Paint Options for your Cabinets

Are you looking to have your kitchen cabinets painted but have no idea which paint type would be the best one for it? Maybe you are thinking of adding a trendy bold new color or subtle hues of a classic color shade or perhaps you're thinking of bringing the modern white vibe to your kitchen. When considering painting your kitchen cabinets all of the research can feel overwhelming - including understanding all of the paint choices available and finding the perfect type of paint to select for your project. 

At Kristina's Renewed Furniture & Treasures, we offer professional cabinet renewals that save you the time and effort involved in researching the right paint for your cabinet update job. Our team of experts goes through a process to customize our approach to your cabinet refreshing. At the end of the day, we want to be sure we are choosing from durable paint options so the finished product will both look beautiful and last for years to come.

Where do we start?

The best paint for cabinets depends on a couple of different factors, including your kitchen layout, the surface you are painting, the paint sheen, paint color suitability, and more! There are so many different choices when it comes to paint for cabinets that are accessible on the market, you might wonder how professionals know the right paint for the job. 

There are two main factors we use when assessing the approach for your custom cabinet repainting. 

Your kitchen layout. Paint for kitchen cabinets is different from your usual paint type, and can vary if you have solid wood cabinets. That's why it is important to note that for cabinets that are close to the range and sink, pick glossy silk, semi-gloss, or high-gloss paint finish, this type makes it easier to wipe away splatters. The shinier the outer finish, the easier it is to clean it. 

Knowing the right paint brands. Assuming you're considering the option to repaint your kitchen to revamp its look and feel, ensure you know which brands of paints to consider and which type of paint to use.

These factors go into the estimate we use to scope your project, determine pricing and find the best paint for the job! What are the common types of paint for kitchen cabinets depending on the scope of your project?

Types of Paint for Kitchen Cabinets

There are many types of paint you can use for painting kitchen (and bathroom) cabinets: 

Self-leveling water-based paint is one great option and the most ideal if you are looking to have a beautiful cooking space for your home. It is a technique that is formulated to level out evenly over the flat surface as it dries, resulting in a smooth yet very durable finish. This type usually costs more, it reduces the roller stippling and brush strokes producing a very fine finish, and self-leveling paint is more compatible for cabinet spraying. ​​After this paint dries up, they typically have a rock hard finish than you could get when using oil or regular water-based paint. 

Oil-based paint - This type is a lot more durable than latex, especially when used on regularly wet areas like walls near your kitchen sink;

Water-Based or Latex-Based Paint- They are primers and the dry time is quick;

Hybrid Enamel-Based Paint - Is a mix between oil-based and water-based paint. This type of paint has a water base just like the latex paint but still contains alkyd resins which are like oil-based paint.

There are so many paint choices and paint companies out there, but the best place to start is the type of paint needed. Below is a further discussion kinds of paint that professionals use for a variety of projects.

Oil-Based Paint

Pros: Oil-based paints are known for producing a hard, perfect finish, so they might be your first thought with regard to thinking about the best paint for your kitchen cabinets. Oil-based paints make a flat surface very simple to clean. If you ever touch or open a cabinet with sticky or greasy hands, you can easily wipe away any residue without worrying about wearing away the paint. 

Cons: Over time, you will eventually notice that yellow tints suddenly appear especially in low light. Hence, your cabinet will start looking dirty and old - which calls for another repainting session. 

Water-Based Latex Paint

Pros: One of the biggest advantages of using water or latex-based paints is that they have very low VOCs and it emits little to no odor - minimal smell as it dries up letting you know that it is safe for you, your kids, and even your pets. It also dries quickly and is easy to clean and maintain. And one more great thing about this type, it is very resistant to chipping, scratches, chalking and you will still notice good quality of color over time. Very ideal for the purpose! 

Cons: However, this may not always be suitable for places that are high-traffic areas. For busy kitchens, this could be less wear-resistant than other types of paint, which means that you should also apply a clear coat to further protect your cabinets as this paint is more delicate to temperature and soggy conditions.

Hybrid Enamel-Based Paint

Pros: This is also a durable one and enamel-based paint can be easily cleaned with soap and water. It also dries in a hard, glossy, and consistent finish making it a perfect choice as well for kitchen cabinets. It also does not emit as many fumes or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Cons: Hybrid Enamel Paint comes with an unusual odor - might be not harmful to humans or animals but since our sense of smell is not used to this odor, it’s one of the cons. It is also not as hard as oil-based paints and this requires a bit of painting skill to have a good output. Lastly, this is not available in paint stores in many varieties. 

And with all these lists of pros and cons for every paint type, we have to weigh the options and choose which is the best type of paint for your kitchen cabinets. This step is a vital part of the job and while it’s recommended to carefully check the paint type and other details before selecting an option, it is also best to seek guidance from professionals.

Kristina's Cabinet Refinishing is your go-to expert when it comes to this type of paint job. The team uses self-leveling water-based paint that lets you achieve a beautiful finish, making it worth every penny.



Contact the team today and experience it yourself - the transformation that comes from a fresh coat of paint is undeniable!