Your kitchen cabinets are the soul of your kitchen. They withstand cooking splatter, daily wear and tear, and even an occasional coffee spill on chaotic mornings. The right Kitchen Cabinet Paint Brands not only protects your cabinets but also breathe new life in to your kitchens appearance.
With this in mind, whether you’re a DIY aficionado who’s prepared to tackle a weekend project, or just someone who enjoys small kitchen upgrades that won’t break the bank, choosing the best cabinet paint is paramount. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one?
We’ve compiled the best 10 paint brands for kitchen cabinets based on cost, quality and durability—so you can figure out which to choose and get that professional look.
Criteria for Selection
Painting Kitchen Cabinets Is Different Than Painting Walls It’s not only about the color; performance is important. Here’s what we looked for when ranking these paints:
Cost Range
We put together big list that has budget friendly options and also more premium luxury options,
Quality
Smooth application, great coverage, options for a finish, and ease of use.
Durability
Kitchen cabinets get a lot of wear and tear. A paint that withstands scratches, stains and humidity means your efforts will last for years.
Now that you’re clear on the criteria, here’s the list of Kitchen Cabinet Paint Brands you’ve been waiting for.
Paint Brand Rankings
Benjamin Moore
Cost: Mid to High Range
Quality: Benjamin Moore is known for its excellent finish and wide variety of colors. The paint glides smooth, leaving minimal brush strokes for a finished look.
Durability: This paint is highly scratch-resistant, so it’s perfect for busy kitchens.
Sherwin Williams
Cost: Mid Range
Quality: Trusted and proven, Sherwin-Williams is smooth and offers excellent coverage in fewer coats. Their color spectrum is just as impressive.
Durability: Their paints offer a great deal of resistance to wear and tear, which is great for cabinet doors that see a lot of action.
Behr
Cost: Affordable
Quality: Behr is considered a reliable household name for decent color and finish options. It’s also easy to use for novices with DIY cabinet painting projects.
Durability: While inexpensive, Behr might need touch-ups more quickly than some high-end brands.
Rust-Oleum
Cost: Budget-Friendly
Quality: Rust-Oleum specializes in cabinets and furniture products, with built-in primers for optimal performance.
Durability: Adding Rust-Oleum to the mix works wonders on a range of DIY projects, with excellent adhesion even on previously finished surfaces.
Valspar
Cost: Mid-Range
Quality: Valspar has an extensive range of finishes and colors, so it’s good for kitchens whether you’re going bold or keeping it simple.
Durability: Works well in areas of increased humidity, making it an excellent option for kitchens that generate lots of cooking steam.
PPG
Cost: Mid to High Range
Product quality; PPG paints are great for high-traffic areas. They offer high-end products that guarantee vivid, long-lasting results.
Durability: Very durable product, especially when used over well primed cabinets.
Glidden
Cost: Affordable
Quality: Glidden offers no-frills, but dependable finishes. That makes it practical for small-budget renovations.
Durability: Good, but in high-use kitchens Glidden paints might need to be recoated more frequently than premium brands.
Annie Sloan
Cost: High-End
quality: Annie Sloan, known for its chalk paint, produces chalky finishes that provide cabinets an expensive antiqued look.
Durability: Best sealed with wax or lacquer, but the beautiful aesthetic makes the extra step worthwhile.
Clarke + Kensington
Cost: Mid-Range
Quality: Clarke + Kensington is known for good coverage (you’ll get a nice coat on your first night out) and dries fast for quick touch-ups and even application.
Durability: Well suited for average use in kitchens with a good combination of non-specialized options that don’t break the bank, while still getting the job done.
Zinsser
Cost: Budget-Friendly
Quality: Zinsser is known for primers and specialty topcoats, so it works well for versatility across surfaces.
Durability: Outstanding adhesion, and excellent for long-term results with a suitable topcoat.
How to Choose Paint for Kitchen Cabinets
There are so many great options out there, how do you choose the best Kitchen Cabinet Paint Brands for your kitchen? Several tips to help make a final decision.
- Budget First If you’re on a strict budget, brands such as Behr, Rust-Oleum or Glidden will give you slate of good results without emptying your wallet. For a professional finish, Benjamin Moore and Annie Sloan are worth the splurge.
- Test Samples: Always take the time to test a small sample in an inconspicuous area of your cabinet. It allows you to get a sense of the finish and color against your lighting and decor.
- Think about the environment: If you have a lot of humidity in your kitchen, get a paint with superior moisture resistance such as Valspar or PPG.
- Do It Yourself or Hire a Professional? If you are painting cabinets yourself, choose an easy-to-use paint, such as Rust-Oleum or Behr. If you are hiring professionals, look into premium choices to ensure the results last.
Make Your Kitchen Stand Out
Installing a new coat of paint can truly do a lot for your kitchen! There’s no need to compromise, with options in every budget and style. So take your time, evaluate your needs and pick a brand that aligns with your objectives.
If you need a bit more direction, choose a few from your favorite brands and give them a go. The best paint is an investment to make your kitchen shine.
Happy cabinet painting!
FAQ
Professional painters often use high-quality acrylic urethane or alkyd enamel paints for cabinets. They prefer brands like Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel. Professionals also use a sprayer or high-density foam roller for a flawless, brush-stroke-free finish.
Alkyd-based and urethane-reinforced acrylic paints are the toughest options for kitchen cabinets. Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin-Williams ProClassic are popular choices because they dry to a hard, durable finish that resists chipping, stains, and moisture.
The best kitchen cabinet color depends on your style and kitchen size, but white, gray, navy blue, and sage green are popular choices. White is timeless and makes spaces feel larger, gray adds warmth and elegance, while navy blue or sage green bring a trendy yet classic look.
The most common paint finishes for kitchen cabinets are satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. Semi-gloss is the most popular because it offers a balance between durability and a subtle sheen. High-gloss provides a modern, reflective finish, while satin offers a softer, matte look with decent durability.