How to Choose the Right Type of Paint for Your Kitchen?
Planning and executing a painting project, be it indoors or outdoors, is a big commitment. There are multiple things to prepare and consider based on your budget and needs. You can refer to our Painting Project Guide to understand the process of any home painting project. If you’re planning to paint your kitchen walls, cabinets and backsplash as a part of your kitchen renovation project, consider hiring a local painter to help you with the project.
For a kitchen painting project, it’s essential to choose a chemical-free, environmentally friendly, easy to clean and soft on the eyes paint type.
Chalkboard Paint
Chalkboard paint or black paint is easy to apply, it dries quickly, is not too expensive and does not require an additional primer coat. You can add decorative or task lights around the wall to brighten it up. You can use the chalkboard painted wall as a dark background for your breakfast table or china cabinet and even use it as a writing wall to note down recipes and grocery lists. If you plan to paint the walls yourself, you may have to purchase a good-quality spray paint gun to avoid brush marks.
Enamel
Enamel is an oil-based paint type that is ideal for kitchen cabinets, backsplash and metal or copper handles. It has a glossy finish that dries quickly, is durable and can withstand temperature fluctuations within your kitchen. With minimum prep of walls and cabinets, you can paint the cabinets yourself. However, you have to be careful with paint spills as enamel can leave permanent paint stains on your counter or flooring. It’s also not fondly recommended for kitchen walls or backsplash behind the sink or stove as it’s difficult to clean.
Oil Based
The most budget-friendly, easy to apply, durable and long-lasting paint type for the kitchen is oil-based paint. Its water-resistant nature makes it an ideal choice for kitchen backsplash or wall over the counter. If you have any existing wall cracks or stains that you want to hide, then this type of paint should be your go-to choice. Though it takes longer to dry and you have to be careful with accidental spills or stains, you can always hire a professional to do the job for you.
Water-Based
Easy to clean, durable and quick-drying water-based paint is environmentally friendly, less expensive and easy to apply. You can choose from acrylic or latex options for your kitchen walls. Given its water-based nature, you may require to apply 2-3 coats to achieve a final finishing look for your walls and cabinets.
Painting kitchen cabinets, walls and backsplash can take anywhere from a day to a week. When you choose a paint type and a colour palette make sure you consider the time it may require to complete the process as you might not get to use the kitchen for the duration. Consult with a local painter to purchase chemical-free and safe paint for your kitchen walls.
