Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Painted kitchen cabinets have to withstand a high level of wear and tear. Traditionally, only oil-based paints were up to the challenge. But recent improvements in latex paints have introduced a new option to the kitchen cabinet refinishing market. Here are some helpful comparisons to help you decide which type to use when painting your kitchen cabinets.

Should I use Latex for My Painted Kitchen Cabinets?

Latex paint has many qualities to recommend it. Here are some points to consider:

Benefits

• Dries quickly
• Easy to clean with water
• Not as susceptible to mildew
• Does not fade as readily
• Breathes better than oil-based paint
• Maintains flexibility

Drawbacks

• Latex can take a long time, up to 2 weeks, to fully cure--making it more susceptible to minor damage
• Can stain more easily
• It is a softer finish, so can wear more in high traffic areas

Is Oil-Based Paint Better for Refinishing My Kitchen Cabinets?

Some kitchen cabinet refinishers prefer to stick to the traditional oil-based product, thanks to the following features:

Benefits

• It is popular largely because of its improved durability
• When used over stains, it has a tendency to seal better
• Fluctuating temperatures have less effect on oil-based paints
• There is less shrinkage when oil-based paint dries, so the surface stress is considerably less
• Once dry, oil-based paint cures completely faster, limiting the vulnerability of newly painted kitchen cabinets

Disadvantages

• Oil-based paint takes longer to dry, initially
• Clean up requires solvents
• Fading can be a problem for oil-based paints

All things considered, both latex and oil-based paints can be very effective in sprucing up your kitchen cabinets. Feel secure in your decision when painting your kitchen cabinets and enjoy the refreshing effects.

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