cupboard paint 2

Choosing the correct cupboard paint and primer is very important to ensure a professional looking job. I always suggest going to a specialty paint store like Sherwin Williams, where they will have more options and knowledge to help you choose the best paint for your project. Your situation, needs and abilities will also be a factor on which products are best for your project.

Remember that no matter which product you choose, the most important part of any project is the prep. Making sure the surface is ready to be primed and painted, is even more important than choosing the best product. Here are some product options from my experience.

Latex Primer: Latex primers are a very good option for most projects. Depending on the type of cabinet your priming, the biggest concern with latex primers is that they are not the best option over varnished wood, knots or where there is a chance for tannin bleed. Tannin is the oils in the wood which will continue to bleed through all water based products, no matter how many coats you apply. Once this happens, the only option is to prime over again with an oil based primer.

Alkyd or oil based paint: A good oil based primer will work almost every time over any surface. When priming wood whether raw or varnished, I would always recommend using an oil based primer. They will bond well over varnish and will hold back the tannin from bleeding through your topcoats. These products will have a strong odor and need paint thinner for clean up, but you will not have to worry about adhesion or tannin.

Standard latex wall and trim paint: Latex enamels have come a long way, they continue to get better and more durable. You can use these product to paint cabinets, but I would not recommend this option. Latex paint may be easy to work with, and is easy soap/water clean-up. The downfall will be evident after a short time of normal use. In my opinion it will never perform or last as long as the other options.

Alkyd or oil based paint: An old standard for the professional painter on trim, furniture and cabinets. This product will be very durable and perform well for years of service. It will have a harder smoother finish, no matter which application method you choose. It’s a little harder working with oil based paints, especially the smell and cleanup. Remember you will need paint thinner for clean up.

Water based epoxy: Specialty paint stores have products like these that will have a combination of both of the previous products to make it a good option. They now have single component epoxies that have no mixing, or difficult instructions to follow. These products have some odor to them, but not nearly as bad as the oil based coatings. They will dry hard and be very durable for many years of service.

You now have a basic understanding of the different options, and why I recommend one product over another. Most specialty paint stores will have these and other options available for you. Most cupboard paint will be able to be tinted to just about any color you desire, so don’t worry if you would like something other than white.

Check out Best Application Methods