When preparing to paint your cabinets in Southeast Tennessee, you might believe that the most crucial aspect of the paint selection is the color. While color is significant, it’s not the sole factor to consider. With various types of paint available, it’s essential to choose the most suitable one for your cabinets. So, should you opt for oil, latex, or acrylic? And what about the sheen? Here’s what you should consider when selecting paint for your kitchen cabinets.

Oil Paint

There is debate over whether oil or latex-based paints are best for cabinets. Oil-based paints stand up well to the everyday wear and tear common in kitchens. They also provide excellent coverage on the surface, so you get a beautiful finish on your kitchen cabinets. 

The problem, however, is that oil-based paints emit fumes called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These can be dangerous for people and pets and even lethal to small animals. Painted surface can emit these fumes for months after painting your kitchen cabinets, so it isn;t just a matter of airing out your kitchen for a day or two.

Another drawback of oil-based paint is its extended drying time. Despite the appealing final outcome, it dries significantly slower compared to other paint variants. Consequently, this leads to a prolonged duration for finishing painting tasks on kitchen cabinets and increases the likelihood of inadvertently smudging the paint before it sets.

Latex Paint

Latex-based paints, on the other hand, dry much faster and offer a consistent finish. Another benefit of latex paint compared to oil-based paints? It’s less expensive and comes with more choices. You can even opt for low- or no-VOC latex-based paint, so you avoid the harsh fumes, which is a big plus if you have children or pets. 

The downside of latex-based paints is that they are often not as durable when compared to oil-based paint. Durability matters in a busy kitchen environment if you want your paint job to hold up over time. In addition, to get a smooth, flawless finish, latex-based paints require a lot more prep, from cleaning and sanding to priming.

Acrylic Paint

When choosing paint for kitchen cabinets, aside from oil- and latex-based options, acrylic paint should not be overlooked. Acrylic paint stands out as an excellent choice for kitchen cabinets due to its durability against daily wear and tear, ensuring no chipping, cracking, or flaking over time.

Moreover, its strong adhesion to cabinet surfaces prevents peeling issues. Opting for water-based acrylic paint presents the most environmentally friendly alternative with low VOC levels. Compared to oil-based paints, water-based acrylic paint is user-friendly and simpler to apply.

What About Sheen?

Of course, you’ll also need to choose the sheen of your paint. Paints usually come in matte, gloss, satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss sheens. 

While matte finishes are popular for walls, be sure to choose gloss or semi-gloss when painting your kitchen cabinets. These sheens offer a more durable finish that will perform better, handling everyday use and cleaning.

Matte, eggshell, and satin finishes, on the other hand, aren’t as durable on the surface of kitchen cabinets and are harder to keep clean. If you’re painting the interior of your cabinets, though, eggshell is the ideal choice. It can handle the weight of dishes and pots and pans without cracking or denting. 

The Easiest Way to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

Want the easiest way to paint your cabinets in Athens, TN? Hire a professional like the team at N-Hance of Southeast Tennessee. 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 Southeast Tennessee 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 Southeast Tennessee today at (423) 840-1974 to set up a FREE consultation and quote.