Preparing for a cabinet painting in Winter Garden, FL? While selecting the perfect color is undeniably important, it’s far from the only factor to consider. With so many types of paint available, it’s crucial to pick one that’s best suited for your cabinets. Should you go with oil, latex, or acrylic? And what about the sheen? Here’s a quick guide to help you make the right choice for your kitchen cabinets.
Oil Paint
When it comes to painting cabinets, the debate between oil-based and latex-based paints continues. Oil-based paints are known for their durability, making them a great option for standing up to the daily wear and tear of kitchen use. They also provide excellent surface coverage, ensuring a smooth and attractive finish.
However, oil-based paints come with significant drawbacks. They release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), harmful fumes that can pose risks to both humans and pets. These emissions can persist for months after the paint is applied, meaning the health risks go beyond just airing out your kitchen for a few days.
Another downside is the extended drying time. While oil-based paint delivers a polished result, it takes considerably longer to dry compared to other options. This not only lengthens the overall painting process but also increases the chance of smudging or damaging the paint before it fully sets.
Latex Paint
Latex-based paints offer several advantages, including faster drying times and a smooth, even finish. They are also more budget-friendly than oil-based options and come in a wider variety of choices. For a healthier alternative, you can select low- or no-VOC latex paints, which significantly reduce exposure to harmful fumes—an important consideration for households with children or pets.
However, latex paint does have its downsides. It tends to be less durable than oil-based paint, which can be a drawback in a high-traffic kitchen where wear and tear are inevitable. Additionally, achieving a flawless finish with latex paint often requires extensive preparation, such as thorough cleaning, sanding, and priming, to ensure the best results.
Acrylic Paint
In addition to oil and latex-based paints, acrylic paint is another excellent choice for kitchen cabinets. It is highly durable, resisting everyday wear and tear, and is less likely to chip, crack, or flake over time. Acrylic paint also bonds well to cabinet surfaces, preventing peeling issues.
Available in both water-based and oil-based formulas, water-based acrylic paint is a particularly eco-friendly option. It has low VOCs, making it a safer choice for your home, and is easier to work with compared to oil-based alternatives.
What About Sheen?
When selecting paint for your kitchen cabinets, you’ll also need to decide on the sheen. Paints are typically available in matte, gloss, satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss finishes.
For cabinets, it’s best to choose a gloss or semi-gloss finish. These sheens provide a durable, long-lasting surface that can withstand daily use and frequent cleaning.
On the other hand, finishes like matte, eggshell, and satin are not as durable for cabinets and can be harder to maintain. However, if you’re painting the interior of your cabinets, eggshell is a great choice. It’s sturdy enough to handle the weight of kitchen items like dishes and pots without cracking or denting.
The Easiest Way to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets
Looking for the easiest way to paint your cabinets in Winter Garden, FL? Hire the experts at N-Hance Orlando West! We use a specially developed, water-based acrylic polyurethane blend, created specifically for cabinets after years of research. This proprietary formula provides the flawless finish of oil-based paints without the risks, while offering exceptional durability for your busy kitchen.
Thanks to our Lightspeed® Nano system, we can cure your cabinets in seconds, not days, so you can get back to your routine faster. The result is a stronger, more resilient finish that resists chipping, cracking, scratching, and peeling. N-Hance Orlando West makes it easy to achieve beautiful, long-lasting painted cabinets.
Ready to find out more about painting your kitchen cabinets? Call N-Hance Orlando West today at 407-496-4776 to set up a FREE consultation and quote.