Are you looking for amazing paint to paint kitchen cabinets with?
You've come to the right place!
In this ProPaintCorner.com guide, you'll learn:
- What kitchen cabinet paints are
- How to choose & use the best paint for kitchen cabinets
- What you should know about painting kitchen cabinet doors
And much more!
Below is a quick list of all the best paints out there for cabinet doors. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose and use the perfect paint for your cabinets!
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Top Pick
| Our Top Pick | INSL-X Cabinet Coat Enamel Satin Paint
|
| View on Amazon |
| Best Budget
| Best Budget | Montage Signature Interior/Exterior Eco-Friendly Paint
|
| View on Amazon |
| Best High End
| Best High End | Glidden One Coat Interior Paint + Primer
|
| View on Amazon |
|
| Nuvo Cabinet Paint
|
| View on Amazon | |
|
| KILZ TRIBUTE Interior Paint + Primer
|
| View on Amazon |
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated On August 25, 2023
Our top choice paint for kitchen cabinet doors is the INSL-X Cabinet Coat Enamel Paint.
This paint is specifically designed to create a tough, scrubbable finish on your cabinet doors so they can withstand all the constant touching and heat in the kitchen.
Because it's a urethane acrylic paint (but still a water-based latex paint) it's incredibly durable yet easy to cleanup and dispose of which takes the hassle out of painting cabinets!
It's a fantastic choice for many home improvement projects, but it'll really stand up to the challenge when painting kitchen cabinets.
Top 5 Best Paints For Kitchen Cabinets
Take a look at our top 5 rated cabinet paints below:
What Are Kitchen Cabinet Paints?
Long story short, paints for kitchen cabinets or cabinet doors are usually standard latex paints.
Latex paints are water-based acrylic paints that are generally very durable, but they're also easy to dispose of and are washable once they've dried.
The reason these are perfect for cabinet doors is because cabinet doors are high-touch areas.
They tend to get smudged, stained, and messy and that means you'll need to make sure the paint you use is scrubbable.
You don't want to deal with scuff marks or chipping just because you needed to wash that pasta sauce off the cabinets, right?
So that's why choosing a durable paint like an enamel paint or urethane paint is key here.
But other than carefully choosing a strong latex paint, cabinet paints aren't much different than the standard paints you'll find at a paint store or home depot.
Read More >> What Are The Top HVLP Sprayers For Painting Cabinets?
How Should You Choose & Use Kitchen Cabinet Paints?
So if kitchen cabinet paints aren't really much different than standard interior latex paints, how do you choose the best one for your cabinet remodel?
There are a few key things to think about when choosing your cabinet paint, and a few things do know before you dive into using that paint on your cabinet doors.
Paint Finish
One of the biggest factors that is going to determine the look and feel of your kitchen cabinet makeover is the paint finish you choose to use.
There are multiple different finishes - or "sheens" - you can choose from, but most people tend to like a gloss paint or a semi-gloss paint for that nice, sleek effect.
That said, you may decide to go with a more understated satin finish which will still have a bit of a shine but not as much as a glossy finish paint.
Ultimately, you want to choose a paint finish that is going to give you the result your looking for when working on your kitchen remodel.
How Much Paint Will You Need?
In general, most gallons of paint cover anywhere from 200 to 400 sq. ft. which - for a small to medium-sized kitchen - might be enough.
However, if you need to apply a second coat (which you likely will to get the right finish) you'll need to factor that in.
Ultimately, I'd suggest budgeting for 2 gallons of paint to be on the safe side, especially if you're a DIY painter who is painting cabinets for the first time.
To Prime Or Not To Prime?
This is an important question in order to get the highest quality finish possible.
A lot of DIY painters tend to want to avoid priming because it adds extra steps (and extra cost), however this can lead to a muddy topcoat because your old paint color might peek through.
So, are you repainting over old cabinet paint? If that paint is anything darker than white, I'd recommend using a primer.
Even if this kitchen remodel is just a fun DIY project, you still want to ensure that the finished result is going to look great.
And because your cabinetry is arguably the most prominent feature of your kitchen (aside from maybe your backsplash) you want to make sure they look stellar.
I recommend using the Zinsser Bulls-Eye primer because it does a fantastic job prepping cabinet surfaces to get the maximum adhesion from your paint color of choice.
Read More >> How Much Does It Usually Cost To Paint Kitchen Cabinets?
Supplies You'll Need For Painting Kitchen Cabinets
Last but not least, let's talk about a few key supplies you need to gather in order to truly paint your kitchen cabinets like a pro.
Whether you choose to use a paintbrush (beware of the brush marks!), a paint roller, or a paint sprayer, you'll need to protect your countertops and floors, as well as your lungs!
- Plastic drop cloths
- Painter's tape
- Goggles
- Paint respirator
- Paint brush / paint sprayer / paint roller
- Paint tray
- Sandpaper for sanding (or sanding sponge)
- Wood filler (for filling holes)
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Gallons of paint
- Gallons of primer
With all that said, you may need a few other supplies depending on your particular painting project, but this is a good working list to start with.
Now on to the paint selections!
Read More >> How Do You Paint Cabinet Doors Without Brush Strokes Showing?
Our Reviews Of The Best 5 Paints For Cabinet Doors
The INSL-X Enamel Paint is a durable urethane acrylic paint that is latex-based, but it provides such a durable finish!
It's truly a high-quality paint that any DIY homeowner can use easily to create a gorgeous makeover on their cabinetry.
Its durability is incredible for water-based paint and it comes in a satin finish and a semi-gloss finish as well.
If you're repainting your cabinets, this paint will do a pretty good job of covering up other colors after just 2 coats of paint, but if you want to make sure you'll get a strong coverage, I'd recommend using a primer as well.
Overall, the INSL-X Enamel Paint is a fantastic choice for painting kitchen cabinets.
Pros
Cons
It unfortunately only comes in 2 sheen options - low-sheen (comparable to a matte finish or flat finish) and semi-gloss finish - so if you're looking for a high-gloss finish this one might not work for you.
However, the upside of this is it does come in a 5-gallon size as well so if you're looking to buy in bulk and save even more money on future painting projects, this is the right paint for you!
Pros
Cons
Our high-end option is the incredible Glidden One Coat Interior Paint + Primer because this stuff offers amazing coverage with less prepping and fewer coats of paint.
Not only is this stuff low-VOC (low odor) but it's completely washable and offers amazing durability which is perfect for cabinet doors.
You won't need to worry about smudges and finger prints on this paint ruining your glossy finish.
If you want a high-end, high-coverage paint that will last for years to come, the Glidden One Coat is a great option for you.
Pros
Cons
Pick #4: Nuvo Cabinet Paint
If you're a DIY fan looking to do a complete cabinet makeover, look no further than the Nuvo Cabinet Paint.
This paint is specifically designed for painting kitchen cabinets and doing complete (but inexpensive) remodels.
It's an acrylic paint that has a titanium infusion to create an ultra white, satin finish.
Plus, the beauty of this is that Nuvo actually has several different cabinet kits you can choose from in different colors and finishes so if you want to go with a cabinet makeover kit this is a great option for you.
Pros
Cons
Pick #5: KILZ TRIBUTE Interior Paint + Primer
Not only that, but the paint colors they have are excellent kitchen cabinet colors and each gallon covers up to 400 sq. ft. per gallon.
KILZ is a classic paint brand that is incredibly durable and the Tribute line is known to create vibrant topcoats on any painting project you use it for.
Pros
Cons
Our Top Pick: INSL-X Cabinet Coat Enamel Satin Paint
If you're looking for an amazing paint that will create a beautiful topcoat that will make your cabinetry look brand new, the INSL-X Enamel Paint is for you.
Plus, it's a great value for the money! Check out the lowest price on Amazon right here.
Final Thoughts On Painting Kitchen Cabinets
Now that you know what you need to know about selecting the best paint for your kitchen cabinets, you're ready to get started on your remodel!
Just make sure to follow proper safety protocols and take your time so you get the best finish possible.
The Most Important Part: Your Safety
Your safety is the most important part of your paint project, and you would. be surprised at how fast you can get hurt from painting.
Don't forget this key safety equipment when working with paint:
Safety Glasses
Your eyesight is delicate. Cover up your eyes with some safety glasses when painting.
Nitrile gloves
Use nitrile gloves to keep your hands clean for the next business deal.
Although latex paint isn't very damaging to your hands, stains and lacquers are, so keeping your hands covered up will keep you comfortable after the fact.
Cotton Mask/Respirator
Paint fumes are damaging to your health. Wear a cotton mask when working with latex and water-based paints, and a respirator when working with stains, epoxies, lacquers, and other oil-based paints to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals.
With all that said, make sure you take your time if this is a big undertaking for you as a DIY painter, follow as many Youtube videos as possible, and don't be afraid to consult an expert if need be.
As always, happy painting!
