Best Kitchen Cupboard Paints 2024 The Ultimate Guide

Freshening up your kitchen cupboards is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to transform the look of your kitchen. A fresh coat of paint can make such a big difference, whether you’re going for a modern, minimalist vibe or something more classic and cosy. With so many paint options out there, how do you choose the right one? From durability to finish, colour choice to application methods, there’s so much to consider. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for in kitchen cupboard paints and provide some top recommendations to get the job done and get that kitchen looking fabulous.

What to Consider When Choosing Kitchen Cupboard Paint

When renovating your kitchen cupboards, choosing the right paint is a key part for achieving a durable, stylish finish. Here’s what you should keep in mind when picking out your kitchen cupboard paint:

  • Durability and Finish
    Kitchen cupboards obviously face a lot of daily wear and tear, so your paint choice needs to be tough and durable. Look for paints specifically designed for kitchens, as they’re often more resilient against grease, stains, cleaning products and everything else you’d find in your kitchen. Satin, semi-gloss, and gloss finishes are excellent for kitchens because they offer both durability and are easier to wipe clean! 

  • Surface Compatibility
    Be careful because not all paints are suitable for all surfaces. Consider the material of your cupboards, are they wood, laminate, or MDF for example, and check the paint label to ensure it’s compatible. You may need a primer too, or an all-in-one paint and primer if you’re painting over a tricky surface such as laminate.

  • Picking Your Colour
    The fun part! Colour can completely transform your kitchen’s vibe and style. Whether you’re going for a bright and bold look, or prefer soft, neutral tones, think about how the colour will complement your overall kitchen design and appliances. Also, consider light reflection, gloss finishes tend to brighten up a room, while matte finishes give a more muted, sophisticated look.

Picking kitchen cupboard colours
  • Application Method
    How are you painting the kitchen cupboards. Some paints are better suited for spraying, while others are ideal for brushes or rollers. If you want a professional level finish without brush marks, consider using a spray paint or foam rollers designed for smooth surfaces. Obviously spray paint is a fantastic option but you’ll probably have to get a company in to do this for you. We work with quite a few so drop us a message, and we’ll put you in contact with some experts

  • The Boring Part – Watching Paint Dry
    Consider how long you can go without using your kitchen / kitchen cupboards. Some kitchen cupboard paints may dry quickly but take a while to fully cure, meaning they’re still prone to damage until fully cured.

By taking these factors into account when looking at kitchen cupboard paint, you’ll be set for a successful kitchen makeover that not only looks great but lasts through daily use for years to come.

Top 5 Paints for Kitchen Cupboards

Farrow & Ball Modern Eggshell

Best for a Classic Finish

Unless you are really new to house renovations, you’ll have heard of Farrow & Ball. Known for its high-quality, eco-friendly paints, the Modern Eggshell finish offers a smooth, durable surface that’s perfect for a kitchen cupboard paint. It’s easy to clean and comes in a range of beautiful, timeless colours. You need to keep in mind it’s on the expensive side, but the luxurious finish is well worth the investment if you’re looking for that signature Farrow & Ball look.

Farrow and Ball Modern Eggshell Paint

Dulux Trade Diamond Eggshell

Best for Durability

Dulux is probably the best known paint company in the UK and their Dulux Trade Diamond Eggshell is a fantastic choice for kitchen cupboard paint. It’s resistant to stains, scuffs and is really durable which makes it a great option for a busy kitchen. Dulux has a quick drying formula and is available in a range of colours offering high coverage and a long lasting finish.

Ronseal Cupboard Paint

Best for a Quick and Easy Refresh

Another big player in the world of paint, Ronseal’s kitchen cupboard paint is specifically designed for the job. It’s a one coat formula meaning you don’t need a seperate primer which makes it a much quicker job. It’s water based and resistant to grease and moisture which is crucial in a kitchen environment. They come in a huge range of colours as well and are much cheaper than the likes of Farrow & Ball.

Ronseal Cupboard Paint
Johnstones revive cupboard paint

Johnstone’s Revive Cupboard Paint

Best for Budget Friendly Makeovers

Johnstone’s Revive Cupboard paint is another fantastic offering, especially if you are working with a smaller budget. Again, they offer great coverage and come in a big range of colours, making it a great option for kitchen cupboard paint. The finish is durable and withstands regular cleaning and the paint is designed to be applied directly onto surfaces without the need of a primer so it’s a convenient option for DIYers.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

Best for Rustic, Shabby Chic Look

Now this is a brand you might not be familiar with but they are “revolutionising the world of paint”. If you like the more rustic, vintage feel for your kitchen cupboard paint, Annie Sloan chalk paint is the go to option. It’s incredibly versatile and easy to use, even for beginners and the range of beautiful colours to choose from is second to none. The paint adheres well to most surfaces without a great deal of prep needed and it can be sealed with wax or lacquer for added durability.

How to Prep and Paint Your Kitchen Cupboards

Hopefully now you’ve selected the perfect kitchen cupboard paint for your kitchen cupboards, it’s time to get down to the actual painting. Proper preparation and application are key to achieving a smooth, professional-looking finish with kitchen cupboard paint. Follow these steps to help get the best results possible:

Step 1 cleaning kitchen cupboards

Step 1 – Cleaning Down the Kitchen Cupboards

The first step, before anything else is to clean your kitchen cupboards with a strong degreaser. Kitchens naturally collect dust, grime, and grease which can affect how well the paint sticks. Focus on any areas around kitchen cupboard handles, as these tend to have the most build-up. If the surface isn’t completely clean, even the best kitchen cupboard paint won’t adhere properly so make sure you give your cupboards a really deep clean.

Step 2 -Lightly Sand the Surface

If your cupboards have a glossy or smooth finish, then lightly sanding them will really help the paint adhere better. Use a fine-grit sandpaper (around 220-grit) and give the surfaces a gentle rub down, not too much to start affecting the wood, this is just to remove the top layer. The goal is not to strip the cupboards but to roughen the surface enough for the primer and paint to grip. Don’t forget to wipe away any dust after sanding! That’s the last thing you want when painting your kitchen cupboards

Step 2 sanding kitchen cupboards

Step 3 – Prime if Necessary

Depending on the type of kitchen cupboard paint you have opted for this step may not be necessary but priming could be essentially if you are painting over wood, laminate or if the surface has an uneven texture as primers help to create a consistent base and can block out stains.

Step 4 – Apply the Paint in Thin, Even Coats

Now let’s get painting! Patience is key when it comes to kitchen cupboard paint, use a good quality brush for more detailed areas but feel free to use a small roller for flatter surfaces if you prefer. Start with thin even coats allowing each layer to fully dry before applying the next. This technique reduces the risk of streaks and give a better, more even finish. Check what your paint advises in terms of coverage, sometimes 2 or 3 coats may be needed.

Step 5 – Admire your work and Think About Protection

Now your cupboards are painted it’s time to admire your good work. The final thing to think about is just adding a topcoat or added protection. For high-traffic kitchens or cupboards that get a lot of use, adding a topcoat can extend the life of your paint job. A clear polyurethane or polycrylic sealant adds durability and helps protect the paint from scuffs, moisture, and daily wear and tear. This step is optional but recommended if you want your cupboards to stay looking fresh for years to come.

Finished painting kitchen cupboards

By following these steps, you’ll achieve a beautiful, long-lasting finish on your kitchen cupboards that not only transforms your space but also stands up to the demands of daily life

Ready, Steady, Paint!

Hopefully you know a bit more about kitchen cupboard paint now and what you need for a successful mini makeover! There’s loads of kitchen cupboard paints on the market, whether you opt for the expensive Farrow & Ball or the Johnstone’s cupboard paint, we hope we’ve given you a few options. We love the idea of painting your kitchen cupboards because it can completely change the look of your whole kitchen and it’s not that expensive or time consuming to do! 

Hopefully you enjoyed this blog post on kitchen cupboard paints, please check out the rest of our blog and let us know if there’s another topic you want us to write a post on!

Thanks for reading

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