We are in a generation of painting old cabinets white, right? After all, painting cabinets is the cheapest way to reface old kitchen cabinets without replacing them. The hard question becomes, which white paint to choose?
A bright, crisp white can create a modern and clean look, while a warmer, creamier white can add warmth and depth to the space. Don’t forget about the type of paint finish too. It can impact the overall look and durability of the cabinets.
In this article, we will explore some of the best white paint options for kitchen cabinets, taking into account factors such as color, finish, and durability. Whether you are looking to update and paint your existing cabinets or embark on a full kitchen remodel, hopefully this post will give you valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
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Why White Paint is the Best Option for Kitchen Cabinets
When it comes to kitchen cabinets, white paint is the most popular choice among homeowners and interior designers. There are several reasons why white paint is the best option for kitchen cabinets, and here are a few:
First, white paint gives the kitchen a clean and fresh look. It’s a classic right? It brightens up the space and makes it feel more spacious. This is especially important for smaller kitchens that may feel cramped and dark with darker colored cabinets.
Second, white paint is versatile and can be paired with almost any other color or material. This allows homeowners to change the color scheme or decor of their kitchen without having to replace their cabinets. White cabinets also provide a neutral backdrop for colorful accessories or artwork.
Third, white paint is timeless and never goes out of style. It is a classic choice that can suit any design style, from traditional to modern. This means that homeowners can invest in white cabinets knowing that they will not look dated or out of fashion in a few years.
Last, white paint is easy to maintain and keep clean. Unlike darker colored cabinets, white cabinets do not show scratches, stains, or dust as easily. They can be cleaned with a simple wipe down using a mild detergent and water.
In my opinion, white paint is the best option for kitchen cabinets due to its versatility, timeless appeal, and ease of maintenance. It provides a clean and fresh look to the kitchen while allowing homeowners to change the color scheme or decor as they please.
Disclosure; this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price you pay. This disclosure statement refers to the rest of the Amazon links and other links in this post.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best White Paint for Kitchen Cabinets
Quality of Paint
The quality of paint is an essential factor to consider when selecting the best white paint for kitchen cabinets. High-quality paints are durable, resistant to chipping, and offer excellent coverage. They also dry faster and are easy to clean. Low-quality paints, on the other hand, are prone to chipping and fading, which can be unsightly and unhygienic.
Finish Type
The finish type of the paint is another crucial factor to consider. The finish type determines the shine, durability, and ease of cleaning. The most common finishes for kitchen cabinets are matte, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. Matte finishes are non-reflective and offer a smooth, velvety look. Satin finishes are slightly reflective and are the hardest to clean. Semi-gloss finishes are highly reflective and offer excellent durability and ease of cleaning. High-gloss finishes are the most reflective and offer the highest durability and ease of cleaning.
The most popular finish for cabinets today seems to be satin or semi gloss. Just remember, the higher the gloss, the easier to clean.
Color Undertones
Color undertones are subtle hues that can affect the overall look of the white paint. Some white paints have warm undertones, while others have cool undertones. Warm undertones have a yellow, pink, or red hue, while cool undertones have a blue or green hue. When choosing a white paint, consider a few things:
- Do you want a warm tone or cool tone of white? Warm tones match beige and bright colorful aesthetics well while cool tones match more modern colors like grays, blues and blacks.
- Do you want a bright white (consider cool undertones) or an off white (consider warm undertones)?
- Ultimately, it’s your decision but always remember to sample different colors before committing to one!
One more quick tip; Don’t forget the primer! Check out the Best Primer for Kitchen cabinets before you begin painting!
Tips for Painting Kitchen Cabinets with White Paint
Preparation
Before starting to paint kitchen cabinets, it is important to prepare the surface properly. This involves cleaning the cabinets thoroughly and sanding them to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Any existing paint or varnish must be removed completely. Any dents or scratches should be filled with wood filler or Bondo and sanded smooth. It is also important to remove all hardware, such as handles and knobs, before starting to paint.
Check out my Amazon list of some of my favorite items to prepare the surface with.
Drying and Curing
After you’ve painted the kitchen cabinets, it is important to allow them to dry and cure properly before using them again. Drying time will depend on the type of paint used and the humidity in the air. It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before using the cabinets again. Curing time can take up to several weeks, during which time it is important to avoid exposing the cabinets to moisture or heat.
I chose the top picks for the best white paint for kitchen cabinets by choosing paint made by the “big box store brands.” All four of these brands make their own rendition of cabinet paint and I’ve chosen to review these four below.
Top Picks for the Best White Paint for Kitchen Cabinets
1. Benjamin Moore Advance Interior Satin Paint
Benjamin Moore Advance Interior Satin Paint is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets. It is a waterborne alkyd paint that offers excellent leveling and a smooth, durable finish. It is easy to apply and dries quickly, making it a great option for DIYers. The paint is also resistant to yellowing, which is important for keeping the cabinets looking fresh and bright over time. It’s available in over 3,500 colors which makes it a great choice if you are looking to paint your cabinets a specific color.
I was personally shocked at how well this product self levels. Of all four products, this one produces almost no brush strokes. It was also the most opaque of all of them. This means it requires less coats to get a good finish that you can’t see through!
You can see a side view here of this paint. This is a satin finish and it’s still very durable with a small amount of sheen. The perfect amount in my opinion.
It’s hard to tell from this picture where the paint swatch starts and stops. This is because the paint is so smooth with little to no brush strokes. That and the shade of Benjamin Moore ready to use white cabinet paint is similar to the primer applied.
Where to buy: Benjamin Moore is sold at stores like Ace Hardware and other building supply stores.
2. Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Interior Waterbased Acrylic-Alkyd Enamel
Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Interior Waterbased Acrylic-Alkyd Enamel is another top pick for kitchen cabinets. It is a hybrid paint that combines the durability of an oil-based paint with the ease of use of a water-based paint. The paint offers excellent adhesion and a smooth, even finish. It is also resistant to chipping, fading, and yellowing, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas like the kitchen.
The Sherwin Williams white cabinet paint that I tested was also a satin sheen. It did show brush strokes a little more than the Benjamin Moore cabinet paint, but overall did a decent job of self leveling. You can see below that the tone of the ready mixed white cabinet paint is similar to the Benjamin Moore paint color being a little darker than the other two products.
Where to buy: Sherwin Williams cabinet paint can be purchased at a Sherwin Williams store or at Lowe’s.
3. Behr Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel Paint
Behr Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel Paint is a versatile paint that can be used on a variety of surfaces, including kitchen cabinets. It is a water-based paint that offers excellent adhesion and a durable finish. The paint is also resistant to stains and scuffs, making it a great option for busy kitchens. It dries quickly and has low VOCs, making it a good choice for those who are sensitive to fumes.
You can see from this side view that the Behr ready made white cabinet paint is a much brighter and glossier sheen than the Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams. It did show brush strokes much more than the other two as well. Could this be because it’s a semi-gloss sheen and the others are satin? Maybe. I did notice that this product did not self as well as Benjamin Moore paint or Sherwin Williams did.
Where to buy: Behr Cabinet Paint is sold at Home Depot.
4. Valspar Cabinet Enamel Semi-Gloss Latex Interior Paint
Valspar Cabinet Enamel Semi-Gloss Latex Interior Paint is a high-quality paint that offers excellent coverage and durability. It is a water-based paint that is easy to clean up and has low VOCs. The paint is also resistant to chipping, fading, and yellowing, making it a great option for kitchen cabinets. It dries quickly and offers a smooth, even finish.
The Valspar Cabinet enamel was the brightest, highest gloss and thickest paint of all four. It definitely showed brush strokes and did not self level well.
Like I said in the video (make sure to watch it), this cabinet paint might look beautiful once it’s sprayed with a paint sprayer. That being said, it didn’t do well being applied with a brush.
Where to buy: Valspar cabinet paint is sold at Lowe’s.
Before you go, make sure to check out a few other posts on other paint products and colors;
Best Sherwin Williams White Paint products
Best Paint colors for Low Light Rooms
How to Choose the Right Type of Paint
2023 Best Greige Paint Colors for Transitioning Away from Gray Trends
Do You Paint Walls or Trim First? A Comprehensive Guide
Best White Ceiling Paint for a Clean and Bright Finish
Best White Paint for Kitchen Cabinets: Top Products Tested for a Brighter Space
Best Paint Color for Garage Walls
BEST white kitchen cabinet paint tested
If you’ve watched my video and read through this post, you can probably guess that my number one pick (by a large margin) is the Benjamin Moore Advance Interior Satin Paint. This is the most expensive paint (by roughly $10 or more). You know what they say though, “you get what you pay for” and in this case, it rings true.
I hope this post helps you in your decision to paint those cabinets white. Good luck and drop me a note anytime you have a question.
Lindsey**
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