have subtle beige, brown, or red undertones. These earthy greys exude a welcoming, relaxed vibe. Examples include greige (grey-beige), taupe grey with brown hints, or brick/clay greys with a reddish base.
Cool greys have hints of blue, green, or purple. They feel crisp and modern. Choose ice grey with blue undertones, sage grey with subtle greens, or aclassic charcoal grey. White-greys can also read as cool depending on lighting.
Complementary Undertones
Aim to match your grey paint undertones to other kitchen elements for a cohesive look. Warm greys complement wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and natural stone or hardwood floors. Cool greys work well with countertops like white quartz, subway tile backsplashes, and sleek appliances.
Choose a Grey Shade for Your Kitchen Size
The scale of your kitchen should inform your shade selection. Light greys open up smaller kitchens, while bold dark greys make a dramatic impact in larger, airier rooms.
Light Greys for Small Kitchens
Pale, soft greys are an excellent choice for petite kitchen spaces. These muted tones reflect light, creating the illusion of a larger area. Delicate shades like Benjamin Moore Pussywillow or Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray are airy and ethereal.
Heathered greys like Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray or Benjamin Moore Silver Lake blend in light and dark pigments for added depth without closing off the space. Pair with light wood cabinets for a cottage-chic look.
Darker Greys for Large Kitchens
Deep charcoal greys make a bold, dramatic statement in expansive kitchens. The rich tones absorb light, creating an intimate vibe even in cavernous rooms.
For contemporary edge, try a dark slate grey like Benjamin Moore Soot or Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black. Go for an edgy matte finish for a sultry industrial feel. In traditional kitchens, classic greys like Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray or Sherwin-Williams Dorian Gray add moodiness.
Test Grey Paint Samples Before Committing
Never choose grey paint for your kitchen cabinets without testing it first. Sample pots and swatches are an inexpensive way to preview shades.
Paint Brand Recommendations
For superior quality and large color selection, we recommend Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams grey paints. Behr also offers trendy grey cabinet paints for the budget-conscious.
Compare brands' price points, sheens, warranties and consumer reviews. Make sure to buy cabinet paint, not standard wall paint, for maximum durability.
Where to Get Samples
Hardware stores sell small sample pots so you can paint patches on your cabinets. Paint brand stores offer free grey paint cards to take home.
Order a few shades online or in-store, then paint them on spare cabinet parts to judge accurately.
Judge in Natural Light
View paint samples at different times of day and in sunlight to observe the undertones accurately. Greys can shift in appearance based on the lighting.
Also look at samples next to cabinetry, countertops and backsplashes to see how shades complement or clash with adjacent colors.
Prep and Paint Kitchen Cabinets
With your perfect grey selected, it's time to prep and paint the cabinets for a stunning transformation.
Cleaning and Sanding
Start by thoroughly cleaning cabinets to remove grease and grime. Give glossy surfaces light sanding so the paint adheres properly. Fill any cracks or holes with wood filler and sand smooth.
Priming Cabinets
Primer creates a uniform surface for painting. Use an oil-based high-bonding primer like Kilz Original. One coat is usually sufficient unless you see old stains bleeding through.
Applying Grey Cabinet Paint
Use a quality bristle brush to neatly paint cabinet frames and edges. Then roll large flat surfaces with a short nap roller for a smooth finish. Applying multiple thin coats beats a single thick coat.
Allow each coat to dry completely before adding the next. Lightly sand between coats for maximum adherence. Two to three coats give full, even coverage.
Add Finishing Coat for Protection
A clear topcoat over the grey paint protects your cabinets from wear and tear. Consider a polyurethane or wax sealant finish.
Polyurethane Clear Coat
Water-based polyurethane in a matte or satin sheen adds protection from moisture and scratches. Apply two to three thin coats, sanding lightly between each.
Wax Sealant
Wax enhances wood grain beauty while allowing easy touch-up. Use paste wax or a beeswax furniture wax. Apply multiple thin layers of wax with a cloth for protection.
Maintaining Grey Kitchen Cabinets
Follow these maintenance tips to keep grey cabinets looking like new:
- Clean gently using mild dish soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleansers.
- Dry immediately after cleaning to prevent water spots.
- Use touch up paint at first signs of damage to prevent erosion.
- Reapply protective wax or polyurethane every 1-2 years as needed.
The right grey paint elicits the mood and style you envision for your kitchen. Consider the undertones, shade, and sheen that complement your space and design aesthetic.
Testing greys in natural lighting ensures colors appear as desired. Proper prep and application results in long-lasting, professional results. Incorporate our tips when selecting and applying grey paint for kitchen cabinets.
Follow this comprehensive guide and you can comfortably choose a fashionable grey that matches your personal kitchen style.