Best Chalk Paint for Kitchen Cabinets

For painting your kitchen cabinets, it’s important to choose the right type of paint for a durable and long-lasting finish. While chalk paint may not be the most recommended one for this task, there are still some excellent brands that can deliver satisfactory results. We will discuss the best chalk paint for kitchen cabinets and share tips on how to get the best outcome when chalk painting.

From popular brands to homemade recipes, we will cover all the options so you can make an informed decision for your kitchen cabinet makeover.

Again, it’s important to use a high-quality paint if you are considering painting your kitchen cabinets. You’ll need one that sticks well to the surface and can handle the hustle and bustle of a kitchen.

Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel and Benjamin Moore Advance Paint are two awesome choices specially made for cabinets and have a tough, long-lasting finish that can handle all the action.

However, if you are set on using chalk paint for your kitchen cabinets, there are a few brands that stand out in terms of quality and durability, and even a homemade recipe to consider.

We’ll give you tips on using chalk paint on cabinets as well so you can make the most of your painting project.

Remember though, no matter the brand of chalk paint you use, proper prep before painting and a water based polyurethane is crucial to create a durable painted finish on kitchen cabinets.

Now let’s take a look at some of the best chalk paints for kitchen cabinets.

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Country Chic Paint

Country Chic Paint is a top brand of chalk paint that has gained popularity among DIY-ers.

It offers a wide selection of colors and has excellent coverage, making it ideal for painting kitchen cabinets. The low VOC content makes it safe to use, even on children’s furniture. Plus, it dries quickly, saving you time and effort.

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While Country Chic Paint has many pros, there are also a few cons to consider. The limited color options can be a downside for some who want more variety. Getting that brush-free finish may be a bit challenging for beginners.

It also has a matte finish, which can be difficult to keep clean in a high-traffic area like a kitchen. However, applying a topcoat can help increase its durability and make cleaning easier.

Pros

• Wide color selection
• Excellent coverage
• Low VOC content
• Quick drying time
• Safe for children’s furniture

Cons

• Limited color options
• May be difficult to get a brush-free finish for beginners
• Has a matte finish that can be challenging to keep clean in a high-traffic area like a kitchen
• Must topcoat for a durable finish

For a more detailed look at using Country Chic Paint, you can check out our Country Chic Paint review.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

Annie Sloan is one of the most well-known brands of chalk paint and for a good reason. It has been around since 1990 and has a loyal following among DIY-ers.

The range of colors is extensive, with over 40 options to choose from, and it has low VOC content and odor. The paint is easy to work with, requires minimal prep work (if you don’t mind your paint scratching off), and has excellent adhesion and coverage.

But there are also a few downsides to consider. Annie Sloan chalk paint is more expensive than other brands, and the cost can add up if you have a large project like kitchen cabinets. It’s only available in selected stores, so finding it may be challenging for some.

And although the paint dries quickly, it takes a longer time to cure fully, meaning you’ll have to be extra careful with your cabinets for a few weeks while the paint cures.

Pros

• Wide color selection
• Low VOC content and odor
• Easy to work with
• Excellent adhesion and coverage

Cons

• Limited availability in selected stores only
• May be difficult to get a brush-free finish for beginners
• Has a matte finish that can be challenging to keep clean in a high-traffic area like a kitchen
• Must topcoat for a durable finish

If you want to see how Annie Sloan chalk paint looks on furniture, check out our Annie Sloan chalk painted furniture post for inspiration.

Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint

Another great option for chalk paint on kitchen cabinets is the Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint. It also has excellent coverage and adhesion, making it easy to use even for beginners.

And with its water-based and non-toxic formula, it’s a safe choice for those who are sensitive to harsh chemicals.

 Dixie Belle PaintCheck Price on Amazon

 

The ultra-matte finish of Dixie Belle Paint gives off a vintage look that’s perfect for farmhouse or shabby chic style kitchens. However, keep in mind that this finish can be challenging to keep clean in high-traffic areas like the kitchen.

Check out this list of the top 40 Dixie Belle chalk paint furniture makeovers to have more ideas where you can use Dixie Belle chalk paint.

Adding a topcoat with satin or semi-gloss sheen can help increase durability and make cleaning easier. It does have a limited color selection, so if you’re after specific shades, that might be something to consider.

Pros

• Excellent coverage and adhesion
• Water-based and non-toxic formula
• Safe for those sensitive to harsh chemicals
• Self levels the best out of all these options
• Ultra-matte finish perfect for farmhouse or shabby chic style kitchens

Cons

• Ultra-matte finish can be challenging to keep clean in high-traffic areas like the kitchen
• Limited color selection
• Must topcoat for a durable finish

If you’re interested in trying out this brand, check out our Dixie Belle Paint review for more information and tips on using it for your next cabinet makeover project.

Homemade Chalk Paint

Making your own chalk paint is a budget-friendly and customizable option for painting kitchen cabinets. With just a few simple ingredients, including latex paint and calcium carbonate, you can create your own chalk paint in any color you want.

Plus, the quick-drying time allows you to finish the project faster without worrying about waiting for coats to dry.

However, you should note that homemade chalk paint may not have the same level of adhesion as store-bought brands, so properly prepping before painting is even more important.

Overall, homemade chalk paint can be a great option for those on a budget or who want more color options, but it may require some extra effort to get the desired results.

Check out our homemade chalk paint recipe for step-by-step instructions and tips on using it effectively.

Pros

• Budget-friendly option
• Customizable colors
• Quick-drying time

Cons

• May not have the same level of adhesion as store-bought brands
• Ultra-matte finish can be challenging to keep clean in high-traffic areas like the kitchen
• Must topcoat for a durable finish

How to Use Chalk Paint on Cabinets

Using chalk paint on cabinets can be a great way to give your kitchen a fresh new look without the hassle and cost of completely replacing them. But using it correctly, no matter the brand of chalk paint is key for a durable and long-lasting finish.

Preparing Cabinets for Paint

First, grab your electric screwdriver and remove all the hardware from your cabinets. Our trusty Dremel electric screwdriver comes in handy with its long-lasting battery – it’s a real time-saver!

Don’t forget to label each hinge with painter’s tape and a sharpie, so you can easily match them up with the right doors.

Next, thoroughly clean your cabinets with Krud Kutter to remove any grease and grime that may have accumulated. Cleaning before painting is important, especially in kitchen areas where oil and grease can build up on the cabinets.

Use a drill brush attachment for added scrubbing power and rinse off the residue with a clean wet rag. Allow the cabinets to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Prime your cabinets using BIN shellac-based primer, which can even be tinted to a darker color if your paint is darker. This will not only help the chalk paint adhere better but also stop stains from coming through paint.

Don’t skip this step! For the best results, tint the primer to match your chosen color and use a high-quality Mohair roller from Sherwin Williams.

Painting Kitchen Cabinets with Chalk Paint

After priming, it’s time to apply the chalk paint of your choice. Adding around 10% of water to the paint can help it go on smoother without leaving brush marks. You can also use a high quality paint brush to avoid brush marks or opt for a paint sprayer.

If you need some recommendations, here are the best paint brushes for painting and the best HVLP paint sprayers. For this project, the best paint sprayer would be the Wagner FLEXiO paint sprayers.

You can read our Wagner Flexio 5000 paint sprayer review to see why we love it! Paint on 2-4 coats based on the color and coverage you want.

Check out some more of the best paint sprayer for home use here.

Once the paint is dry, lightly sand with 400 grit sandpaper or fine grit foam pads for a smooth finish. This is also the ideal time for distressing if you desire that look.

Use a vacuum hose with brush attachment and tack cloth to remove any dust from sanding before applying your topcoat.

Applying Polycrylic to Chalk Painted Cabinets

After removing the dust, use Varathane water-based polyurethane as a topcoat for added durability. Avoid using wax topcoats, especially on kitchen cabinets that are frequently used and exposed to moisture and heat.

We have tutorials on how to apply polyacrylic and how to spray polyurethane if you need guidance. Let the topcoat dry for 24 hours before reattaching your hardware.

Remember, it’s important to be extra careful with your cabinets for the next 30 days while the paint and topcoat cure.

This applies no matter what type of paint you use, so make sure to handle them gently during this time. With these steps, you can successfully use chalk paint on your cabinets!

Yes, you can definitely tackle painting your kitchen cabinets with chalk paint.

Whether you choose a store-bought brand or opt for making your own chalk paint, following the proper steps for prepping and painting will give you gorgeous, freshly painted kitchen cabinets in your home.

more Furniture Paint Tips

• 10 Best Painted Furniture Colors
• Best Paint For Laminate Furniture
• Is Chalk Paint Durable for Kitchen Table

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