What is the best paint for kitchen cabinets?
We’re often asked what is the best kitchen cupboard paint and how to best tackle the project. We’ve already got a handy guide on how to paint kitchen cupboards so if you’re not quite ready to paint yet and are on the lookout for the best paint for the job, keep reading.
When choosing a kitchen cupboard paint, you’re looking for something that will withstand high levels of moisture and humidity and can be wiped or scrubbed clean without damaging the finish or colour.
We’ve rounded up our top recommendations below for your perusal.
Tikkurila Helmi 10
Tikkurila Helmi 10 is an advanced water-based, high-performance acrylic trim and furniture paint which provides high levels of opacity. The Helmi range is a tried and tested replacement for traditional solvent-based paint without compromising on finish or longevity. It's perfect for kitchen cabinets, skirtings boards and furniture in high-traffic areas and dries to a flat matt finish.
Pros
- Water-based
- Can be tinted to almost any colour
- Durable, can be washed and wiped clean
- High opacity level
- Can be applied using a brush, roller or spray
Cons
- We recommend using a primer first. Try the Helmi Primer for best results
Tikkurila Helmi 30
Tikkurila Helmi 30 is pretty similar to Helmi 10 but is classed as a ‘semi matt’ finish, not quite a satin finish but not flat matt. Helmi 30 is a high quality acrylate paint that provides a longevity that is hard to beat and cures to a tough finish that can be washed or scrubbed clean without damaging the colour or finish.
Pros
- Water-based
- Can be tinted to almost any colour
- Tough, durable finish
- Can be sprayed or applied using a brush or roller - whatever you prefer!
Cons
- Requires a separate primer. We recommend Helmi Primer
- Not suitable for repainting of surfaces painted with nitrocellulose lacquer
Zinsser Allcoat
Zinsser Allcoat is a popular choice among professionals and DIYers alike thanks to its self-priming, easy-to-apply formula that can be tinted to almost any colour of your choosing. It’s durable, can be washed and wiped clean repeatedly and can be applied using a spray, brush or roller to suit your own preferences.
If you have laminate or glossy kitchen cupboards, we recommend priming first with Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3.
Pros
- Self-priming in most cases
- Easy to apply
- Fast drying
- Highly durable
- Available in matt, satin and gloss
Cons
- Allcoat is actually designed for outdoor use but performs just as well inside
Tikkurila Luja 20
Luja 20 is the perfect paint for kitchen walls and ceilings. It's designed for use in high-humidity areas like kitchens, bathrooms and swimming pools so you can trust that it will perform in even the most humid environments. An acrylic eggshell paint with anti mould and anti-microbial inhibitors, its designed to create a durable, hard-wearing film. Hygiene and food safe approved, this eggshell emulsion is scrubbable with strong detergents making it the ideal paint for areas that need repeated cleaning like the kitchen.
Pros
- Highly resistant to moisture and humidity
- Water-based
- Low odour and VOC
- Rich in anti-mould and anti-microbial inhibitors
- Can be tinted into thousands of colours
Cons
- Requires a primer first, we recommend Tikkurila Luja Universal Primer
Tikkurila Luja 7
Extremely durable, this acrylic matt emulsion has been designed to withstand repeated cleaning, scrubbing and wiping with strong detergents, without damaging the finish or coverage. Luja 7 works by creating a moisture impervious film and is suitable for new and previously painted walls and ceilings, in high-traffic areas or areas of high humidity like the kitchen. Like Luja 20, it has an anti-mould and microbial formula.
Pros
- Perfect for kitchen walls and ceilings
- Water-based
- Anti-mould and microbial formula
Cons
- Requires a primer first, we recommend Tikkurila Luja Universal Primer