Chalk Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are often a focal point in the room and can become outdated with time, especially if you choose painted cabinets. If you’re thinking about updating your kitchen to give it a more modern appeal, one change that could be just what you need to complete your new look is to paint your kitchen cabinets.

Types of Kitchen Cabinet Paint

When you’re choosing what kind of paint to use on your cabinets, remember that the style and color of the cabinet interiors can affect how well-suited a particular type or brand of paint is for your project.

It’s also important to consider what kind of finish you want for your cabinets — shiny, flat, or somewhere in between. This will help guide your paint choice and ensure the look is cohesive throughout the space.

With so many options available, you can find a type that works with the style and color of your kitchen as well as what finish you’re looking for. Here’s a quick rundown of your choices:

Latex paint offers many benefits and is easy to clean and maintain. It’s also environmentally responsible, as it has low volatile organic compound (VOC) levels that make it better for the air you breathe and the environment. And it doesn’t require any special ventilation equipment.

But there are some drawbacks to using latex paint on cabinets. Because it has a sheen finish, it doesn’t mask existing flaws or imperfections in the wood like oil-based paints can, and this is important to consider if your cabinets are already worn. Latex paint also tends to show more brush strokes than other types of paint because it dries quickly during application.

Alkyd paint is considered the most durable option for cabinets, as it adheres to most surfaces well and offers a tough, washable finish. But this also means it isn’t ideal for any surfaces that may scratch or scuff easily, like wood products. It’s also more toxic than latex paint because of its high solvent ratio, so it requires proper ventilation.

Oil-based paint is an option for cabinets made of hardwood or particleboard, as well as melamine. It’s best for moldings and trim because the high VOC content can cause discoloration over time — but this is not always a concern if you’re only planning to stay in your home for two to five years, according to HGTV. It’s also more expensive than latex or alkyd paint, but it has the longest exposure time before drying — up to eight hours depending on humidity levels.

Enamel paint is another durable choice that works well with both hardwood and softwood cabinets because it won’t be yellow over time. It’s often used in commercial kitchens, though it isn’t always readily available in home centers.

Then there is chalk paint which is becoming a favorite among homeowners and designers. Chalk paint is easy to clean and maintain, cures easily (and is not susceptible to dust nibs like milk paint), and offers a more matte finish than other types of paint. It can be tinted with natural pigments or suede paints for color. Though you cannot use standard chalkboard paint since it will eventually peel off the surface of cabinets, traditional chalk paint is more durable. Just make sure you don’t get any of it on your clothes, as the pigment can leave a mark.

How to Chalk Paint Kitchen Cabinets

The process to chalk paint cabinets is fairly simple and chalk paint is perfect for cabinets as chalk paints have a unique matte finish that tends to wear extremely well. In fact, chalk paint is often recommended over traditional oil-based paints as chalk paints tend to last longer, and chalk painting kitchen cabinets will be easier on the environment with fewer toxins.

Before you chalk paint your cabinets, you must prepare the cabinets first. Making sure your cabinets are clean is important as any dirt, grease or wax can affect the final result of your project. Since chalk paint makes use of the natural ingredients in the paint, it’s also recommended that you remove all doors and drawers from your cabinets before applying your base coat for best results.

With your cabinets ready, you should use a paintbrush to apply the chalk paint base coat. Chalk paints dry very quickly so don’t be tempted to add more than one coat of paint at this point, as the coats will stick to each other and make it difficult for a smooth finish. After applying a thin coat of chalk paint, wait around thirty minutes for it to dry before applying the next coat.

After your base coats are finished, allow them to dry overnight before you apply any additional coats of chalk paint. Your final coating will come in two to three coats depending on how vibrant you want your finish to be. After putting up the final coat, you can begin to add the second coat of paint if necessary.

If you want a more finished look, consider applying a glaze over your cabinets after they have been chalk painted with your base coats and allowed to dry overnight. Glazing isn’t absolutely necessary, but it will provide a deeper look that you might prefer depending on the look you’re going for. If you do decide to glaze your cabinets, be sure that your glaze is a matte finish so it doesn’t change the appearance of the chalk paint.

Once finished, your kitchen will look modern and unique with its new chalk painting kitchen cabinets while retaining the timeless appeal of wood.

Conclusion on Chalk Paint Kitchen Cabinets

There are several different types of paint that can be used on kitchen cabinets, but some are more durable than others. Enamel paint and chalk paint are both good choices for cabinets, but enamel paint is more expensive. Chalk paint is easy to clean and maintain, and it offers a more matte finish than other types of paint.