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Painting Kitchen Cabinets? Don't Mess Up! Use This Pro-Approved Paint

Giving your outdated kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of paint seems like an easy DIY project, right? Not so fast. Choosing the wrong type of paint can lead to chips, scratches, and peeling down the road. With all of the options on the market, it can be downright confusing trying to decide what paint is best for cabinets. But here's the secret the pros use for a smooth, durable finish every time: hybrid alkyd enamel paint.

We'll cover the key benefits, popular brands to use, proper prep work, application tips, and everything else you need to know to get a flawless, professional-looking painted finish that will hold up for years to come.

Hybrid Alkyd Enamel Paint

Hybrid alkyd enamel paint, also known as acrylic alkyd enamel, combines the best properties of traditional oil-based and water-based paints. The "alkyd" refers to the alkyd resin that gives the paint its strong, hard finish similar to an oil-based paint. The "hybrid" comes from the addition of acrylic latex polymers that allow the paint to be thinned with water for easy cleanup.

Here are the key benefits that make hybrid alkyd enamel paint ideal for kitchen cabinets:

what paint should i use on kitchen cabinets

Two of the most popular hybrid alkyd enamel paint brands for kitchen cabinets are Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel and Benjamin Moore Advance. Both offer great coverage, an ultra-smooth finish, and excellent bonding power that adheres well to existing finishes.

Prepping Cabinets for Painting

No matter what paint you choose, proper prep work is crucial for getting beautiful, long-lasting results painting your kitchen cabinets. Here are the key steps:

  1. Clean the cabinets thoroughly to remove any dust, grease, or grime. Use a degreasing cleaner and rinse well.
  2. Sand to rough up the surface slightly and help the paint adhere. 220 grit sandpaper works well.
  3. Degloss any previously painted shiny surfaces with sandpaper so the new paint can grip.
  4. Spot prime bare wood, especially on edges and ends of cabinets.
  5. Apply a full primer coat if changing colors or painting over existing paint for better coverage.

Priming before painting kitchen cabinets is highly recommended. Primer creates a uniform surface, allowing for a smoother painted finish. It also seals the wood, preventing knots and stains from bleeding through the topcoat of paint. For the best bond, use a primer formulated specifically for painting cabinets and woodwork, such as Zinsser BIN Shellac-Based Primer.

Application Tips and Techniques

Having the right supplies and techniques makes all the difference when painting cabinets for a flawless, professional finish.

Supplies

Techniques

Here are some key tips for achieving a smooth finish when brush painting cabinets:

Spray painting with an airless spray gun is another option for flawless results. However, spray painting requires tenting off the kitchen and special safety precautions to avoid overspray.

Paint Sheens for Cabinets

Hybrid alkyd enamel paints come in a variety of finish sheens ranging from matte to high gloss. Which sheen you choose comes down to personal preference and the cabinets' placement.

For most kitchens, a satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss finish offers the best of both worlds:

Low sheens like flat or matte look washed out and show dirt. Gloss finishes accentuate imperfections in application. That's why the midrange sheens are ideal for cabinetry.

Painting Cabinet Doors and Frames

The doors are the most visible part of your cabinets, so take extra care when painting for a flawless finish.

Painting Frames

Use a brush to cut in around the frame edges, then quickly roll the center flat panel. Back-brush after rolling to smooth out the finish.

Painting Doors

Lay doors flat and remove hardware. Use an angled sash brush to paint around raised detailing first. Then roll a coat before finishing with tip-off strokes of the brush.

Avoiding Drips

To prevent drips on the cabinet doors and faces, keep your brush well loaded with paint and maintain a wet edge. Applying thinner coats minimizes running and dripping.

Curing and Dry Times

One advantage of hybrid alkyd enamel paints is that they dry fairly quickly compared to traditional oil-based paints. At 70degF and 50% relative humidity, enamel paint dries to the touch in 2-3 hours. You can safely apply a second coat after 4-6 hours.

However, the curing process takes longer. It can take up to 2 weeks for hybrid enamel paints to fully cure and achieve maximum hardness and durability. Avoid cleaning or replacing cabinet hardware during this curing period.

Higher temperatures help shorten dry times. You can assist the curing process by maintaining ventilation air circulation during and after painting.

Choosing the right type of paint makes all the difference when painting kitchen cabinets. While latex and other paints have benefits, hybrid alkyd enamel paint provides the most durable, professional finish that holds up to daily wear and tear. Brands like Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel and Benjamin Moore Advance give your cabinets a smooth, uniform finish and vibrant color.

Just be sure to properly prep your cabinets first and apply using proper brushing techniques. With a little time and care, you can give your kitchen a spectacular makeover with a durable paint job that lasts for years to come. Your cabinets will look like you hired a professional when you use the right products and techniques.