If you’re preparing to give your cabinets a fresh coat of paint, choosing the right paint goes beyond the color selection. You want to find a paint that is not just the perfect color, but also the best type for your cupboards. So, should you go for oil, latex, or acrylic? And what about the paint’s sheen? Here’s a guide on choosing the right paint for your kitchen cabinets.
Oil Paint
There’s a long-standing debate on whether oil or latex-based paints are the most suitable for cabinets. Oil-based paints are valued for their resilience to everyday kitchen activity and their outstanding coverage capabilities, ensuring a beautiful finish on your kitchen cabinets.
However, oil-based paints release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which can be harmful to both people and pets, and even fatal to small animals. This emission can last for months after painting your cabinets, posing a long-term health risk.
Plus, oil-based paints have a longer drying time which extends the completion of your painting project and increases the chances of smudging the paint before it dries.
Latex Paint
On the other hand, latex-based paints dry much faster and offer a uniform finish. They are also more affordable and offer a broader variety of options than oil-based paints. There are low- or no-VOC latex-based paints that you can choose from to avoid harmful fumes, which is particularly useful if you have kids or pets.
However, latex-based paints are typically less durable than their oil-based counterparts, which can be problematic in a high traffic kitchen. They also require a lot more preparation for a flawless finish, such as thorough cleaning, sanding, and priming.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is another worthy consideration. This paint type is resistant to daily kitchen activities, meaning it won’t chip or crack and doesn’t peel, providing a long-lasting finish. Since acrylic paint can be either water- or oil-based, you can choose the water-based type for an eco-friendly and VOC-free option that’s easier to use.
Choosing the Right Sheen
In addition to choosing the right type of paint for your cabinet, you’ll need to decide on the sheen. Paint sheens typically come in matte, gloss, satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss finishes.
For kitchen cabinets, gloss or semi-gloss paints are recommended since they offer a durable finish that can withstand everyday use and cleaning. Matte, eggshell, and satin finishes aren’t as durable and are harder to maintain. However, for the interior of your cabinets, eggshell is an ideal choice as it can sustain the weight of dishes and other kitchenware without cracking or denting.
The Simplest Way to Paint Your Cabinets
Looking for the most convenient way to paint your cabinets? Consider hiring a professional like the experts at N-Hance of Ames. We use a special water-based acrylic polyurethane blend that we have developed specifically for cabinets after extensive research. This unique paint provides the appealing, flawless finish of oil-based paints but without any hazards. It’s also durable, making it a suitable addition to your busy kitchen.
Furthermore, our LightSpeed® Nano system cures the paint on your cabinets in seconds, not days. It delivers a robust, resilient finish that resists chipping, cracking, scratching, and peeling. With N-Hance of Ames, you can achieve stunning painted cabinets that will stand the test of time.Ready to find out more about our painting services for kitchen cabinets? Contact N-Hance of Ames today at 515-203-9420 to schedule a FREE consultation and quote.