The Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets: Tried-and-Tested Picks from Real DIYers
Updating your kitchen doesn’t always have to mean gutting it. Sometimes, the most stunning transformations come from something as simple as painting your kitchen cabinets. It’s a high-ROI home improvement project that’s budget-friendly and can completely refresh your space.
To curate this list, I reached out to my Instagram community of home DIY enthusiasts – people who have successfully transformed their own kitchens. Their real-life recommendations and brand insights provide practical tips on choosing the best paint for kitchen cabinets. Whether you’re looking for a quick temporary update or a more durable, professional finish, these community-tested picks and tips will help guide you through the process.
How to paint kitchen cabinets for a factory-smooth finish
Choosing the best paint for kitchen cabinets isn’t just about colour, although colour does make a significant impact on the kitchen’s overall look. Kitchen cabinets take a lot of daily wear – greasy hands, spills and endless opening and closing. With factors like durability, VOC levels, drying time and ease of application to consider, the right paint will look great and withstand the daily demands of your kitchen without the need for frequent touch-ups.
1. Start with a strong quality primer
Applying a good primer will set the stage for a flawless, durable finish. Think of it as creating a solid foundation before you add the colour.
Zinsser BIN Primer: Known for excellent adhesion, Zinsser BIN is a shellac-based primer that’s ideal for blocking stains and sealing in any grease or odors from the kitchen.
Zinsser 123 Primer: This water-based alternative is user-friendly and quick-drying, which makes it great if you’re looking to knock out your project quickly. Several people mentioned that it adheres well and provides a smooth base.
2. Choose the right paint
V33 Cupboard Paint
V33 Cupboard and Cabinet Paint is widely praised for its durability, standing up to stains and scratches while staying fresh.
Standout Qualities: Specifically designed for cabinets, providing a durable, washable finish that resists everyday wear.
Why It’s Worth considering: For lasting results, V33 is a great option. Some users report it looks just as good years later.
French Chic Alfresco Paint
Frenchic’s Alfresco range is all about ease and results. This paint typically doesn’t require a primer, so it’s a good option if you’re looking to give your kitchen a quick temporary makeover and hoping to cut out a step in the process.
Standout Qualities: Frenchic Alfresco offers a durable, chalky finish that cures to be quite tough once it’s fully dry. It’s a great pick if you want a matte, soft look.
Why It’s Worth Considering: Frenchic provides a smooth, velvety finish and is ideal for indoor projects, especially in smaller spaces.
Rust-oleum Kitchen Cupboard Paint
Rust-oleum Kitchen Cupboard Paint is another favourite, especially for those looking for a professional-quality finish without the pro price tag. It has excellent coverage, and a little goes a long way, making it budget-friendly.
Standout Qualities: Instagram DIYers rave about Rust-oleum’s smooth application and high-quality finish. Its formula is great for kitchen cabinets, and it comes in a variety of shades to fit any design.
Why It’s Worth Considering: Rust-Oleum delivers a polished, premium look without the premium price, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious renovators.
Annie Sloan
Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets, known for its ease of application and its matte, chalky finish that adds a rustic, vintage touch to any kitchen.
Standout Qualities: Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is versatile, adhering well to various surfaces without needing primer or sanding in many cases. Its ultra-matte finish creates a unique, textured look that can add character to kitchen cabinets, and it’s available in a range of warm, earthy colors. The paint is also low in VOCs, making it safer to use indoors.
Why It’s Worth Considering: Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is ideal if you’re looking for a quick, creative update to your cabinets without extensive prep. However, it may require a topcoat or wax finish for added durability in high-traffic areas, as the matte finish can be prone to stains and scratches in busy kitchens.
Little Greene Intelligent Satin
Little Greene is renowned for its high-quality paints. Their Intelligent Satin finish is particularly favoured for kitchen cabinets, due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. I’ve used it in my own home on the doors and panelling in our utility room and I love it’s sophisticated low-sheen finish.
Standout Qualities: It provides a tough, washable finish, that’s ideal for furniture and kitchen cabinets. It’s designed to resist stains and scratches, ensuring longevity. It’s low VOC too, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Why It’s Worth Considering: It offers excellent coverage and a smooth finish. Its durability makes it a reliable option for kitchen cabinets, maintaining its appearance over time.
Benjamin Moore Advance
Benjamin Moore Advance is highly regarded for its durability and smooth, professional finish, making it a top choice for kitchen cabinets.
Standout Qualities: This waterborne interior alkyd paint provides the durability of oil-based paint with the easy cleanup of water-based paint. It offers excellent levelling, resulting in a smooth, brushstroke-free finish. Plus, it’s low in VOCs, making it safer for indoor use.
Why It’s Worth Considering: Known for its long-lasting, hard-wearing finish, Benjamin Moore Advance is praised by DIYers and professionals alike. While it may require longer drying times between coats, the result is a resilient, polished look that’s well worth the wait.
Farrow and Ball Modern Eggshell
Farrow & Ball is famous for its luxurious, high-quality colours, but it’s a bit of a mixed bag for kitchen cabinets. Some people I spoke to felt it wasn’t quite durable enough for high-traffic use. Others mentioned that they found it challenging to apply without brush marks, so careful prep is essential for achieving a professional look.
Standout Qualities: Modern Eggshell provides a smooth, low-sheen finish that resists scuffs and is easy to clean. It’s low in VOCs, making it safer for indoor use.
Why It’s Worth Considering: Farrow & Ball’s rich colours add sophistication to any kitchen.
Preparation
Even with the best paint, your results depend on good prep. Here are the steps you don’t want to skip:
- Clean: First, clean your cabinets thoroughly with sugar soap or a grease-cutting cleaner. Nothing kills a paint job faster than grime beneath the paint.
- Sand Lightly: For optimal adhesion, give your cabinets a light sanding. You don’t need to go too hard – just enough to rough up the surface a little.
- Prime (If Needed): If you’re using Zinsser BIN or 123, this is the time to apply it. Even if the paint you choose says “no primer needed,” priming can still add extra durability.
Application tips
Application matters just as much as paint quality. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Use Foam Rollers: A small foam roller helps avoid brush strokes and gives a smooth, even finish.
- Brush for Details: For cabinet edges and corners, use a high-quality brush to avoid streaks.
- Take Your Time Between Coats: Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. Some paints also need curing time to reach full durability. Check the instructions on your paint for specifics.
Mistakes to avoid when you paint kitchen cupboards
When painting kitchen cabinets, a few common mistakes can lead to a less-than-perfect finish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the Prep Work: Grease, dirt, and old gloss can prevent paint from sticking. Clean and sand your cupboards thoroughly before you start.
- Choosing the Wrong Paint: Not all paints are suited for cabinets. Look for durable, cabinet-specific paints like Benjamin Moore Advance or Rustoleum Kitchen Cupboard Paint for a long-lasting finish.
- Ignoring Primer: A primer helps paint adhere better and provides a smooth surface. Use a quality primer like Zinsser 123 to avoid peeling and chipping.
- Rushing Dry Time: Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next. Rushing through dry times can result in streaks and smudges.
- Skipping the Topcoat: A clear topcoat on high-traffic cabinets adds extra durability and shine, especially if you’ve chosen a matt or satin paint finish.
With attention to these steps, your kitchen cupboards will have a smooth, professional look that lasts!
