Best Paint for Cabinets | Kansas City Expert Guide
Why Choosing the Right Paint for Cabinets Matters
Painting your cabinets is one of the most cost-effective ways to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom. But using the wrong paint can lead to bubbling, chipping, and disappointing results. In Kansas City, where weather and humidity can affect finishes, it’s even more important to use the right kind of paint for cabinets.
Whether you're going for a trendy modern look or something timeless, the finish and formulation matter greatly—and Better Painting LLC knows how to do it right.
What Kind of Paint is Best for Cabinets?
The best paint types for cabinets include:
Waterborne Alkyd Paints – Offers oil-based durability with water-based cleanup.
Acrylic Enamel – Leaves a smooth, hard surface, perfect for busy areas like kitchens.
Hybrid Latex-Alkyd Blends – Provide flexibility and reduced yellowing over time.
We always recommend Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel or Benjamin Moore Advance, both popular with professional painters and DIYers alike.
Should Kitchen Cabinets Be Painted Flat or Satin?
When painting cabinets, flat paint is never recommended. It doesn't hold up to frequent cleaning and will highlight every smudge. Your best bets are:
Satin – Soft sheen, elegant, easy to clean
Semi-gloss – Reflective, very durable, ideal for kitchens with lots of activity
Pro Tip: For Kansas City homes with children or high cooking activity, we usually suggest a semi-gloss finish due to its superior durability.
What is the Most Common Paint Finish on Kitchen Cabinets?
Semi-gloss is the leading choice for most modern and updated kitchens. It’s easy to clean and resists grease—a must in any kitchen environment.
To learn more about our kitchen cabinet painting services, visit our cabinet refinishing page.
Do I Need to Sand Cabinets Before Painting?
Absolutely. Skipping sanding can lead to peeling paint and uneven texture. Here's how we do it:
Remove all cabinet doors and hardware
Degrease thoroughly with a TSP cleaner
Lightly sand using 120-150 grit paper
Clean off dust before applying primer
What is the Most Durable Finish for Painted Kitchen Cabinets?
To make your cabinet paint last for years, use this triple-coat formula:
Bonding Primer (Zinsser or Kilz recommended)
Waterborne alkyd or acrylic enamel paint
Clear polyurethane topcoat (optional for ultra-high durability)
We apply these coatings professionally to ensure a factory-smooth finish that resists wear, scratches, and daily use.
Can I Paint Over Painted Cabinets?
Yes, but it's important to assess the current surface. If the old paint is chipping or flaking, it needs to be removed. If it's intact, simply clean, scuff-sand, and apply a bonding primer.
We offer this exact service through our repaint cabinet program in Kansas City, helping clients refresh their kitchen without the cost of full replacement.
Local Tip: Kansas City’s Climate & Paint Durability
Humidity and temperature swings in Kansas City can affect paint curing. At Better Painting LLC, we take these into account by using paints with flexible resins and doing proper climate-controlled curing. This ensures your cabinets don’t crack or warp after a few seasons.
Why Choose Better Painting LLC for Cabinet Painting in Kansas City?
Hiring a professional like Better Painting LLC ensures:
No brush strokes or roller marks
Long-lasting finishes tailored to local climate
Dust-free, clean job sites
We don’t cut corners. We cut costs by getting it done right the first time. Our team has proudly served Kansas City for over a decade, and our 5-star reviews reflect our dedication.
🔗 Explore our full list of residential painting services in Kansas City (internal link).
FAQs
1. What kind of paint is best for wood cabinets?
Waterborne alkyd or acrylic enamel provides the best results for wood cabinets.
2. Do I need a topcoat on painted cabinets?
If you want added durability, especially in high-use kitchens, a polyurethane topcoat is recommended.
3. How long does painted cabinet finish last?
With professional application, the finish can last 8–10 years or more.
4. Can you just paint over old paint on cabinets?
Yes, but make sure to clean and sand it first for better adhesion.
5. Will painting cabinets increase home value?
Absolutely! Cabinet painting offers a high ROI and makes your home more appealing to buyers.
6. Can Better Painting LLC help with color selection?
Yes! We provide color consultations to help you choose a finish and shade that fits your home style.
📞 Get a Free Estimate from Better Painting LLC in Kansas City
Thinking of transforming your kitchen or bathroom cabinets? Better Painting LLC is your go-to painting contractor in Kansas City. Whether it’s a full cabinet refinishing project or a simple repaint, we bring decades of experience, high-quality materials, and unbeatable customer service.
🔗 Request your FREE cabinet painting estimate now.
📍 Proudly serving Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, Olathe, Shawnee, and all of Kansas City.
