One of the most important features when it comes to interior design is paint. As far as kitchen cabinets go, choosing the right kitchen cabinet paint can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your kitchen. Whether you’re painting existing cabinets or are putting up new ones, there are some basic tips you should know before making your final decision on what color or finish you want to use.
Contents:
- Consider the Material of Your Cabinets
- Choose a Durable Paint Finish
- Look for Low VOCs and Odorless Paints
- Go for Lighter Colors to Make Your Kitchen Appear Bigger
- Opt for High-Quality Brand Products
- Test Swatches Before Making a Final Decision
- Make Sure your Color Works with the Room’s Lighting
First and foremost, you want to pick a paint that will stand up to frequent use in the kitchen while also looking great. A high-quality, washable satin sheen can help resist dirt and moisture while still providing an attractive shine.
You should avoid glossy finishes as they tend to show fingerprints more easily and may be difficult to clean if not done properly. Consider taking the time to find a durable option that won’t chip or peel over time due to everyday wear and tear in an active space like a kitchen.
When it comes down to color choice for your cabinet doors, it’s best practice to take inspiration from other design elements in your home such as countertops, tile backsplash, flooring material etcetera.If all these materials don’t coordinate with one another in terms of overall vibe then chances are any paint job won’t flow nicely either.
Also consider the impact natural light has on colors – during certain times of day certain shades may become too intense for comfort where others may blend perfectly into their surroundings no matter how harsh direct sunlight is coming through windows.
Don’t forget about proper preparation before taking up painting tools either: sanding down current surfaces is essential even though it adds extra labor onto process but helps achieve better results in long run both aesthetically and durably speaking.
It’s worth noting that if solvent based products have been used prior – i e, varnish/shellac etc – then those need strong chemical remover first otherwise new coats wouldn’t stick together properly leading up damaged furniture. Despite multiple repainting attempts over short course of time – trying fixing problem created by unawareness simply leads nowhere just waste lots energy effort money this way unfortunately.
Bottom line, doing thorough investigation research ahead start working always pays off big time later on whether we talk simple DIY project installing window frames around house building handcrafted rocking chair child grandparents same principals apply everywhere no exceptions here.
Consider the Material of Your Cabinets
Before selecting the type of paint you should use for your kitchen cabinets, it is important to think about what material they are made out of. Depending on the type of material, different paints will be better suited to create a durable and lasting finish.
If your cabinets are constructed from wood, oil-based paints or water-based paints can both yield good results but require different levels of preparation. Oil-based paints result in a hardier and glossier finish than their water-based counterparts so if you want a smoother look then this option may be preferable. Acrylic enamel paint is also a viable choice due to its long-lasting properties and resistance to moisture.
If your cabinets have been prepped with metal such as laminated steel or aluminum you will need a special primer designed specifically for metal surfaces in order to avoid chipping. You can also take advantage of rust inhibiting primers which provide added protection against corrosion over time. After that, conventional latex or acrylic based wall paints can be used for an attractive finish which is resistant to mildew growth and easily cleanable with detergent solutions.
If your kitchen cabinetry utilizes plastic components then you’ll want to pick up some urethane based coatings formulated specifically for plastic materials in order achieve satisfactory results with minimal wear over the years. With these options available it’s now possible create almost any desired look regardless of cabinet composition by finding the best paint for each individual situation.
Choose a Durable Kitchen Cabinet Paint Finish
When picking out paint for your kitchen cabinets, it’s important to choose a durable finish that will last through spills and temperature changes. You may also want something that is scratch-resistant in case of any accidents with utensils or other objects. There are multiple finishes available on the market, each offering its own benefits when applied to kitchen cabinetry:
Semi-gloss provides a crisp look and easy clean up, making it ideal for cabinets that need frequent dusting or wiping down. Its slight sheen can help light reflect across the room while keeping dirt and fingerprints hidden in the process. Eggshell finish offers a softer appearance than semi-gloss but still provides protection against moisture and heat. It has less of a reflective quality compared to semi-gloss but keeps your cabinets looking beautiful with minimal effort from you.
If you’re looking for an even harder, more resilient finish without sacrificing style, high gloss could be the right option for you. Highly scratch resistant and protective against stains, this brilliant finish creates an elegant yet tough surface able to hold up to everyday wear and tear better than most other paints on the market. This makes it perfect if you want both beauty and function in one product – though due to its glossy texture cleaning can require more elbow grease than some other options might entail.
Look for Low VOCs and Odorless Paints
If you’re looking for the perfect paint to spruce up your kitchen cabinets, make sure to look out for low-VOC and odorless paints. VOC stands for “volatile organic compounds” which are chemicals that can cause pollution and health problems if they build up in high concentrations indoors.
Low-VOC paints are safer both for indoor air quality, as well as your health. Odorless paints will also reduce the smell of solvents released from traditional paints while it is drying, providing a better overall painting experience.
When shopping for low VOC and odorless paint, read labels carefully to ensure that you purchase exactly what you’re looking for; some companies might claim their product is “low-odor” without actually specifying “odorless” or indicate that the VOCs are low without confirming if they meet EPA standards. Fortunately, there are plenty of reliable products available on the market today that meet these strict criteria so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find what works best for you.
Keep in mind that purchasing certified green products will often involve higher prices than other types of paint; however, since they tend to last longer and offer healthier indoor air quality, they may ultimately be more cost effective over time as opposed to lower cost alternatives with fewer features or lesser performance ratings.
Go for Lighter Colors to Make Your Kitchen Appear Bigger
When it comes to achieving an airier look in the kitchen, lighter colors are a great choice. Selecting paler hues and shades can help create a bright, open atmosphere that will make your living area appear bigger than it actually is. Whether you’re creating a modern-style interior or going for an even more rustic vibe, light paint helps bring out all the other tones in the room.
If you’re looking for something that won’t look outdated anytime soon, opt for neutral whites, beiges and blues. These options provide many different shades, but they remain subtle enough not to overwhelm any space.
One could go with pastel greens and yellows which offer a slightly stronger contrast against warm woods and earthy accents like terracotta tile floors or rattan pieces of furniture. And if darker tones are what your heart desires but still want the added brightness of light colors, opt for charcoal grays or navy blues to give off an effortless feel without completely darkening up the room.
No matter what kind of look you want to achieve in your kitchen cabinets painting project, consider choosing lighter colors for maximum effect on space creation.
Opt for High-Quality Brand Products
When it comes to choosing paint for your kitchen cabinets, opting for the best product you can find is a great idea. High-quality brands are more reliable and come with added features such as longer lasting results, professional finishes, and excellent service. Selecting a well-known brand also ensures that any problems you may have will be addressed in a timely manner. Superior paints are less likely to crack or fade over time.
The level of quality of the paint is essential when looking for an ideal product for your project; if it’s too thin or watery, it won’t provide the desired result. It should also not be overly thick since this can make application difficult. Color accuracy and vibrancy will differ based on products from different manufacturers – reading online reviews about various products before purchasing them can help you get an idea of their performance after drying and curing.
When making your selection it’s important to remember that there are many options available in terms of base materials; some may be oil-based while others might feature latex-acrylic blends which offer superior flexibility but require additional prep work before they can be applied successfully. Check ingredients carefully to ensure whatever you choose provides the coverage and longevity you need at a competitive price point.
Test Swatches Before Making a Final Decision
For the final decision on the color of your kitchen cabinet paint, it is essential to test out a few swatches beforehand. This will give you a better idea of how the color looks in different lighting conditions, which can make all the difference when choosing the right hue for your home.
Begin by shopping around at hardware stores or larger retail chains for paint samples that offer 2 inch square swatches with colors inspired by nature. Be sure to take into account what type of look you want your cabinets to have; do you want them to blend in with other features of the room or be more prominent?
Once you’ve narrowed down some options, bring home and tape up multiple colors onto one wall so that you can examine and compare them side-by-side. Be sure to lay down different fabrics such as tablecloths or pillows next to each sample so that they appear slightly brighter compared to their surroundings since they may darken once installed on your cabinets themselves. Moreover, take pictures using natural light during both morning and night time hours so that any finish will truly pop accordingly within an accurate range of tones.
After testing all viable colors, pick two shades – one lighter and one darker than desired – then measure twice and cut once. If this approach proves too bold for your own taste, stick with something more neutral like a classic white shade or muted pastel hue while still making use of these same tips throughout each step before painting those kitchen cabinets finally!
Make Sure your Color Works with the Room’s Lighting
Choosing a color for your kitchen cabinets can be intimidating, but with the right knowledge and tips, you can make sure the paint will complement both its surroundings and natural lighting. It is important to consider how light plays off of the walls and other features in the room when deciding on a color palette.
Incorporate existing elements of the room when selecting paint colors. Look around at other design choices such as flooring or backsplashes to get an idea of which shades might work best in tandem.
Take into account any accent pieces like curtains or rugs that could potentially clash with certain hues or play off each other to great effect. Think about cool or warm tones depending on what you prefer, as this can guide your decision-making process towards lighter shades versus deeper ones.
It is essential to ensure any final choice works well in different forms of light – morning, midday sun and night time lighting all have their own unique effects on color. Have a few test swatches handy beforehand so you can do some experimenting before making a commitment by painting your entire kitchen cabinet set one single hue. That way you’ll be able to clearly see if it contrasts too much or blends together perfectly under various lights throughout the day.
Need Help With Your Kitchen or Another Custom Cabinet Project?
Our company can assist you with your needs if you are in the market for new cabinets. If you are located in Georgia, be sure t0 reach out to us so we can get a quote over to you.