Do You Need Special Paint for Cabinets?

Painting your kitchen cabinets can give your space a quick facelift without the high cost of full replacement. However, not just any old paint will do if you want a durable, professional-looking finish. When painting cabinets, using a high-quality, cabinet-specific formula is key for achieving long-lasting results. Understanding the unique challenges of painting cabinets and choosing the right products for the job will ensure your painted kitchen looks fantastic for years to come.

What Makes Cabinet Paint Different?

Paint formulated specifically for cabinets is engineered to stand up to the rigors of a kitchen environment. Here’s an overview of what makes cabinet paints unique:

Adhesion – Cabinet paint features enhanced adhesion properties to bond tightly to surfaces like wood, laminate, and more. Strong adhesion prevents chipping, cracking, and peeling.
Durability – Paint for cabinets is highly durable to withstand frequent use, cleaning, opening/closing doors, temperature changes, grease, and more. Durability exceeds that of standard wall paint.
Finish – Cabinet paints provide smooth, uniform finishes that are easy to clean. Finishes include ultra high-gloss for a luxurious look.
Moisture resistance – Kitchens contain lots of moisture. Cabinet paint resists mildew, moisture damage, and won’t turn white when it gets wet.
Self-leveling – Special additives allow the paint to flow out smoothly without brush marks. This is vital for achieving flawless finishes on cabinet doors and fronts.

In short, quality cabinet paint is engineered for the demanding kitchen environment. Standard interior paints lack the adhesion, durability, and moisture resistance needed for cabinets. Investing in top-notch cabinet paint ensures your makeover can withstand busy kitchen conditions for the long-term.

Do All Cabinets Require Specialty Paint?

The quick answer is yes. Any cabinets in the kitchen, from framed to frameless, wood to laminate, require paint specifically formulated for cabinets for best results. However, there are a few exceptions:

Unfinished wood cabinets – New, untreated wood cabinets are fine to paint with standard interior latex primer and paint. The wood readily absorbs the paint for strong adhesion.
Metal cabinets – Paint for metal surfaces sticks well and provides needed rust resistance.
Thermofoil cabinets – Thermofoil (plastic laminate) repels paint. Sanding helps, but adhesion issues often persist. Replacement is best.

For all other cabinets, quality cabinet enamel will outperform regular paint. The next sections delve into popular kitchen cabinet materials and the specialty paints recommended for each.

Painting Wood Cabinets

Natural wood has beautiful grain and color. But over time, wood cabinets can show wear, warp, crack, or simply go out of style. Repainting wood cabinets is an economical way to spruce up outdated kitchen decor. Follow these tips for flawless results:

Use Oil-Based Primer

Wood oozes resins and tannins that can bleed through water-based paints, marring the finish.
Oil-based primers (like Kilz Odorless) seal in wood tannins for a bleed-free final coat.
If you must use a water-based primer, opt for one specially formulated for bleeding woods, such as Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Base Primer.
For repaints, prime bare spots only to promote adhesion.

Apply Cabinet Enamel Paint

Once primed, use a high-quality enamel paint formulated especially for cabinets, such as:

Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Interior Waterbased Acrylic-Alkyd
Benjamin Moore Advance Cabinet and Trim Enamel
PPG Break-Through Interior/Exterior Satin Water-Borne Acrylic

These paints all feature maximum adhesion, durability, and moisture resistance. Gloss and semi-gloss sheens provide wipeable finishes. The attached paint sprayer ensures professional results. Apply multiple thin coats for a smooth, even finish.

Add Finishing Coats (Optional)

For even greater protection and durability on frequently used cabinet exteriors, apply a polyurethane top coat after painting:

Use satin or semi-gloss for protection without too much shine
Quick-drying water-based polyurethanes make application easy
Top coats prevent paint wear, extend repaint intervals

With proper prep, priming, painting, and sealing, your wood cabinets will maintain their freshly painted look for many years of heavy kitchen use.

Painting Laminate Cabinets

Laminate (melamine) cabinets offer durability and low maintenance at affordable prices. But brown flecked finishes can age laminate cabinets quickly. Neutral colored paint is a budget-friendly update solution. Here are some tips:

Clean and Scuff the Laminate

Use TSP substitute cleaner to remove grease and oils
Lightly scuff the surface with 150 grit sandpaper
This etches the slick laminate for better paint adhesion

Prime and Paint

Opt for bonding primers like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 to stick to laminate
Adhesion-promoting paints like Benjamin Moore Advance work very well
Matte and eggshell finishes hide laminate textures best

Handle Edges Carefully

Unpainted laminate edges repel paint. Scuff thoroughly and apply bonding primer
Alternatively, use trim paint or pre-finished metal edge banding to cover exposed sides

With proper prep and painting techniques, even low-end plastic laminate cabinets can be revived with durable and attractive painted finishes.

Painting Thermofoil Cabinets

Thermofoil cabinets feature a thin plastic film coating fused to particleboard or MDF. But excessive heat damage, moisture, and poor bonding can cause the thermofoil to bubble and peel away. Repainting provides an option for restoring damaged thermofoil cabinets. However, take steps to improve adhesion:

Rough up the Finish

Use 100 grit sandpaper to thoroughly scuff the entire thermofoil surface
Bubbled/peeling areas must be sanded to bare substrate
Teeth on sanding blocks help abrade the film coating

Prime Bare Spots Heavily

Prime any exposed particleboard with a Bulls Eye 123 to seal and build an adhesion base
If small bubbles persist after sanding/priming, poke holes to allow paint access below film

Apply High Bond Paints

Adhesion-promoting paints like Benjamin Moore Stays Clear Acrylic Enamel stick best
Higher sheens also help paint grip slick thermofoil surfaces for maximum durability

With diligent sanding, priming, and painting with specialty adhesion products, it is possible to get great painted finishes on damaged thermofoil. But problems can persist. New cabinet replacement is generally a better long-term solution.

Painting Veneer Cabinets

Veneered cabinets feature a thin layer of hardwood glued over particleboard or MDF. Over time, moisture damage can warp veneer panels. Plus, dark veneers like cherry can discolor or go out of style. Painting provides an affordable way to restore veneer cabinets. Follow these guidelines:

Clean Oil Residues

Degrease cabinets with TSP substitute to remove cooking oils that impair adhesion
Use denatured alcohol on a rag to clean oily exotic wood veneers prior to painting

Scuff the Surface

Satin finishes grip paint better than high gloss veneer
Lightly sand to give the paint something to cling to

Spot Prime Bare Wood

If moisture damage lifts veneer edges, prime the exposed particleboard
Bulls Eye 123 binds bare wood and provides a sound base for paint

Apply Durable Enamel

High quality cabinet enamels like Benjamin Moore Advance flow out nicely over veneer
Satin or semi-gloss sheens are preferable to high gloss for disguise

With proper preparation and painting, you can cost-effectively transform the look of your outdated or damaged veneer cabinets.

Painting Melamine Cabinets

Melamine is a durable plastic laminate commonly used on ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets. The satin finish hides scratches and resists moisture. But melamine offers limited color options. Painting melamine cabinetry allows you to customize the look. Here are some tips:

Clean and Scuff

Wash cabinets with TSP substitute to remove any residue
Lightly sand with 220 grit paper to rough up the slippery melamine

Apply Bonding Primer

Quality bonding primers like Zinsser BIN adhere tightly to slick surfaces
They also build up an anchoring film layer for paint to grab onto

Use Durable Paint

Look for cabinet enamels offering maximum adhesion and hardness
Satin/eggshell finishes help hide melamine’s faux wood texture

With proper products and techniques, you can paint over melamine for a durable and custom colored kitchen.

Painting Metal Cabinets

From classic stainless to retro metal, metal kitchen cabinets boast sleek style. But over time, metal finishes can show unsightly chips, wear, rust, or simply fall out of vogue. Painting metal cabinetry allows cost-effective kitchen updates. Here are some tips:

Remove Rust and Grime

Clean cabinets with TSP substitute, using a stainless brush on textured finishes
Treat rust stains with a rust converter before priming

Use Adhesion Promoting Primer

Etch primers containing zinc phosphate grip slick metal tightly
Rust-inhibiting primers like Rust-Oleum Combat Primer fight future rust

Apply Durable Enamel Paint

High gloss cabinet enamels are easiest to keep clean and hide surface defects
For kitchen use, opt for paints offering maximum adhesion, scratch resistance, and washability

With proper prep, priming, and painting, you can give old metal cabinets a fresh new look for a fraction of replacement cost.

Things to Consider When Painting Cabinets

Beyond stocking up on the right paint products, there are several other factors to weigh when planning your cabinet painting project:

Doors or Cabinets In-Place?

Painting doors – Removing doors speeds up painting and cures dust-free, but hinge alignment can be tricky
Painting cabinets in-place – No hassle with hinge realignment but much slower and dustier

Shelves?

Built-in shelves are easiest to paint separately before reinstalling
For fixed shelves, carefully mask off surfaces not being painted

To Clean or Not to Clean?

Grease and dirt negatively impact adhesion – clean thoroughly with TSP substitute
But some paints, like oil-based primers, bond better to existing paint layers
Assess wear and what’s needed for good adhesion

HVLP or Conventional Sprayer?

HVLP sprayers – Slower but provide smoother finish; good for doors and frames
Conventional sprayers – Allow faster overall painting; good for painting cabinets in-place

Brushwork or Spray?

Brushing reaches intricate corners better but leaves brush marks
Spraying requires more prep but offers seamless pro-quality finish

Thinking through these factors will help you determine the best approach for your specific kitchen and goals.

Cabinet Paint Sheens

Another important decision is the type of paint sheen, or finish glossiness. Available sheen options for cabinet paint include:

Matte

Provides subtle surface uniformity and a luxurious velvety look
Shows imperfections easily
More prone to scuffing and cleaning marks

Eggshell

Has a soft, velvety appearance with light surface sheen
Minimally reflects light to hide imperfections
Durability exceeds matte but less than satin/semi-gloss

Satin

Appears low luster from some angles, modestly shiny from others
Holds up very well to cleaning and abrasion
A popular compromise between durability and visibility

Semi-Gloss

Features a radiant sheen midway between satin and high-gloss
Highlights decorative details beautifully
Creates a wipeable surface that’s easy to clean

Gloss/High-Gloss

Reflective, light-reflecting sheen mimics fine wood furniture
Most durable, hardest finish that stands up to heavy use
Can overemphasize surface defects

Consider where your cabinets are located and how they are used. High traffic cooking areas often benefit from glossy wipeability while auxiliary cabinetry may only require a subtle eggshell sheen.

How to Prep Cabinets for Painting

Proper prep before painting is crucial for getting flawless finishes that last. Here are the key steps of prepping cabinets for a paint makeover:

1. Empty Cabinets

Remove everything – shelves, drawers, doors, and hardware
Take doors/drawers outside for easier spraying/painting

2. Clean Surfaces

Wash cabinets with TSP substitute to remove grease, grime, and residue
For glossy cabinets, lightly scuff with 150 grit sandpaper

3. Repair Damage

Fill holes/gouges with wood filler and sand smooth when dry
Use spackling paste to fix small dents and abrasions

4. Mask Trims

Use painter’s tape and plastic to protect nearby walls, ceilings, floors and fixtures
Mask handles and hinges to preserve the finish

5. Sand Edges

For unpainted laminate/melamine cabinet interiors, sand edges to rough up

With careful prep, you set the stage for the cabinet paint to adhere tightly and provide maximum durability.

How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Once fully prepped, follow these best practices for applying cabinet paint like a professional:

1. Prime Coats

Use oil-based primer on wood cabinets to block stains/tannins
Opt for a high-bonding primer on laminate and other slick surfaces
For repaints, spot prime bare areas only

2. Paint Box Frame

After priming, paint the cabinet box/frame still in-place first
Use an airless sprayer for fastest coverage on box surfaces

3. Paint Doors

Fully paint cabinet doors next – HVLP sprayers provide the smoothest finish
Hang doors to dry fully overnight before rehanging

4. Install Finishing Coats

Finally, install optional finishing coats like polyurethane for added protection
Use foam brushes to prevent brush marks on the finish

5. Reinstall Doors/Hardware

Allow paint to fully cure for several days before rehanging doors, drawers, and hardware

With quality products, thorough prep, and good spray technique, you can achieve professional-quality painted finishes on your cabinets.

Common Questions About Painting Cabinets

Many first-timers naturally have questions about taking on a cabinet painting project. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Should I sand cabinets before painting?

Lightly sanding laminate and metal cabinets helps paint grip better
But excessive sanding risks removing existing paint that new coats adhere to
Clean thoroughly and scuff for paint prep instead of completely sanding

How long does cabinet paint take to dry?

Most quality cabinet paints dry to the touch within 1-2 hours
Full curing and hardness takes 7-14 days
Proper curing is critical before hanging doors to prevent damage

Should I caulk before painting cabinets?

For natural wood, fill large cracks and holes only to limit caulk shrinkage
For laminate and previously painted cabinets, caulk gaps helps prevent moisture intrusions

What temperature should I paint cabinets?

50-90°F is the ideal temperature range for applying and drying cabinet paint
Avoid painting in direct sunlight or on hot surfaces

How do I fix paint drips on cabinets?

Use a 5-in-1 tool to gently scrape off fresh drips before full curing
For cured drips, carefully sand flush and repaint
Avoid over-brushing which creates brush texture differences

Painting Cabinets – Final Tips & Summary

Painting kitchen cabinets can update the entire look of your cooking space. The key is using cabinet-specific paints and taking steps to ensure maximum adhesion and durability:

Clean cabinets thoroughly and sand/scuff laminate, melamine, and metal
On wood, prime with an oil-based primer to prevent stains bleeding through
Opt for bonding primers on laminate and melamine cabinets for better adhesion
Apply 2-3 thin coats of high-quality cabinet enamel for a flawless finish
Consider added clear coats for added protection on frequently used fronts
Allow proper dry time between coats and before reinstalling doors

With the right prep and products, your painted kitchen cabinets will maintain their freshly updated look for many years to come. Doesn’t a makeover with cabinet paint sound more feasible than a full remodel?