Best All-Purpose Fence Paint. Grab a brush and go to town with The ONE Paint and Primer. It works on all types of fencing surfaces in one quick and easy step. No need to dread painting your fence because the thick, one-coat opaque formula helps you get the job done in no time flat. Choose from 12 pigments in gloss, satin or matte finishes. The best material to make use of is a coarse abrasive pad, eye protection, and a cartridge air filter mask. Having protective gear is a great way to stay protected against all dust particles as they can cause bronchi issues and also affect your sinuses.
Giving your kitchen a refresh needn’t cost jaw-dropping quantities of cash. In fact, the best paint for kitchen cabinets can be relatively affordable, if you know where to look. So why not do-it-yourself and treat your kitchen cupboards to a new lick of paint to spruce things up?
- Some of the best refinishing products provide a thickness of 1/16 of an inch, laying out smoothly and evenly on any kind of surface. These can get you a superior finish in just a couple of coats. However, some finishing products may require a fair number of coats before they can produce the same results.
- The 3″ Wooster FTP is as quick and accurate as a 2.5″ Picasso in general use with Little Greene acrylic eggshell paint, or Mythic eggshell / semi-gloss paint, but being really picky, the finer tipped Picasso leaves an even better finish than the FTP. Third in the list is the.
Watching paint dry is nobody’s idea of fun, but painting your own cupboards costs far less than paying a professional and you can still get excellent results, if you choose the right paint. On top of that, you’ll have the satisfaction of basking in a kitchen that would have Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen nodding his head in approval.
So whether you’re doing a full refit or just fancy changing things up, our pick of the best paint for kitchen cabinets has you covered, whatever your style or budget. If you’re new to DIY painting, give our buying guide below a read first for some handy tips. Or, if you’re already in the know, simply scroll on for our top cabinet paint picks.
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How to buy the best paint for kitchen cabinets
Which type of finish do I want?
Once you’ve selected a paint colour, an equally important consideration is the finish. There’s no right or wrong paint finish to opt for, but certain types do have their advantages in a room prone to sticky fingers and spillages.
The choices are typically matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and high-gloss – a sliding scale of shininess. Although matte can look very chic, for most modern kitchens we’d recommend a satin or semi-gloss so it’s easy to wipe down and keep clean.
How much paint do I need?
This all depends on the size of your kitchen and how many cabinets you’re painting, but to avoid an emergency trip to the shop midway through the job, having too much is always the safest option.
Remember, you might be required to give cabinets at least two coats of paint, and if you’re painting over a dark colour, it could even be more. Even if the tin states that one coat will do the trick, it’s often smart to have extra if you’re not yet satisfied with the finish. A lot of paints will provide a rough estimate of how far one tin will go in square metres, so it’s best to check the label if you’re not sure.
Will I have to do any prep?
A huge chunk of the job is the preparation. First, remove all the drawers and handles on the cabinets, so you don’t splatter paint all over them. If that’s not an option, use masking tape to cover them. Although it might look like your cabinets are ready to meet the paint roller, it’s worth cleaning them thoroughly.
Next, gently sandpaper the surfaces to help the paint stick. This is especially important for laminate or veneer, to roughen the smooth surface. Don’t forget to remove the remaining dust and give all your cabinets a good sponge down to remove any debris, before allowing them to completely dry.
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What about a primer?
Choosing either a multipurpose or specific primer will be the difference between doing an okay job and getting that professional finish you’re striving for. Once your cabinets are dry and clean, find a roller or paintbrush and add the first coat of primer. The primer creates a base coat and will help avoid any future paint chipping – multiple thin layers will build up a hardiness. If your original surface is quite glossy, you might need to paint another even coat of primer.
Best Paintbrush For Glossing
What else do I need to know?
If you’re removing your cabinets and not just unhinging them, make sure you label them or take a note of what belongs where. This ensures when it comes to putting them back together, you’re not scratching your head, looking like a Chuckle Brother.
Also remember to place a dust sheet on the floor or an even layer of newspaper. Make sure you have all the tools too – a roller, a tray and a few paintbrushes of varying sizes. You should make sure you’re wearing clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, too.
Best paint for kitchen cabinets: At a glance
Best budget kitchen cabinet paint | Wilko Furniture Cupboard PaintBest gloss kitchen cabinet paint | Rust-Oleum Gloss Finish Furniture PaintBest designer kitchen cabinet paint | Sanderson Oil-Based EggshellBest multipurpose kitchen cabinet paint | The One Paint in Satin FinishBest durable kitchen cabinet paint | Dulux Retail Cupboard paint1. The One Paint Satin Finish: Best multipurpose satin paint
Price: £25 | Buy now from Amazon© Provided by Expert Reviews
Available in 11 colours, The One Paint is a non-toxic, water-based paint suitable for multiple surfaces including woods and laminates. It even claims to complete the task without the need for a primer, making it the ideal choice for the time-poor. However, we’d still suggest using one if you have time.
It takes two hours for the first layer to dry completely and, depending on how the paint is applied, it’ll roughly work out at 12sqm per litre. As this paint is quite thin, you’ll need to be careful not to soak your paintbrush in order to avoid drip, and be sure to work slowly and carefully.
Key details – Oil or water-based: Water-based; Size: 1L; Quick drying: Yes; Multiple colours available: Yes
© Provided by Expert Reviews Image of The One Paint - Satin Finish - Multi Surface Paint 1 Litre (Dark Grey)The One Paint - Satin Finish - Multi Surface Paint 1 Litre (Dark Grey)
£24.99 Buy now2. Dulux Retail Cupboard Paint: Best durable kitchen cabinet paint
Price: From £25 | Buy now from Amazon© Provided by Expert Reviews
Celebrity sheep-dog-approved paint can’t be ignored, especially when it’s as hard-wearing as Dulux’s retail cupboard paint. It’s available in barley white, jasmine white, natural hessian and pure brilliant white. And while some might prefer something a touch bolder, this is a fine choice for anyone looking to keep things clean and simple.
Best Paintbrush For Water Based Gloss
The chemical properties of Dulux make it super-durable, but also mean you’ll want to keep the room well ventilated when painting and be sure to check the contents if you’re allergy-prone. To achieve the desired satin finish, apply with a brush and wait around six hours for the first coat to dry. When calculating quantities, Dulux claims the paint will cover 16sqm per litre.
Key details – Oil or water-based: Water-based; Size: 600ml; Quick drying: Yes; Multiple colours available: Yes
© Provided by Expert Reviews Image of Dulux Retail Cupboard Paint Pure Brilliant White 600mlDulux Retail Cupboard Paint Pure Brilliant White 600ml
£23.99 Buy now3. Johnstones Revive Cupboard Paint: Best quick-drying all-rounder paint
Price: £22 | But now from Amazon© Provided by Expert Reviews
Perfect for melamine or MDF, Johnstones Revive paint will do exactly what it says on the tin – revive your dull kitchen cabinets. It’s available in more than seven shades, most of them neutral, and only takes one hour to dry, which is great if you’re planning to do multiple coats.
As the paint is quite runny, it might look a touch streaky after the first coat. But don’t fret, a second layer will guarantee everything appears sleek and even. As this is a water-based paint, it’s practically odourless too, and it’ll be a doddle to wash off brushes and rollers when you’re ready to call it a day.
Key details – Oil or water-based: Water-based; Size: 750ml; Quick drying: Yes; Multiple colours available: Yes
© Provided by Expert Reviews Image of 750ml Johnstones Revive Cupboard Paint Shadow Slate750ml Johnstones Revive Cupboard Paint Shadow Slate
£16.99 Buy now4. Ronseal One Coat Cupboard: Best hard-wearing cabinet paint
Price: From £21 | Buy now from Amazon© Provided by Expert Reviews Image of The One Paint - Satin Finish - Multi Surface Paint 1 Litre (Dark Grey)
This tough cabinet paint is sure to stand the test of time. It’s designed for melamine, MDF, plywood and chipboard and promises a smooth satin finish, making it ideal for kitchen cupboards. We’d suggest carving out at least a few days to complete the job, as this paint takes 24 hours to fully dry. Despite maintaining on the tin that it’ll only require one coat, it’s wise to consider painting another layer to achieve a professional-looking smoothness.
You’ll also need to keep the kitchen well ventilated, as it does have a strong odour and, given its thick consistency, a roller might be more suitable for the task.
Key details – Oil or water-based: Water-based; Size: 750ml; Quick drying: No; Multiple colours available: Yes
© Provided by Expert Reviews Image of Ronseal OCCMPW750 750 ml One Coat Cupboard Melamine And MDF-White, 750MLRonseal OCCMPW750 750 ml One Coat Cupboard Melamine And MDF-White, 750ML
£21.21 Buy now5. Rust-Oleum Gloss Finish Furniture Paint White Frost: Best gloss finish paint
Price: From £19 | Buy now from Amazon© Provided by Expert Reviews
Best Paintbrush For Semi Gloss Trim
A low-odour, water-based paint from Rust-Oleum will help you achieve a high-gloss finish and brighten up your kitchen cupboards. It can be painted onto any suitably primed surface and is touch-dry in as little as one hour and fully dry within eight. Coverage is up to 14sqm per litre and given its non-toxic credentials and the fact it’s practically odourless, it’s a safe choice if you’ve got little ones in the house.
Key details – Oil or water-based: Water-based; Size: 750ml; Quick drying: Yes; Multiple colours available: Yes
© Provided by Expert Reviews Image of Rust-Oleum Gloss Finish Furniture Paint White Frost 750mlRust-Oleum Gloss Finish Furniture Paint White Frost 750ml
£21.49 Buy now6. Nuvo Cabinet and Cupboard Paint Kit: Best for all-in-one kits
Price: £70 | Buy now from Amazon© Provided by Expert Reviews
This USA-manufactured Nuvo cupboard paint kit suits anyone who wants as little hassle as possible when painting. It comes with two tins of paint, two stir-sticks, two rollers and a paintbrush. There’s even a step-by-step guide to walk you through every stage.
The water-based, acrylic paint is perfect for wood and will work on primed laminate too, covering 9.3sqm per litre. According to the instructions, the whole job is estimated to take eight hours, but that all hinges on how many cupboards you’re painting and how much cleaning is required. As you’re getting tools and the paint in this kit, it’s excellent value – providing you don’t already have the necessary instruments.
Key details – Oil or water-based: Water-based; Size: 1.8L; Quick drying: No; Multiple colours available: Yes
© Provided by Expert Reviews Image of Nuvo FG-NU DRIFT KIT Cabinet and Cupboard Paint Kit - DriftwoodNuvo FG-NU DRIFT KIT Cabinet and Cupboard Paint Kit - Driftwood
£69.96 Buy now © Provided by Expert Reviews7. Wilko Furniture Cupboard Paint English Sage: Best budget paint for kitchen cabinets
Price: £10 | Buy now from Wilko© Provided by Expert Reviews
We can’t really fault Wilko’s cupboard paint when it comes to value, but there’s much more to it than that. Suitable for wood, melamine and MDF, this paint is touch-dry in only two hours, although we’d recommend waiting longer before applying a second covering of paint.
As this is an oil-based paint, you’ll need to use some sort of mineral spirits or turpentine to clean your brushes and rollers. Although it's available in multiple shades of white and grey, we rate English Sage the most, as it feels fresh and clean.
Key details – Oil or water-based: Oil-based; Size: 750ml; Quick drying: Yes; Multiple colours available: Yes
Buy now from Wilko
8. Sanderson Oil-Based Eggshell: Best eggshell designer paint for cabinets
Price: £31 | Buy now from John Lewis© Provided by Expert Reviews
What’s immediately striking about Sanderson’s offering is the sheer breadth of neutral colours available – 11 in total. These eggshell paints are ideal on wooden kitchen cabinets, especially given that they’re resistant to steam and condensation.
A stylish, low-sheen finish allows for easy cleaning and it’s even durable enough for exterior wood and metal, should you have some spare. Another boon for DIY decorators is that you’re able to order a tester pot before committing to a colour, so you can see how it looks in situ.
As it’s oil-based, you should expect longer drying times. It’ll be touch-dry in three to four hours and ready for a second coat after 16 hours.
Key details – Oil or water-based: Oil-based; Size: 750ml; Quick drying: No; Multiple colours available: Yes
Buy now from John Lewis
Choosing the right paintbrush can make all the difference in your next project. Hardware store shelves are lined with a multitude of options; so how do you know which brush to pick? The most important factor in determining which paintbrush is best for your project depends on the type of coating you’re using.
OIL-BASED COATINGS
Best Paint Brush For Gloss Paint
Natural bristle is the best choice for oil-based paints, varnishes, shellac, alkyd enamels, stains, and polyurethanes. The highest quality bristles come from mainland China. Experienced, traditional painters will say there’s nothing like the finish that a China bristle paintbrush can provide for oil-based coatings. If you’re painting a smooth surface, use a white China bristle for a smooth finish or, if you need to achieve an even finer finish, a China bristle blended with ox hair is recommended. When painting a textured surface, a black China bristle will work best because it’s slightly stiffer and is excellent for high-productivity applications. If you need to paint a rough surface, natural bristle brushes are not recommended. Rough surfaces will break the tips off of natural bristle and will ruin the brush. A synthetic, firm brush is best for this application even when using oil-based coatings because it’s very durable and will resist wear on the rough surface.
WATER-BASED COATINGS
Best Paintbrush For Gloss Paint
Synthetic brushes are recommended for latex and acrylic paints and water-based wood finishes. Synthetic brushes are available in a variety of filaments including Chinex®, nylon, nylon/polyester blend, and polyester. Chinex® FTP® brushes are designed for today’s paints and offer excellent paint pickup and production with a smooth, professional finish and easy cleanup. Chinex FTP brushes will maintain their stiffness for control even when exposed to heat and humidity. Nylon brushes are very durable but may soften in hot weather or after prolonged use in latex paint. Polyester brushes will maintain their shape and control when exposed to heat but have lower paint pickup and production meaning you will spend more time loading your brush than the wall. Also, today’s paints contain more acrylic resins and fast-drying solids which stick to polyester making them difficult to clean and limit the life of the brush. A nylon/polyester blend brush combines all the positive qualities of nylon (precise tipping, excellent paint pickup, and smooth finish) and polyester (added stiffness and control) and is, by far, the most popular professional paintbrush choice due to their versatility.
What Is The Best Brush To Use For Gloss Paint
The Wooster Brush Company offers quality brushes for every variety of coating available, but different brushes excel in specific applications. To help you select the perfect brush for your next project, visit our Paint Brush Advisor. If you have additional questions or need more information, please contact our Customer Service Department.