If you’re preparing to paint your cabinets, you might think the color is the most crucial factor. While color is important, it’s not the only consideration. There are various types of paint to choose from, and selecting the right one for your cabinets is essential. Should you go with oil, latex, or acrylic? What about the sheen? Here’s what you need to know about choosing paint for your kitchen cabinets.

Oil Paint

There’s ongoing debate about whether oil or latex-based paints are superior for cabinets. Oil-based paints are known for their durability against everyday kitchen wear and tear, providing excellent surface coverage for a beautiful cabinet finish.

However, a significant drawback of oil-based paints is the emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These fumes can pose health risks to people and pets and are even harmful to small animals. VOC emissions can persist for months after kitchen cabinet painting, necessitating thorough ventilation.

Additionally, oil-based paints have a longer drying time compared to other types of paint. Although they yield a polished final appearance, the extended drying period requires more time to complete the cabinet painting process and increases the risk of smudging paint before it fully sets.

Latex Paint

Latex-based paints offer several advantages over oil-based counterparts. They dry faster, ensuring quicker project completion, and provide a consistent finish. Additionally, latex paints are typically more cost-effective and offer a broader range of color choices. Opting for low- or no-VOC latex paints is beneficial for households with children or pets, as it minimizes exposure to harmful fumes.

However, latex-based paints may not match the durability of oil-based options, which is crucial in high-traffic areas like kitchens. Achieving a flawless finish with latex paints necessitates thorough preparation, including meticulous cleaning, sanding, and priming of surfaces. This prep work is essential to ensure the paint adheres well and withstands daily wear and tear effectively.

Acrylic Paint

In addition to oil- and latex-based paints for kitchen cabinets, acrylic paint offers another excellent option. Acrylic paint is highly resistant to everyday wear and tear, ensuring cabinets remain free from chips, cracks, or flakes over time.

One of the key advantages of acrylic paint is its strong adhesion to cabinet surfaces, minimizing concerns about peeling. It’s available in both water-based and oil-based formulations, with water-based acrylic being the more environmentally friendly choice due to its low VOC content. Additionally, water-based acrylic paints are easier to apply compared to oil-based paints, making them a convenient and user-friendly option for cabinet painting projects.

What About Sheen?

When selecting your paint, the sheen is an important consideration. Paints typically come in matte, gloss, satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss finishes.

For kitchen cabinets, it’s advisable to opt for gloss or semi-gloss finishes rather than matte. These sheens provide a more robust and durable surface that can withstand daily use and regular cleaning.

Conversely, matte, eggshell, and satin finishes may not be as resilient on kitchen cabinets and can be more challenging to maintain. However, for the interior of cabinets, eggshell is a suitable choice as it can support the weight of dishes and cookware without easily showing marks or dents.

The Easiest Way to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

Want the easiest way to paint your cabinets? Hire a professional like the team at N-Hance of Northern Hartford County. We use a water-based acrylic polyurethane blend that we’ve developed specifically for cabinets after years of research. This proprietary painting product offers the beautiful, flawless finish of oil-based paints without the hazards. At the same time, it’s durable, so will be a great addition to your active kitchen environment. 

Plus, with our LightSpeed® Nano system, we can cure your cabinets in seconds, not days. This means you can get back to life faster. It also delivers a stronger, more resilient finish that is resistant to chipping, cracking, scratching, and peeling. N-Hance of Northern Hartford County is the easiest way to get beautiful painted cabinets that will last.

Ready to find out more about painting your kitchen cabinets? Call N-Hance of Northern Hartford County today at 860-934-0222 to set up a FREE consultation and quote.