Painting cabinets requires a few coats of primer and paint with light sanding between each coat. Modesto Cabinet Painters ensure a durable and smooth finish.
Oil-based paints have a high sheen, resist moisture, and hide stains well. However, they dry slowly and require mineral spirits for cleanup.
Oil-Based Paint
Cabinet doors and drawer fronts add a lot to your kitchen’s appearance, and a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference in the world. However, choosing the right product and painting method is key to a professional-looking finish that will stand up to the test of time. Taking the time to carefully inspect your cabinets and thoroughly prep them will help ensure the best results.
Oil-based paints have traditionally been the best choice for high-quality, durable finishes on cabinets and trim. Unfortunately, they are not readily available or DIY-friendly anymore due to their strong odor, lengthy drying process, and a tendency to yellow over time. Luckily, there are now hybrid options that combine the durability of alkyd paint with a low-odor water-based base. One such example is Sherwin Williams’ Urethane Trim Enamel, which can be used on wood or drywall and is available in a variety of sheens, including matte.
Latex paint has also improved greatly in recent years, making it a popular option for DIYers and professional painters alike. It dries much faster than oil paint and produces a uniform finish. It also offers a wide variety of colors and sheens, from flat to semi-gloss, and can be found in low- or no-VOC formulas, which is important for families with kids and pets.
Regardless of which type of paint you choose, you’ll need to lightly sand between each application for a smooth finish. A good sanding will help the cabinet’s surface grip the finishing product better, and it can also hide brush strokes to create a more refined look. Once you’re ready to start painting, be sure to prepare your workspace properly by masking off areas to avoid overspray and ensuring proper ventilation.
Water-Based Paint
A fresh coat of paint on your cabinets is an inspired and affordable way to breathe new life into a space. However, selecting the right type of paint is key to ensure that your finished project withstands daily wear and tear while maintaining a stunning appearance. The best cabinet paint types and finishes for kitchens combine quick drying, low odor, durability, and a smooth finish that is easy to wipe clean.
Water-based paints are a popular choice for DIY projects due to their fast drying and low odor. These paints are also a safer option for indoor use, as they don’t emit strong fumes and are easy to clean up with soap and water. While some homeowners worry that water-based paints aren’t as durable as oil-based options, advances in resin technology have produced modern cabinet paints that are just as tough.
Acrylic latex and hybrid paints are the best choice for solid wood cabinetry, as they provide superior adhesion and durability. These paints penetrate the pores of the wood and create a strong bond that resists chipping and peeling. They are also moisture resistant, making them ideal for damp kitchen environments.
Alkyd paints are a good option for cabinetry as they offer a balance of performance, similar to oil-based paints but without the bad smell and slow dry time. Alkyd paints are easy to clean, offer excellent durability and provide a hard enamel-like finish. They are available in a range of sheens including matte, satin and semi-gloss.
Oil-based paints are not recommended for kitchen cabinetry as they produce a toxic odor, take longer to dry and require special cleaning products. However, many manufacturers now make water-based versions of these paints that are as durable as oil-based products and don’t yellow over time.
Latex Paint
Painting your cabinets can be a cost-effective way to refresh the look of your kitchen or bathroom without investing in an expensive remodel. However, there are many factors to consider when deciding on the type of paint and finish that will provide the best results for your project. The right paint will ensure that your new coat of color holds up to the wear and tear of daily kitchen use, and it will allow you to select the sheen that will suit your aesthetic preferences.
Latex paint is water-based and requires no turpentine for cleanup, making it ideal for interior projects. It also dries quickly, which allows you to complete your project in less time. While it is not as durable as other types of paint, it can hold up to abrasions and scratches. If you plan on using latex paint for your cabinet project, be sure to prime the surface before application. This will prevent blotchy absorption of the paint and ensure a smooth, even finish.
When it comes to paint sheen, satin is a popular option for kitchens. This finish provides a soft, subtle sheen that is easier to clean than matte finishes and doesn’t highlight imperfections as much as glossier options.
Semi-gloss paint is another popular choice for kitchen cabinets. It provides a rich, vibrant sheen that is easy to clean and resistant to moisture damage and mildew growth. This paint is also water-resistant and resists fading due to sunlight exposure, making it a smart choice for high-traffic areas. When selecting a semi-gloss paint, be sure to prep the surface properly by filling in any holes or dents with wood filler and sanding the area for a flawless finish.
Satin Paint
Cabinets are often a focal point in any home, and the finish of your choice can significantly impact its appearance and functionality. For high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, satin paint is a popular choice due to its durability and ability to hide imperfections. However, it’s important to understand the characteristics, benefits, and ideal applications of each type of sheen before deciding which one is best for your space.
As the name suggests, satin finish paint sits directly in the middle of the sheen spectrum. It has more shine than flat paint, but less than semi-gloss. Because of this, it can help to brighten up rooms with darker decor schemes, while also providing a durable, easy-to-clean surface.
The satin sheen created by this type of paint is also notable for its lack of reflective properties, compared to other more glossy finishes. This is due to a higher concentration of pigments and fewer binders in its makeup, which prevents the paint from reflecting its own light as much.
Because of this, satin finish paint is also a great option for high-traffic areas, as it can withstand more wear and tear than other glossier types of paint. Its durability can help to hide any scratches or scuffs that may occur over time, as well as provide an excellent resistance against moisture.
When choosing a satin paint for cabinets, it is important to choose a quality brand that has been specifically formulated for this application. This will ensure that the paint is able to self-level, meaning that there will be minimal brush or roller marks and that your cabinet doors will have a smooth, enamel-like finish. Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is a fantastic example of this, as it has been developed with cabinetry in mind and dries quickly to provide a fast and efficient painting process.
Semi-Gloss Paint
This option is the next level up in sheen from satin and flat paints, offering a noticeable shine that brightens spaces and highlights architectural details like molding. Its smooth surface offers superior durability to stains, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas that need to be regularly cleaned or wiped down, like kitchens and bathrooms. However, it can highlight imperfections in the surface if not properly prepped, so make sure you lay down a good primer and lightly sand to help achieve a polished look.
Semi-gloss paint is also easier to clean and has better moisture resistance than satin, which makes it a great choice for surfaces that will come in contact with water, such as cabinetry or trim. This type of paint can be used on ceilings as well as walls, and is often preferred in rooms with a lot of natural light or those that benefit from extra brightness.
If you want to avoid the extra maintenance that comes with semi-gloss, try choosing a more matte paint finish for areas prone to dirt and smudges. Satin paints offer a lower sheen, which softens the glare of sunlight and can make rooms feel larger and more open.
The best way to decide which sheen is right for you is to ask for samples from your local paint store or home improvement center and test out each one in your space. Be sure to give your painted surfaces plenty of time to dry as well, the #1 reason paint jobs fail is not giving them enough time to fully cure. A little patience is all it takes to get beautiful, long-lasting results. Be sure to set aside a few weeks for this important step!