A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your kitchen cabinets. Yet, not all products are created equal when it comes to painting your kitchen cabinets. For instance, you shouldn’t use exterior or wall paint for your kitchen cabinets.
So, why does it matter and what should you choose when painting kitchen cabinets? Here’s the scoop.
Oil Versus Latex When Painting Kitchen Cabinets
For many years, there’s been a debate about which type of paint is better for cabinets: oil- or latex-based paints. Both are popular but differ in a few key areas.
For instance, paints that are oil-based stand up 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 harsh fumes, called Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs. These can be dangerous for people and pets and even lethal to small animals. What’s more is that the painted surface can emit these fumes for months after painting your kitchen cabinets.
Another downside to oil-based paint is drying time. While the final result looks good, it takes much longer to get there than with other types of paint. This means more time to complete painting your kitchen cabinets. 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.
On the downside, the latex-based paints available on store shelves are often not as durable when compared to oil-based paint. This matters in a busy kitchen environment. In addition, to get a smooth, flawless finish, latex-based paints require a lot more prep, from cleaning and sanding to priming and more.
What About Acrylic?
Besides oil- and latex-based paint for kitchen cabinets, there is also acrylic paint to consider. This type of paint provides a great option for kitchen cabinets because it’s resistant to everyday wear and tear, so won’t chip, crack, or flake over time.
It also adheres well to the surface of cabinets, so peeling is not a problem. Since it can be water- or oil-based, you can opt for water-based acrylic. This is the most environmentally friendly option, low in VOCs. It’s also easy to use when compared to oil-based paints.
Go for the Gloss (or Semi-Gloss)
One other area to keep in mind when painting your kitchen cabinets involves the sheen. Paints come in matte, gloss, satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss.
While you might want a matte finish for your walls, 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?
Hire a professional like the team at N-Hance®. We use a water-based acrylic polyurethane blend that we’ve developed 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® UV 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.
Ready to find out more about painting your kitchen cabinets? Call N-Hance today at (855) 642-6230 to set up a FREE consultation and quote.