Transform Your Kitchen: 22 Best Paint Options for Cabinets and Millwork

Whether you’re looking to revitalize your kitchen or create a fresh aesthetic, painting your cabinets can be a game-changer. In this article, we’ve curated a selection of top-rated paints specifically designed for kitchen cabinets. We’ll dive into their unique features and benefits, so you can make an informed decision and transform your space into a kitchen you’ll truly love.

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Reviews

Nuvo Cabinet Paint Kit: Celadon Cove Kitchen Cabinet Transformation

Experience a seamless and hassle-free kitchen makeover with Nuvo Cabinet Paint Kit in Celadon Cove. This coastal-inspired mint green color effortlessly complements contemporary decor, while the all-in-one Paint+Primer formula ensures easy and quick application. Suitable for wood, laminate, and metal cabinets, the kit provides you with the tools you need for a professional-looking outcome, without the fuss of stripping, priming, or topcoat. Plus, the durable, water-based acrylic formula ensures a long-lasting and mildew-resistant finish that requires minimal upkeep.

Premium Zero VOC White Semi-Gloss Interior Paint for Kitchen Cabinets

Translating their trust in Glidden’s tradition, this premium semi-gloss interior paint is designed for a durable and attractive finish, making it a perfect choice for high-traffic areas. Its Zero VOC, Low Odor formula ensures a healthy living environment while its scrubbable, washable coating makes cleaning a breeze. This versatile paint includes a tintable base that can be transformed into 1,100 Glidden colors, making it an even more attractive and customizable option. Despite a few hitches here and there, its 4.1-star rating speaks highly of its overall quality.

Non-Toxic Flat Base Cabinet Paint for Fade Resistance and Durability

The Valspar Cabinet and Furniture Paint is a top-notch choice for those seeking a luxurious, oil-enriched enamel finish that boasts exceptional durability and a factory-like finish without any brush marks. With its non-toxic formula, Valspar provides stain resistance and resists scuff marks, fading, and scratches, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of furniture materials.

Beyond Paint Non-Toxic Acrylic Paint Kit in Pewter

Experience the ultimate all-in-one solution for transforming your furniture and cabinets with Beyond Paint’s BP32 Pewter Acrylic Paint Kit. This non-toxic and water-based paint is formulated to provide a durable, washable surface, offering minimal prep and roller marks. The 1 quart kit comes with easy application tools, ensuring a beautiful, professional finish for any DIY project. Perfect for both beginners and experts, this paint promises a stain-resistant and easy-to-clean finish that will breathe new life into your home.

Non-Toxic Soft Gray Paint Kit for Home & Outdoor Use

Introducing Beyond Paint’s BP35 All-in-One Interior/Exterior Acrylic Paint Kit in Soft Gray, the perfect solution for your furniture and cabinet makeover projects. With its easy application and water-based formula, you can achieve a beautiful, professional finish in just one or two coats. Its non-toxic and mildew-resistant properties make it an excellent choice for both commercial and residential use. Plus, it’s compatible with a variety of surfaces, including concrete, metal, and fiberglass. Experience the convenience of having a bonder, primer, and finisher in one kit, complete with tools for the job. Try this paint for your next furniture or cabinet transformation project and see the amazing results for yourself!

Deep Base Semi-Gloss Interior Cabinet and Trim Paint

Transform your living space with this versatile paint designed for cabinets, trim, doors, windows, and more. With its deep base and semi-gloss finish, this BEHR Premium enamel provides excellent coverage and dries quickly, allowing for easy recoating. Not just limited to the home, it also performs well on drywall, masonry, and metal surfaces. This paint not only saves time with quick return to service, but also ensures durability with its mildew-resistant finish and easy clean-up with soap and water. It’s the ideal choice for anyone looking to enhance their interior design with a touch of elegance. Try it and witness the difference it can make!

Nuvo Cocoa Couture Cabinet Makeover Paint Kit: Transform Your Kitchen in Style

Transform your outdated kitchen cabinets into a stylish, modern space with Nuvo Cocoa Couture Cabinet Makeover Paint Kit. This easy-to-use DIY kit features two 31 oz. cans of Nuvo cabinet paint, perfect for updating wood, laminate, and metal cabinets. With a beautiful semi-gloss finish and durable water-based polyurethane formula, you’ll enjoy a seamless application process that requires no sanding, priming, or topcoat. The kit also includes essential tools like a roller arm, roller covers, angled paint brush, and step-by-step illustrated instructions. Start your cabinet makeover project today and embrace a fresh, updated kitchen in no time!

Magnolia Home Matte Chalk Paint for Kitchen Cabinets

This Magnolia Home Chalk Style Paint is Joanna’s favorite creation for transforming old into new. With its chalky finish, it adds an elegant touch to any piece of furniture, without needing any sanding or staining. The paint dries quickly, allowing you to enjoy your freshly refurbished furniture in no time. It provides good coverage with just one coat and has a beautiful finish. Perfect for giving your treasured pieces a new life, this paint is well-loved by its users and highly recommended.

Satin Clay Cabinet and Furniture Paint for Wood Surfaces

Enhance your cabinet and furniture with the Satin Clay Cabinet and Furniture Paint, a versatile and durable option made for various surfaces like doors, windows, and shelves. Its unique formula ensures unmatched flexibility, preventing cracking and peeling even when the surface is bent or distorted. The paint provides superior coverage, allowing you to complete your project with less paint and reduced drying time. This eco-friendly option, low in VOC, is perfect for creating a safe and inviting environment. Cover up to 12 pieces with this 1-quart bottle and elevate your home’s look with ease.

White Linen Cabinet Paint for Kitchens & Bathrooms

This 1-gallon Linen White Cabinet Paint (2-Pack) from Rust-Oleum boasts impressive resistance not only to scratches and stains, but also dirt and grime, guaranteeing a fresh and clean appearance in your kitchen for longer. Its blend of easy-to-apply solutions, from brush and roller to airless sprayer, offers versatility in application methods. After painting, it’s essential to wait for 12 hours before reinstalling cabinet doors and 24 hours before returning to normal usage. Available in a single gallon size and featuring a semi-gloss finish, this paint is a powerful choice for transforming kitchen cabinets into a bright, durable, and cleanable centerpiece.

Rust-Oleum Cabinet Paint - Semi-Gloss Black Gal Kitchen Revamp

Breathe new life into your outdated kitchen cabinets and turn them into an eye-catching work of art with the Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations Black Paint. This user-friendly, all-in-one cabinet paint is designed to deliver a sturdy, semi-gloss finish that dries swiftly, allowing you to achieve your desired home transformation in no time. With robust scratch and stain resistance, as well as effortless clean-up using just soap and water, this paint simplifies the process of cleaning and maintaining your cabinetry. Ideal for interior cabinets, vanities, and more, it allows you to give your living space a facelift without emptying your wallet.

Nuvo Coconut Espresso Cabinet Paint Transformation Kit

Transform your outdated kitchen cabinets into a stylish focal point with the Nuvo Coconut Espresso Cabinet Makeover Paint Kit. This low VOC, low odor, water-based Acrylic paint offers professional results with minimal effort, thanks to the included simple tools. With a one-day application process that dries to a soft Satin finish, the kit easily covers 100 square feet of cabinet surface, making it perfect for most kitchens. The high-quality paint even provides easy clean up with soap and water, ensuring a durable and long-lasting finish.

One-Day Kitchen Cabinet Transformation Paint Kit: Tidal Haze Color

Transform your wood, laminate, or metal cabinets in a single day with Nuvo’s Tidal Haze Cabinet Makeover Paint Kit. Ideal for covering up to 100 square feet, this all-inclusive kit provides you with everything you need for a flawless finish, including easy-to-use tools that require no professional help. Its eco-friendly and safe formula ensures a safer painting experience, while its long-lasting, satin finish withstands daily wear without the need for extra sealers or topcoats. Pair it with Giani’s Countertop Paint Kits for a complete room makeover.

Nuvo Earl Grey Cabinet Transformation Paint Kit

Transform your kitchen or bath in a single day with Nuvo’s Earl Grey Cabinet Makeover Paint Kit! This low VOC, low odor, water-based acrylic paint and primer in one provides professional results with simple tools included. Covering up to 100 square feet, its easy brush and roll-on application gives a satin finish to most wood, laminate, and metal cabinets. Easy to clean and safe to use, this eco-friendly paint is perfect for a kitchen makeover without the mess or cost of replacement.

Transform Your Kitchen: Nuvo Black Deco Cabinet Makeover Paint Kit for Wood, Laminate, and Metal

Say farewell to those outdated kitchen cabinets and revitalize your space with Nuvo Cabinet Paint. This easy-to-use Paint for Kitchen Cabinets kit is the answer to your makeover needs, promising professional results with minimal effort. With a low VOC, low odor, water-based Acrylic paint and primer in one, you can achieve that enviable Satin finish within just one day.

Nuvo Driftwood Cabinet Paint Kit for Kitchen Makeover

Update your outdated kitchen with Driftwood, the charming neutral grey color from the Coastal Collection. This Nuvo Driftwood Cabinet Makeover Paint Kit offers a simple, one-day transformation for your wood, laminate, or metal cabinets. The low VOC, low-odor acrylic paint and primer in one kit are safe, easy to apply, and dry to a soft satin finish. With each kit covering 100 square feet, you’ll soon have a freshened and renewed look in your kitchen or bath.

Nuvo: Refresh Your Cabinets with Oxford Blue Paint Kit

Transform your kitchen with the Nuvo Oxford Blue Cabinet Makeover Paint Kit, a luxurious dark blue hue reminiscent of England’s esteemed university. This versatile color fits effortlessly into both modern and classic settings, upgrading your cabinets in style. With Nuvo, you can revamp your outdated wood, laminate, and metal cabinets in a single, mess-free day. The specialized paint and primer in one system dries to a soft satin finish and covers up to 100 square feet. Easy to apply, Nuvo offers an affordable alternative to expensive cabinets, with minimal odor, low VOCs, and eco-friendly features. Embrace a fresh look with the Nuvo Oxford Blue Cabinet Makeover Paint Kit.

Cabinet Transformations: Easy-to-Use Gloss Gray Interior Paint for Kitchen Cabinets

Transform your worn or damaged kitchen cabinets into stylish, durable works of art with Rust-Oleum’s Gloss Cabinet Gray Interior Paint Kit. This easy-to-use kit is perfect for melamine, metal, and laminate surfaces, covering up to 102 square feet. With no stripping, sanding, or priming required, you’ll achieve beautiful results swiftly. Ideal for transforming kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and furniture, this kit includes both an instructional DVD and printed instructions to guide you through the process. Experience the refreshing visual appeal of your cabinets with Rust-Oleum’s Gloss Cabinet Gray Interior Paint Kit.

Heirloom Traditions Paint - All-in-One, Low-Luster Matte Finish for Cabinets

Transform the look of your home with the Heirloom Traditions Paint All-in-One, a versatile solution for cabinets, tables, doors, and more. This paint requires no sanding, primer, or topcoat, making it simple and efficient to use. With a low luster, velvet sheen finish, it provides a durable yet flexible coverage perfect for various surfaces, including wood, vinyl, laminate, and more.

Non-Toxic Charcoal Paint for Countertops: All-in-One Primer, Finisher & Sealer

Introducing Beyond Paint’s All-in-One Charcoal Flat Paint, a versatile and easy-to-apply solution for your refinishing needs. This non-toxic, water-based paint is an all-rounder that delivers professional results with just a few coats. Its smooth consistency makes application a breeze, drying to a durable finish in just one or two coats. Perfect for experienced DIYers and beginners alike, this paint is great for adding a pop of color and charm to your home, without the hassle of multiple products. Experience the joy of transforming your furniture and accessories with Beyond Paint’s Charcoal All-in-One Paint.

Nuvo Titanium Infusion Cabinet Makeover Paint Kit: One-Day Transformation for Kitchen Cabinets

Transform your outdated cabinets into a refreshed and upgraded area of your home with Nuvo Titanium Infusion’s Cabinet Makeover Paint Kit. This all-inclusive kit, featuring a water-based, low-VOC, eco-friendly acrylic formula, offers an easy, 1-day application for a flawless finish. Perfect for wood, laminate, and metal surfaces, and suitable for both kitchens and bathrooms, Nuvo’s satin finish provides long-lasting durability that withstands daily wear and tear without the need for additional topcoats or sealers. The versatile Titanium Infusion color complements an array of contemporary decors, making it the ideal choice for a complete room makeover when paired with Giani Countertop Paint Kits.

Beyond Paint All-in-One Refinishing Paint in Deep Blue - Non-Toxic and Easy to Apply

Elevate your home’s furniture and cabinets with the Beyond Paint All-in-One Refinishing Paint Deep Blue. This innovative formula offers easy, mess-free application with no stripping or sanding required. Its water-based formula ensures a smooth and flawless finish that dries quickly, saving you time and effort. The premium paint allows for professional-looking results on various surfaces, transforming your home with an effortless, non-toxic touch.

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to reviving or updating your kitchen cabinets, the right paint can make a significant difference. This guide aims to help you in your search for the perfect paint for your kitchen cabinets by discussing important features, considerations, and general advice about the product category. By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed purchase that suits your needs and meets your expectations.

Material Considerations

Choose a suitable paint material that will withstand your kitchen’s humid and often greasy environment. Oil-based, water-based latex, and silicone paints for kitchen cabinet are some of the options available to you. Oil-based and silicone paints generally provide the best durability and resistance against moisture and grease, but they tend to have a longer drying time and stronger odor.

Finish Types

The finish of the paint plays a crucial role in the overall look, as well as its durability. High-gloss or semi-gloss finishes offer the best protection against moisture, scratches, and wear, making them ideal for kitchen cabinetry. On the other hand, matte or flat finishes may look better on the surface but are more susceptible to damage and stains.

Colors and Designs

Consider the colors and designs that will work best with your kitchen’s overall aesthetic and the atmosphere you want to create. Neutral colors, such as white, grey, or beige, can help keep your kitchen looking clean and uncluttered. Brighter or bold colors may help you make a statement and showcase your personal taste, even if it may require some touch-ups over time due to scratches and wear.

Ease of Application and Removal

An easy-to-apply and easy-to-remove paint for your kitchen cabinets is crucial for a hassle-free experience. Some paints have self-adhering qualities, ensuring they won’t peel off the cabinets, while others can be easily removed without damaging the surface. Ensure that the paint you choose allows for a smooth and even application process with fewer touch-ups needed.

FAQ

What type of paint is suitable for kitchen cabinets?

For kitchen cabinets, it’s best to use high-quality, oil-based paint or a water-based acrylic paint. These options provide excellent durability, resistance to moisture and heat, and are easy to clean. They also allow for a smoother finish than latex paints, which is ideal for cabinet surfaces. Always consider a paint that has a low VOC (volatile organic compounds) rating to minimize fumes and odors.

Oil-based paints offer better coverage and a longer-lasting finish. However, they take longer to dry and may be more challenging to work with, especially when applying multiple coats. Water-based acrylic paints are easier to work with, dry faster, and have low odor. They are a great option for those who prefer a more eco-friendly option.

How do I prepare my kitchen cabinets for painting?

Prior to painting, it’s essential to thoroughly clean and sand the cabinets. This will remove any dirt, grease, or old finish that may interfere with the adhesion of the new paint. Use a degreaser, such as dishwashing soap, and apply it using a soft cloth or sponge. Allow the cabinets to dry completely before proceeding to the sanding step. Use a fine-grit sandpaper (180-220 grit) to remove any rough patches and smooth the cabinets’ surface.

After sanding, thoroughly clean the cabinets again, ensuring all dust is removed. Allow the cabinets to dry completely before applying the primer or paint. Applying primer is crucial as it provides a barrier between the old finish and the new paint, ensuring better adhesion and a more even finish. Always apply paints or primers in thin coats, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next one.

Do I need to strip the kitchen cabinets before painting?

Stripping the cabinets can be time-consuming and may not always be necessary. If the old finish is in good condition and the cabinets are made of a high-quality material like wood, you can opt for a high-quality primer instead of stripping. This can provide a good bonding surface for the new paint and ensure a long-lasting, high-quality finish. However, if the old finish is chipped, flaking, or has a glossy or chalky appearance, it’s highly recommended to strip the cabinets. This will ensure a smooth and even surface for painting and help the new finish hold up well over time.

Stripping can be done using commercial stripping products or a homemade solution of warm water and a chemical agent like Calgon. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines when using chemical products. After stripping, the cabinets need to be thoroughly cleaned and allowed to dry completely before sanding, priming, and painting.

How many coats of paint should I apply to my kitchen cabinets?

For the best results, it’s recommended to apply at least three coats of paint to kitchen cabinets. This will provide a more even and long-lasting finish. Start with a primer coat, followed by two or three coats of paint. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next one to avoid any issues with peeling or chipping. To achieve a smooth, flawless finish, you can also apply a clear topcoat after the last coat of paint has dried. This will help protect the paint and provide a glossy, durable finish.

When applying paint, use a high-quality paintbrush or roller designed for painting cabinets. Be sure to use even strokes and apply the paint evenly, covering the entire surface. Take your time, and be patient, as rushing the process may result in an uneven or poor-quality finished product. Allow each coat to dry completely before moving on to the next one, and don’t forget to clean your brushes or rollers between coats to maintain the best results.

What is the best paint finish for kitchen cabinetry?

The best paint finish for kitchen cabinetry is a semi-gloss or satin finish. These finishes are easy to clean, resistant to moisture, and provide a good balance between durability and appearance. A semi-gloss finish has a slight sheen while a satin finish has a subtle, almost matte appearance. Both options are ideal for cabinets that may be subjected to frequent use and potential wear and tear.

Other finishes like high-gloss or matte may be more prone to scratches and require more maintenance. A high-gloss finish, while beautiful, will show every imperfection and is more difficult to repair if scratched. A matte finish, on the other hand, may not be as resistant to wear and tear as a satin or semi-gloss finish. Consider the level of maintenance you’re willing to commit to when choosing the right finish for your kitchen cabinets.

How long should I wait between coats of paint?

The ideal drying time between coats of paint will vary depending on the type of paint used, as well as the temperature and humidity levels in your workspace. As a general rule, allow at least 2 to 4 hours for each coat to dry fully before applying the next one. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times and application guidelines. In some cases, you may need to wait longer for the paint to cure, which can take 12 to 24 hours or even several days. Be patient and give the paint enough time to dry and cure properly for the best results.

It’s also a good idea to use a fan or set up a ventilation system in the room while painting to ensure proper airflow and help speed up the drying process. Keep the room temperature and humidity levels as consistent as possible during the drying process, as fluctuations can affect the paint’s drying time and overall finish.

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