What Kind of Paint Should You Use on Kitchen Cabinets?

So, you’ve decided to have your kitchen cabinets repainted—good for you! A new paint job can spruce up old, dingy cupboards and completely transform the look of your kitchen, all for far less time and money than it would take to have new cabinets installed. The next decision you’ll have to make is what type of paint to use on your kitchen cabinets.

In most cases, latex paint will be a better choice than oil paint for kitchen cabinets. This is because latex paint:

• Takes less time to dry, so you’ll be back to using your kitchen as quickly as possible
• Better retains its appearance, since oil paint can sometimes develop a yellow tint in areas with little light
• Releases less volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than oil paint, meaning that it’s safer to use around food and dishes
• Adheres to both latex and oil paint, whereas oil paint doesn’t bind well to latex paint (which could be an issue if you use oil paint on cabinets that were already painted with latex paint)

Many people have heard that oil paint is more durable and easier to clean than latex paint. While that was traditionally the case, many manufacturers have begun producing latex paint that’s more capable of withstanding wear and tear. So, if you opt for latex paint, be sure to choose an option that’s listed as being washable.

What Finish Should You Use?

Once you’ve chosen the type of paint you want to use, you’ll also have to select a finish. Gloss and semi-gloss finishes are preferable to eggshell and flat finishes since they’re more durable and washable. The choice between gloss and semi-gloss will come down to your personal preferences—while gloss finishes are more durable, they’re also shinier.

The Right Company for the Job

If you own a home in Florida, Georgia, or Texas, you can entrust your kitchen cabinet painting project to the team of professionals at Southern Painting, The Interior and Exterior Painting Experts since 1989. Contact us today to request a free in-home consultation, and we’ll connect you to the location nearest you. We look forward to speaking with you about your goals for your cabinets and helping you select the type of paint that’s best suited to your needs.