Transform Your Cabinets: The Best Paints and Pro Tips Revealed

Painting cabinets can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with countless paint options. You want a finish that looks great and lasts long, but choosing the right paint can be overwhelming. I’ve been there, and I get it.

That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the top 10 best paints for cabinets in 2024. I’ll walk you through the best options on the market, helping you find the perfect paint for your project.

In this article, you’ll discover paints that offer smooth application, durability, and beautiful finishes.

Whether you’re updating your kitchen or refreshing your bathroom vanity, I’ve got you covered with the best cabinet paints of the year.

Best Paints for Cabinets

1. DWIL Wood Cabinet Paint Kit

Why I Consider This: Easily refresh your space with a high-quality, quick-drying paint kit that provides a professional finish and includes all tools needed.
Benefits of Using: Achieve smooth coverage and versatile color options for a cost-effective cabinet makeover—no full remodel needed.

2. Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines

Why I Consider This: I love how this ultra-matte finish transforms furniture and cabinets into beautiful, vintage pieces with a fresh look that really stands out.
Benefits of Using: It’s easy to work with and dries fast, giving excellent coverage on just about any surface. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a quick, stylish update without a major project.

3. Rust-Oleum Basics Cabinet & Trim Paint

Why I Consider This: I think this Rust-Oleum paint is a solid choice for anyone wanting to update cabinets quickly and affordably. Its semi-gloss finish adds a nice touch of shine that brightens up the space.
Benefits of Using: It’s scratch-resistant and dries fast, so you can refresh cabinets with minimal downtime. Plus, it’s easy to apply and durable, making it perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

4. Nuvo Titanium Infusion Cabinet Makeover Kit

Why I Consider This: I love how the Nuvo Titanium Infusion kit makes it easy to completely transform cabinets in just one day, with everything needed in one set—perfect for a fresh, bright look without professional help.
Benefits of Using: It offers a durable, satin finish that holds up to daily use and works on various surfaces like wood, laminate, and metal. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and requires no stripping or priming, making it both convenient and safe for DIY projects.

5. Beyond Paint Furniture

Why I Should Consider This:The Beyond Paint all-in-one refinishing paint is perfect for anyone looking to skip the prep work and still achieve a professional-looking finish on cabinets, furniture, and more.
Benefits of Using: It’s a durable, matte paint that resists cracks, chips, and fading, suitable for both indoor and outdoor surfaces. Plus, it covers a large area (up to 400 square feet) with no stripping, sanding, or priming required, making it incredibly convenient for bigger projects.

6. INSL-X CC550109A-01 Cabinet Coat Enamel

Why I Should Consider This: I find the INSL-X Cabinet Coat ideal for achieving a sleek, “factory-like” finish on cabinets and furniture, perfect for those wanting a durable, professional look.
Benefits of Using: This paint offers excellent adhesion and a tough satin finish that resists chips, stains, and scuffs—no primer needed. It’s a great choice for high-use areas, with impressive coverage up to 450 square feet per gallon.

7. Country Chic Paint

Why I Should Consider This: I love that Country Chic Paint offers an all-in-one, eco-friendly solution that’s perfect for a range of DIY projects. Its beautiful sage green color adds a soft, rustic charm to any piece.
Benefits of Using: With a built-in primer and top coat, it simplifies painting furniture, cabinets, and crafts, saving time and effort. The matte finish is easy to distress, durable, and safe to use indoors, with no harsh chemicals or strong odors.

8. Shabby Chic Chalk Furniture Paint

Why I Should Consider This: Shabby Chic Chalk Furniture Paint is perfect for adding a touch of luxury to furniture and cabinets with its beautiful metallic finish. The antique gold color can bring an elegant, vintage-inspired look to any space.
Benefits of Using: This non-toxic, fast-drying paint is versatile and easy to use, allowing you to create a unique distressed look on various surfaces. It covers well with little-to-no prep on wood, making it ideal for DIY projects, and its eco-friendly formula means it’s safe for indoor use.

9. KILZ Tribute Cabinet Paint

Why I Should Consider This: I like that the KILZ Tribute Cabinet Paint offers both interior and exterior durability, making it versatile for various projects. The Deep Onyx color adds a sleek, modern touch to cabinets, doors, and trim.
Benefits of Using: This semi-gloss paint is fast-drying and provides a smooth, washable finish, perfect for high-traffic areas. It resists dirt and offers excellent coverage on multiple surfaces, so you can easily use it for cabinets, trim, and even outdoor projects without worrying about extra maintenance.

10. Jolie Paint – Chalk Finish for Furniture, Cabinets, and Décor

Why I Should Consider This: Jolie Paint makes it easy to achieve a rustic, farmhouse look with minimal prep work. The Farmhouse Beige color adds a warm, inviting feel that’s perfect for a range of decor styles.
Benefits of Using: This non-toxic, low-VOC paint provides excellent coverage and dries quickly to a beautiful matte finish. With no sanding or priming required, it’s perfect for DIY projects on cabinets, furniture, and other interior surfaces, allowing you to transform your space with ease.

Best Seasonal Paints for Cabinets

While paint itself doesn’t change with seasons, certain colors and finishes can really enhance your home’s feel during different times of the year.

Spring

Light, Fresh Greens: These bring a sense of new growth and renewal. A paint like Benjamin Moore’s “Spring Meadow” could work well.
Soft Yellows: They can brighten up a space, much like spring sunshine. Try something like Sherwin-Williams’ “Butterfield.”

Summer

Bright Whites: These reflect light and keep the space feeling cool and airy. INSL-X Cabinet Coat in pure white is a good option.
Ocean Blues: They bring a coastal, vacation-like feel. Behr’s “Watery” in their Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel line could be perfect.

Fall

Warm Oranges or Rust Tones: These mimic the changing leaves. Valspar Cabinet Enamel in “Amber Autumn” could work well.
Deep Reds: They add richness and warmth. Try Glidden Interior Premium in a color like “Red Delicious.”

Winter

Cool Grays: These pair well with holiday decor. PPG Break-Through! in “Gray Frost” could be a good choice.
Deep Blues: They create a cozy, intimate feeling. Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations in “Navy” might be just right.

Remember, these are just ideas that I have tried and tested. The best paint for your cabinets depends on your personal style and the overall look of your home.

What season inspires you most for your cabinet color?

Different Paints for Cabinets According to Your Budget & Home

Paint Type	Cost	Finish/Look	Best For
Water-based Acrylic Paints	$15–$25 per gallon	Smooth, slightly glossy	Quick, budget-friendly updates; easy cleanup
Chalk Paints	$20–$35 per quart	Matte, textured	DIY projects, farmhouse/rustic styles; no primer
Latex Enamel Paints	$30–$45 per gallon	Durable, smooth finish	Moderate durability; ideal for a smooth finish
Oil-based Enamels	$40–$60 per quart	Hard, glossy surface	High-traffic areas; durable, easy-to-clean finish
Cabinet-Specific Paints	$50–$70 per quart	Durable, professional-grade finish	High-quality look; designed specifically for cabinets
Two-Part Epoxy Paints	$70–$100 per quart	Ultra-tough, glossy finish	Long-lasting; ideal for busy kitchens
Satin Finish	$25–$40 per gallon	Soft sheen, not overly glossy	Modern homes; balances look and ease of cleaning
High-Gloss Paint	$30–$50 per gallon	Very shiny, reflects light well	Contemporary designs; great for small spaces
Matte Finish	$20–$35 per gallon	Non-reflective, hides imperfections	Farmhouse/rustic styles; less focus on shine
Semi-Gloss Paint	$25–$45 per gallon	Moderate shine, easy to clean	Versatile option; works in many home styles

Maintenance Checklist to Follow

Check this maintenance checklist to help keep your painted cabinets looking great for years to come:

1. Clean Regularly

Wipe down cabinets weekly with a soft, damp cloth
For tougher dirt, use mild dish soap in warm water
Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners

2. Handle Spills Quickly

Clean up any spills right away to prevent staining
Use a soft cloth and gentle cleaner if needed

3. Protect from Moisture

Keep cabinets dry, especially near sinks and dishwashers
Use a towel or mat to catch drips under the sink

4. Check for Wear

Look for chips or scratches every few months
Touch up small issues before they get bigger

5. Tighten Hardware

Check and tighten loose knobs or handles as needed
This prevents extra wear on the paint

6. Avoid Heat Damage

Use trivets for hot pots and pans near cabinets
Keep toasters and coffee makers away from upper cabinets

7. Gentle Use

Open and close doors and drawers gently
Avoid slamming, which can chip paint over time

8. Annual Deep Clean

Once a year, remove items and clean thoroughly
Check for any areas that might need touch-ups

9. Reapply Protective Coating

Every few years, consider adding a clear topcoat
This can help extend the life of your paint job

10. Address Issues Promptly

If you notice peeling or bubbling, fix it quickly
Small problems can turn into big ones if ignored

By following this checklist, you can keep your cabinets looking fresh and new. Do you have any specific concerns about maintaining your painted cabinets?

Conclusion

Wow, we’ve covered a lot about cabinet paints! Did you know that the first ready-mixed paints were sold in the 1860s? Before that, people had to mix pigments with linseed oil themselves. We’ve come a long way!

I remember my first time painting cabinets. I picked a bright yellow that looked great on the sample but ended up making my kitchen look like a giant lemon! Learn from my mistake – always test your paint first.

No matter which paint you choose, the key is to have fun with it. Your cabinets are like the eyebrows of your kitchen – they frame everything else.

So pick a color you love, take your time, and enjoy the process. And hey, if you mess up? There’s always more paint!

What color are you thinking of trying?

Transform Your Cabinets: The Best Paints and Pro Tips Revealed