The best paint to use on kitchen cabinets is semi-gloss solvent-based paint and the best way to apply it is with a spray painting gun.
We’ll take a closer look at why we recommend these things below. We’re a professional spray painting company in Manchester with over 20 years’ experience. We offer affordable kitchen spray painting across England.
Type of paint
Kitchen cabinets will be subjected to cleaning products, cooking oils and greases over their lifespan so they need a resilient surface. It is also crucial that the surface is non-marring and abrasion-resistant (so the paint doesn’t rub off).
The best type of paint for kitchen cabinets is solvent-based paint. It is by far the most resilient type. Water-based paints are not as durable – although they will do the job, they won’t stand up to everyday life for as long.
Solvent-based paints have the highest level of compounds that dry to form a durable, regular paint film. Solvent-based paints also work best with our preferred application type, spray painting (see the section below under application method).
If your cabinet facings are acrylic, make sure you get a paint formulated for plastics and vice versa for wood. Or just get a multi-purpose paint.
Application method
You can hand paint kitchen cabinets with a brush or roller; however, the best finish is achieved with spray painting.
Spray painting is how kitchen cabinets are finished at the factory and we can replicate this at home to achieve the same result.
The cabinets can be sprayed in situ or removed if space is limited and they do not need to take to a spray paint booth. The cabinets can be sprayed outside if the weather is fine or any room with good masking and covering.
We use an electric spray painting gun with a nozzle that is designed to jet paint with consistent pressure. This eliminates overspray.
At home, you might use a spray canister, and this will work, although it will take you a long time because the coverage area is small, and the coats will be thin. You are better off calling a professional to spray paint your cabinets with a spray paint gun.
