Updating your cabinets is one of the most effective ways to transform your kitchen or bathroom, giving it a fresh, high-end feel.
Whether you’re tackling this project yourself or hiring a professional, choosing the right paint is key to achieving that luxurious, flawless finish.
So, today we’re discussing the best paint for cabinets.
Here, we break down the best types of paint and expert tips to elevate your cabinets to designer-level perfection.
Why the Paint Choice Matters
Cabinets endure heavy use, from sticky fingers to accidental spills.
This means your paint not only needs to look stunning but also have a durable finish which will withstand daily wear and tear.
High-end finishes require paints that provide durability, excellent coverage, and a smooth, seamless surface.
So yes, the type of paint does matter.
So what is the best cabinet paint?
We asked several professional painters – read on to see what they recommend for the best results.
Top Paint Types for a Luxe Cabinet Finish
- An Acrylic Alkyd Paint
- Why it’s great: Acrylic alkyd paints combine the best of both worlds—the durability of an oil-based paint with the easy cleanup of water-based formulas.
- Acrylic paint will dry hard and smooth, making them ideal for cabinet doors.
- Recommended Brands:
- Oil-Based Paints
- Why it’s great: Oil paint is known for it’s rich, glossy finish and exceptional durability, oil-based paints are a classic choice for wood cabinets.
- While they take a long time to dry and require more ventilation during application, the results are unmatched in longevity.
- From personal experience, despite the extra time and strong odor, this is the best product for a professional finish.
- Recommended Brands:
- Rust-Oleum Oil-Based Enamel
- Fine Paints of Europe Brilliant (for ultra-glossy finishes-see image above)
- Waterborne Alkyds
- Why it’s great: Water-based paint mimic the finish of oil-based options but with a more eco-friendly formula.
- They offer exceptional leveling for a smooth finish and are highly resistant to yellowing over time.
- Unlike oil based paints, these water-based latex paints have less odor.
- Recommended Brands:
- Chalk Paint (for a Vintage Look)
- Why it’s great: This is a popular choice for achieving a chic, matte, or distressed finish, chalk paint is versatile and doesn’t require extensive prep work.
- However, it must be sealed with wax or a topcoat for durability.
- Recommended Brands:
Finishes That Elevate
Selecting the right sheen can make all the difference:
- Satin Finish: Offers a subtle sheen that hides imperfections and looks sophisticated.
- Semi-Gloss Finish: Highly durable and reflective, ideal for high-traffic areas.
- High-Gloss: The best finish to create a statement look with a mirror-like finish but requires a proper prep work.
Pro Tips for a High-End Finish
- Prep Like a Pro
- Before painting cabinets, clean the cabinets thoroughly to remove grease and grime.
- Sand the surface to ensure paint adhesion.
- Use a high-quality primer, especially if transitioning from dark to light colors.
- A good primer will make all the difference, so this isn’t the place to skimp if you’re on a tight budget.
- Invest in Quality Tools
- Use a high-density foam roller for smooth surfaces and a flawless paint finish.
- This one from Home Depot is a great choice.
- Premium synthetic brushes are the best choice to minimize streaks.
- Apply Multiple Thin Coats
- Thin coats allow for even coverage and prevent drips.
- It’s a good idea to sand lightly between coats for a flawless finish.
- Top It Off with a Protective Clear Coat
- A polyurethane topcoat will protect your work and add an extra layer of durability, ensuring your cabinets look new for years.
Choosing the Right Color
For a high-end feel, stick with timeless shades like soft whites, deep charcoals, or navy blues. These hues pair beautifully with upscale hardware and work well in various design styles, from traditional to modern.
Transforming your cabinets into a luxurious centerpiece is all about the details, and paint plays a starring role. With the right products, techniques, and a little patience, your cabinets can achieve a high-end, showroom-worthy finish that elevates your entire space.
Hope you enjoyed these quick yet effective tips for painting cabinets.
For even more home improvement and design ideas, click on each post below:
The Best DIY Paint Sprayer For Your Cabinets
Affordable Bathroom Vanity Ideas
How to Pick the Best Paint Color For Your Kitchen Cabinets
The Best Cream Wall Paint Colors
*This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click a link and purchase something, I may get a small commission from it at no cost to you. For more info, please read my disclaimer. I only refer things that I truly love and hope you will too!
