The Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets, Backed by Science
Looking to refresh your kitchen cabinets on a budget? Painting them is an affordable way to transform the look of your space without the high cost of new cabinets. But not all cabinet paints are created equal when it comes to durability and finish. The key is finding a top quality paint formulated specifically for the high-traffic use that kitchen cabinets endure.
We cover everything you need to know to choose a paint that will hold up beautifully and withstand years of cooking, cleaning, and daily use.
How to Choose the Best Cabinet Paint
When researching cabinet paints, focus on four key criteria:
- Durability - Oil-based enamel, acrylic enamel, and polyurethane paints offer maximum toughness and longevity.
- Coverage - Look for paint with excellent hiding power that won't require extra coats.
- Finish - Glossy, satin, and semi-gloss finishes resist yellowing and are easy to clean.
- Cost - While more expensive paints are worth it for durability, quality options start around $40/gallon.
Durability Matters for High-Traffic Kitchen Cabinets
Durability is a top concern when choosing cabinet paint. Kitchen cabinets endure heavy daily use - from grease splatters while cooking to repeated opening and closing. Inferior paint won't withstand the demands and can start chipping or wearing down in as little as 6 months.
For maximum toughness, look for paints described as "enamel" or "alkyd" on the label - these terms indicate an oil-based formula. Oil-based enamels provide a hard, scratch-resistant finish. If using a water-based acrylic paint, choose one specifically engineered for cabinetry and trim.
Coverage Saves Time and Money
No one wants to have to apply coat after coat of paint to fully cover their cabinets. Paints with excellent hiding power provide full opacity in fewer coats, saving you time and money.
To ensure full coverage, choose a paint with a thicker consistency formulated to cling well and disguise the existing color. Darker paint colors may also benefit from a tinted primer undercoat for best concealment.
The Right Finish Is Key
An ultra smooth, glossy finish not only looks gorgeous on cabinets - it also makes cleaning up spills and grease easy. Oil-based enamels and polyurethanes provide the most durable, reflective finish.
Water-based acrylics won't be quite as shiny, but new advancements make finishes nearly as glossy. Satin or semi-gloss finishes offer a nice in-between. Just avoid flat or matte paints that show wear.
Quality Paint Is Worth the Cost
While paying more for paint guarantees better performance, quality options start around $40 per gallon. Considering the high cost of new cabinets, investing in a top tier paint pays off.
We found Consumer Reports top-rated cabinet paints ranged from $40 to $60 per gallon. That's just a fraction of the expense of replacing your cabinets entirely.
The Best Cabinet Paints Backed by Testing
Based on data from rigorous lab testing and real-world use, we recommend the following paints for kitchen cabinets:
1. Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Interior Acrylic Latex Enamel
Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Interior Acrylic Enamel emerged as a CR top choice for its excellent durability, coverage, and uniform satin finish. The acrylic-based formula mimics the toughness of oil paint, according to CR's testing.
In CR's cabinet door tests, it withstood 500 rounds of opening and closing without showing signs of wear. The ceramic microspheres provide a smooth, consistent finish that resists yellowing and stains.
2. Behr Premium Plus Interior Satin Paint
Behr Premium Plus Interior Satin Paint is a great budget-friendly option for those looking to save money. It offers excellent coverage and dries to a smooth finish, with a satin sheen that's easy to clean. While it's not as durable as some of the higher-end options, it's still a reliable choice for those on a tight budget.
Positives:
- Budget-friendly option
- Excellent coverage
- Dries to a smooth finish
- Satin sheen is easy to clean
Negatives:
- Not as durable as some higher-end options
3. Farrow & Ball Estate Eggshell Paint
Farrow & Ball's Estate Eggshell Paint is a high-quality option for those looking for a luxurious finish. It offers exceptional coverage and dries to a velvety matte finish that's soft to the touch. While it's more expensive than some of the other options on this list, it's worth the investment for the exceptional quality and finish.
Positives:
- Luxurious finish
- Exceptional coverage
- Velvety matte texture
Negatives:
- More expensive than other options
Tips for Painting Cabinets Like a Pro
While choosing the right paint is critical, proper prep and painting techniques also ensure your painted cabinets look fantastic and last. Follow these pro tips:
- Clean cabinets thoroughly, then sand to rough up the surface
- Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler
- Prime bare wood for maximum adhesion and coverage
- Use a short nap roller and angled brush for cutting in
- Apply in thin, even coats allowing proper dry time between coats
- Lightly sand between coats for a smooth final finish
Nothing transforms a dated kitchen like fresh cabinet paint. While all paint won't stand up to the demands of high-traffic cabinets, quality options like Sherwin-Williams ProClassic and Behr Premium Plus offer superior durability. With a little prep and technique, you can paint your cabinets like a pro and bring new life to your kitchen!