The cabinets in your home take quite a beating. Every day they’re opened, closed, bumped into, and exposed to heat, humidity, and the occasional splatter. This means the type of paint you choose matters far more than it does on a wall, and getting it wrong can mean peeling, chipping, or a finish that looks worn out within a year. Here’s what you should know about choosing the right paint for the job.
Alkyd (Oil-Based Paint): The Traditional Option
For decades, oil-based alkyd paints were the go-to choice for cabinets, and for good reasons. They self-level exceptionally well, meaning brush marks virtually disappear as the paint dries, leaving a smooth finish. Alkyd paints also cure into a tough, semi-rigid surface that holds up well against moisture, grease, and daily contact. The main tradeoffs with these paints are a longer dry time, strong fumes that require good ventilation, and a more involved cleanup process.
Water-Based Alkyd Hybrids: A New Contender
In recent years, water-based alkyd hybrid paints have become a favorite among professional painters for cabinet work. These formulas combine the easy cleanup and low odor of latex paint with the high-quality finish of traditional oil-based paint. They dry faster than pure alkyds, have significantly lower VOC (volatile organic compound) levels, and still cure into a durable, washable surface. For most projects, a high-quality water-based alkyd hybrid delivers professional results with fewer of the hassles associated with traditional oil-based products.
Consider Your Paint’s Sheen
Choosing the right paint is only half the equation, and sheen level plays a major role in both durability and appearance. For cabinets, a semi-gloss or satin finish is almost always the right call. These sheens are easy to wipe clean, hold up to repeated washing without breaking down, and reflect enough light to give cabinets a polished look. Flat or matte finishes, while popular on walls, are usually too difficult to clean for a surface that gets touched as frequently as cabinet doors and drawers.
Choosing the right paint or coating for your cabinets is a decision worth getting right the first time, because doing it twice costs far more than doing it correctly once! When in doubt, don’t hesitate to trust a team of professionals who know which paint will hold up well.
About Platinum Painting
Our team here at Platinum Painting has served homeowners all across the DFW metroplex for over 15 years, and we’d love to work with you to transform your home. We offer a wide range of interior and exterior painting services, including cabinet painting. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to set up a FREE in-home estimate with our team, just give us a call today or reach out online for more information.
Tarrant County Telephone: (817) 697-2726.
Dallas/Denton/Collin County Telephone: (817) 993-4095.