The Best Cupboard Paint to Completely Transform Your Kitchen

Is your kitchen looking tired and dated? Do the cupboard surfaces appear dull, with visible scratches, chips and signs of wear? We've all been there - dealing with cupboards that have seen better days. But have no fear, there is an easy, affordable solution to breathe new life into your kitchen: a fresh coat of cupboard paint!

Painting kitchen cupboards can make a dramatic impact on the whole room with just a small amount of effort. Choosing the best quality paint specifically made for cupboards will ensure a smooth, durable and beautiful finish that makes your kitchen look brand new again. So let's explore everything you need to know to pick out the perfect paint to completely transform your kitchen cupboards!

Cupboard Painting Considerations

Before selecting a paint for your DIY kitchen cupboard makeover, there are a few key factors to consider that will affect the end result:

Type of Paint

There are a few main options when it comes to cupboard paint types:

• Oil-based paint - Hard wearing and durable, oil-based paints provide excellent adhesion and a glossy finish. However, they also have a strong odor and take longer to dry.
• Latex acrylic paint - Water-based acrylic latex paints contain fewer VOCs and have little odor. They dry faster but the finish may not be quite as hard-wearing as oil-based over time.
• Alkyd paint - Alkyd paints combine acrylic resins with alkyd for added durability, while still being water-based for easy cleanup. They provide excellent adhesion with a harder finish.

We recommend a high quality alkyd cupboard paint for kitchen DIY projects. This gives an optimal mix of low odor yet hard wearing, protective finish.

Prep Work

Just as important as choosing the right paint is properly preparing your cupboards beforehand:

• Thoroughly clean cupboard surfaces then sand lightly to degloss and roughen up the existing finish for better paint adhesion.
• Fill in any cracks or holes with painter's caulk and sand smooth once dry.
• Wipe away all dust then apply oil-based primer to any existing glossy or stained surfaces for optimal paint bonding.

Taking the time to correctly prep kitchen cupboards will help the new paint job last for years to come.

Color Selection

When deciding on a color scheme for your updated kitchen, think about:

• Current trends - muted tones like grays and blues remain popular but earthy greens are also coming back into style.
• Light vs. dark shades and how they expand or contract the look and feel of cabinetry and the whole kitchen.
• How the color affects lighting, from soft whites that enhance brightness to deeper hues that may absorb more light.

You'll also want to choose a painted or stained finish that coordinates well with your existing kitchen backsplash, floors, walls and countertops.

The Best Paints for Kitchen Cupboards

Now that we've covered the main factors in choosing cupboard paints, here is an overview of top rated options on the market:

Benjamin Moore Advance

This alkyd paint formulated specifically for kitchen cabinets and trims is a popular choice among DIYers and professionals alike. Key benefits include:

• Ultra smooth and self-leveling finish
• Available in all sheens from matte to high-gloss
• Resists nicks, stains and moisture
• Low odor and easy water cleanup

Downsides are extended drying times, so require some patience. But Benjamin Moore Advance dries to a hard, beautiful finish well worth the wait.

Sherwin-Williams ProClassic

Another trusted brand among painting contractors, Sherwin-Williams ProClassic is a versatile waterbased acrylic-alkyd formulated for exceptional flow and leveling across trim, doors, cabinets and furniture. Benefits include:

• Excellent hide and coverage
• Hard, durable and scratch resistant finish
• Stays looking new despite heavy use
• Many sheen and unlimited color options

Shortcomings are strong odor until fully cured and a tendency to show lap marks if painting technique isn't mastered.

Behr Alkyd Semi-Gloss

For DIYers looking for an affordable option available at most hardware stores, Behr Premium Plus line now includes this alkyd enamel paint designed especially for kitchen cabinets and doors, with:

• Improved hide, adhesion and stain resistance
• Excellent scratch and scuff defense
• Semi-gloss sheen good for cupboards
• Lower odor than traditional alkyds

The main drawback is longer dry time so following label directions is essential for proper curing before reattaching doors or drawers.

Transformation Process and Results

Now that you've selected the perfect cupboard paint for your kitchen update, let's look at the process from start to finish.

Painting Process

Be sure to follow all label instructions provided with your chosen paint for proper application prep work, priming, painting technique, dry time in between coats and full curing time before regular use. Some top tips:

• Lightly sand glossy surfaces then clean thoroughly before priming or painting.
• Apply primer first for enhanced paint adhesion and hide.
• Use quality mini foam rollers and angled brushes for the smoothest finish.
• Maintain a wet edge as you paint and finish full boards or sections before moving onto next areas.
• Allow proper drying time between coats based on humidity levels.
• Give painted cupboards 7+ days to fully cure before reinstalling doors and drawers.

Visual Impact

It's remarkable what a simple coat of fresh, new cupboard paint can do. Often the transformation seems almost magical! Notice in these photos how revitalized and renewed the whole kitchen appears after updating worn, dated cabinetry with crisp white paint:

[insert before/after photos showing dramatic change]

Suddenly the space feels brighter, larger, more modern and more cohesive. Just by refinishing the existing cupboards, it looks like an whole new custom kitchen!

We've covered all the key criteria for choosing the best quality cupboard paint for a kitchen makeover. To recap, be sure to select an alkyd-based formula made specifically for kitchen cabinets, in your preferred sheen from matte to glossy. Invest in top brands like Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin-Williams ProClassic for optimal flow, coverage and protection. And don't skip vital prep work like thorough cleaning, light sanding and priming for longest-lasting results.

Applying a fresh coat of durable cupboard paint can instantly provide an updated, custom kitchen look on a DIY budget. So go ahead - put in the effort for proper preparation and application, choose a color scheme you love, then stand back and admire the dramatic transformation as your worn kitchen cupboards look brand new again!