Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets 101

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Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets 101: The choice of paint for kitchen cabinets goes beyond just color. For the ideal look as well as a durable, long-lasting finish that can withstand a busy kitchen’s wear and tear, it’s critical to consider the key factors that give it that professional-grade smooth work.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Paint for Kitchen Cabinets – Stylish Refresh or Just Hype?

When you think about giving your kitchen a fresh look, most of us picture new cabinets, shiny handles, or maybe even a complete remodel. But in countries like the US, Canada, and across Europe, a powerful trend has taken over: painting kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them.

If you’ve been scrolling through home decor blogs, Pinterest boards, or renovation reels lately, you’ve probably noticed it – painted kitchen cabinets are everywhere. Sleek matte blacks, soft sage greens, creamy off-whites, and even bold jewel tones are popping up in kitchens from New York to New Delhi.

What started as a budget-friendly DIY hack quickly became one of the most popular ways to transform kitchens without changing everything from scratch.

As per the people who prefer to paint rather than replace, if there’s one home improvement project that can completely change the look of your kitchen without ripping it apart, it’s painting your kitchen cabinets.

But is this a global design wave sweeping the world, or just another passing Instagram or Pinterest trend? Let’s take a realistic look and see if painted cabinets are actually worth the effort (and the budget).

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Is it really a Global Trend?

Painted kitchen cabinets have been a staple around the world, especially in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and parts of Europe. In fact, in these regions, it’s often one of the first upgrades people consider when giving their kitchen a facelift without replacing cabinetry (or shutters if you’re just doing it for front of the cabinets).

Globally, painted cabinets are appreciated because they:

• Allow for custom color choices beyond standard wood, metallic, or PVC tones.
• Give older kitchens a modern refresh without ripping everything out.
• Fit into many styles – from modern farmhouse to minimalist Scandinavian to heritage-inspired interiors.

The appeal, therefore, is simple – why spend thousands on a new cabinetry when a few coats of durable, high-quality paint can make them look brand new?

As I said, this idea began gaining traction in

However, in India and many Asian countries, the trend hasn’t reached the same level of mainstream popularity yet.

Modular kitchens in India still lean towards laminate, acrylic, membrane, or veneer finishes rather than painted timber or MDF. This is partly due to climate conditions (humidity, termites), partly maintenance concerns, and partly because pre-finished surfaces dominate the market.

Why Painted Kitchen Cabinets are Popular Abroad?

In countries where natural wood cabinetry is common, painting is often seen as a cost-effective alternative to replacing the entire kitchen. Popular benefits include:

• A complete new look at a fraction of the price of a remodel.
• Freedom to experiment with color trends (like navy blue, forest green, or deep charcoal).
• The ability to refresh worn or dated cabinets without changing the kitchen layout.

The Indian Perspective

In India, painted kitchen cabinets are more likely to be seen in:

• Heritage homes with solid wood cabinetry.
• High-end luxury kitchen where premium two-part polyurethane or duco finish are used.
• DIY projects where homeowners paint over existing wood or MDF.

For most modular kitchen owners here, painting is still considered a custom job, often requiring professional help because:

• Indian kitchens deal with more humidity and cooking grease.
• Paint may chip or peel faster if not applied and sealed properly.
• Factory finishes in laminates or acrylics are generally easier to maintain.

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Key Things You Must Know When Painting Kitchen Cabinets

The following are the key things you must know when you’re planning to paint your kitchen cabinetry. We’ll do a quick run over each of these key things for better understanding:

1. Paint Formulation
2. Sheen (Finish)
3. Primer
4. Cabinet Material (Substrate)
5. Cure Time
6. Application Method
7. Cost vs. Quality

Paint Formulation

Different paint bases offer different advantages for you’re kitchen cabinets:

• Hybrid alkyd enamel (waterborne alkyd) – Many pro painters consider this the best option for kitchen cabinets. It goes on easily like a water-based paint, but dries to a tough, smooth finish similar to oil-based enamel. It is self-leveling, scuff-resistant, and easy to clean, making it one of the most durable choices.
• Acrylic latex paint – A favorite among DIYs because it dries fast, has low odor, and cleans up with just soap and water. High-quality acrylic latex can last well, but it’s not as hard or as scuff-resistant as hybrid or oil-based paints.
• Oil-based enamel – Creates a very durable, hard finish that is highly washable. It is the old-school choice for rock-hard durability and washability. The trade-offs? strong odor, slow drying, and a tendency to yellow over time, especially in light colors. Cleanup requires mineral spirits instead of water.

Right Sheen (Finish)

The finish you choose affects both the look and durability of your cabinets. For kitchens, you should always avoid flat or matte finishes, as they are not durable or washable enough.

• Semi-gloss – A leading choice for kitchen cabinets. It provides a subtle sheen that is durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to maintain, without being overly glossy. High-gloss requires more maintenance in the long run.
• Satin – A popular option that provides a soft, low-sheen finish. While it is still durable and easy to clean, it offers slightly less washability than semi-gloss.
• High-gloss – A high-gloss paint finish creates a modern, sleek, and highly polished look. It is the most durable and easiest to clean paint finish, but its reflective nature highlights every imperfection, fingerprint, and scratch, which makes it more difficult to maintain than semi-gloss and satin.

Primer

Using the right primer is critical for ensuring proper paint adhesion, especially on difficult surfaces. Skipping this step often leads to peeling, chipping, and un-even coverage.

• Use a high-quality bonding primer – It is recommended for most cabinets to ensure long-lasting adhesion.
• Oil-based primer for MDF – If your cabinets are medium-density fiberboard (MDF), use an oil-based primer for the first coat. MDF is porous, and a water-based primer can cause the material to swell.
• Shellac-based primer – Use this if you are painting over a difficult surface, like a glossy lacquer finish, or if you need to block stubborn stains. It is ideal for glossy finishes or surfaces with stubborn stains that need to be sealed before painting.

Cabinet Material (Substrate)

The material of your cabinets determines the best preparation steps.

• Solid Wood – Paint adheres well to wood, but it must be properly sanded and primed to create an even surface, ensure good adhesion, and get the best result.
• MDF – Must be sealed with an oil-based formula primer to prevent the wood fibers from swelling.
• Laminate – Needs more prep work than wood. A liquid de-glosser followed by a bonding primer ensures adhesion on the slick laminate surface.

Cure Time

While most paints dry to the touch within hours, achieving full cure and maximum hardness takes significantly longer.

Be patient.

You must wait for the specified time, which can be up to a week or more, before you can start using the cabinets heavily. If you rush the process and start using the cabinets too soon, the risk of chips and scratches will increase, so allowing proper curing time is essential for the longer durability of your cabinet paint.

Application Method

The way you apply paint has a big impact on the final finish of your cabinets. While all methods can work with proper technique, some offer more professional results than others.

• A Sprayer – A paint sprayer delivers the smoothest, factory-like finish with no visible brush strokes. It’s ideal if you have access to one and are comfortable using it.
• Roller and Brush – For most DIY projects, a high-density foam roller works best on large areas. Flat cabinet surfaces, while a quality brush should be reserved for corners, edges, and detailed areas. To minimize marks, use the “roller and tip” technique – roll on the paint, then lightly smooth it out with a brush.

Cost vs. Quality

Cabinets are high-use surfaces that endure constant handling, grease, and cleaning. While budget-friendly paints may look fine at first, they often chip and fade quickly.

Investing in a premium paint designed specifically for cabinetry pays off in the long run, as it resists wear, maintains colors, and reduces the need for frequent touch-ups or a full repaint.

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Paint for Kitchen Cabinet based on Materials Used

Painting kitchen cabinets is a well-established trend in countries like the USA, UK, Australia, and more. If you search “best paint for kitchen cabinets,” these regions dominate the top search volume.

While India isn’t yet in the top 10, the exactly why this is the right time for Indian homeowners to explore it. It’s a proven way to give your kitchen a high-end makeover without spending lakhs on new cabinets.

Globally, kitchen cabinet painting isn’t just about changing colors; it’s about upgrading the kitchen’s entire personality while protecting the wood or laminate surface underneath.

Countries leading this trend often use highly durable, moisture-resistant paints designed to withstand years of cooking, cleaning, and daily wear.

And here’s the good news – many of these top paints are now available for import into India or have local alternatives that come close in quality.

Whether your cabinets are solid wood, MDF, plywood, or laminate, the right paint can give them a flawless finish. The key is choosing the paint type that works best with your material. For example:

• Solid wood and plywood: responded beautifully to oil-based or hybrid paints for that rich, furniture-like finish.
• MDF and Laminate: need specialized adhesion-promoting primers and paints that won’t peel under heat and humidity.

By knowing what’s working around the world, like in the US and UK, you can pick paint for your kitchen cabinets that has already been tested in busy kitchens. You can then adapt them for Indian conditions (think: higher humidity in coastal areas, more oil splatter from cooking, and heavier daily use).

Why These Paints Work So Well Globally

1. Material & Scrub Resistance: Premium cabinet paints are made to withstand constant cleaning without fading or peeling.
2. Moisture & Heat Resistance: Perfect for kitchens where steam, spills, and heat from cooking are daily realities.
3. Self-leveling Formula: Gives that smooth, brush-mark-free finish that looks really professional.
4. Better Color Retention: UV-resistant formulas keep colors vibrant, even in kitchens with a lot of sunlight.
5. Material Compatibility: Designed to adhere strongly to wood, MDF, and even slick laminates when paired with the right primer

List of Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets Depending on Material Type for Indian Homeowners

Paint Name	Type	Finish	Best For (Material)	Why It’s Popular?	Availability in India?	Import Option
1. Benjamin Moore Advance	Waterborne Alkyd (Hybrid)	Satin, Semi-gloss	Solid wood, plywood, MDF	Self-leveling, furniture-like finish, low VOC	No official retail, can import via Amazon Global
2. Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane	Water-based Urethane	Satin, Semi-gloss	Wood, MDF	Exceptional durability, resists yellowing	No direct sale, via import
3. Farrow & Ball Modern Eggshell	Acrylic	Eggshell	Wood, MDF, plywood	Luxurious colors, wipe-clean	No official store, high-end import
4. Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformation Kit	Acrylic + bonding agent	Satin	Wood, MDF, Laminate	All-in-one kit, no sanding needed	Available via Indian Amazon (limited)
5. Nuvo Cabinet Paint	Water-based Acrylic Paint + Primer	Satin, Semi-Gloss	Wood, Laminate, Metal (Built for durability, for high traffic surfaces)	All-in-one kit, no sanding for best result	Yes, It’s in India via Amazon.in and Ubuy	It’s available in India
6. Asian Paints Royale Tuff Enamel	Oil-based enamel	Gloss, Stain	Wood Metal, plywood	Affordable, durable, Indian climate-ready	Yes, it’s in India	It’s available in India
7. Nerolac PU Enamel	Polyurethane Enamel	Gloss, Sem-gloss	Wood, plywood	Heat & moisture-resistant, long-lasting	Yes, it’s in India	It’s available in India
8. Indigo PU Super Gloss Enamel	Oil-modified PU	Gloss	Wood, plywood	Strong adhesion, smooth finish	Yes, it’s in India	It’s available in India

These are the list of paints I have researched and chosen, the list is not limited to just these. People abroad have more options available as compared to Indian citizens because the trend of painting cabinets isn’t widely practiced on a premium level.

NOTE: So whether you’re in India or abroad, the basic types of paints you’ll want to have knowledge of when thinking of painting your kitchen are the following:

• PU paint (Polyurethane paint): Creates a tough, protective barrier ideal for kitchen cabinets, offering high resistance to scratches, stains, and impacts.
• Enamel Paint: A good choice for kitchen cabinets due to its excellent durability and stain resistance, according to professional painter advice.
• Latex Paint: Fast-drying and easy to clean, Latex Paint (specifically water-based acrylic latex) is a durable option for cabinets, especially when choosing washable or scrubbable varieties.

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Key Takeaways for Indian Kitchens

• If you want premium, international-quality results, hybrid paints like Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin-Williams Emerald are unbeatable, but they’ll require importing for Indian buyers so be sure to check the costs for product, delivery and any import charges.
• There is the option of Nuvo Cabinet Paint kit which which specifically made for kitchen cabinets and offers premium finish, it’s available on Amazon and Ubuy, but it will cost you a decent amount, however, those who’ve used the product have only great things to say about it.

If the cost is too high for you then don’t be disheartened, there are other options available in amongst the local sellers as I’ve listed above, and will list more ahead, and if done professionally these are capable of giving just as good results as those abroad.

• For affordable, locally available options, Asian Paints Royale Tuff Enamel or Nerolac PU Enamel can handle Indian cooking conditions while delivering a good finish.

• For laminate cabinets, opt for paints or kits that come with a bonding primer (Rust-Oleum is a top choice).

With the right paint for your kitchen cabinet material and prep work, even older cabinets can look brand new without the expense of replacing them.

Professional vs. DIY Paint for Kitchen Cabinets

Painting cabinets is one of those projects that can be done DIY-style, but whether you should depends on your time, skill, and patience.

Professionals bring experience, equipment, and a flawless finish that’s hard to achieve at home.

• Spray finishes for perfection – pros often use spray guns that give cabinets a smooth, factory-like surface with no visible brush or roller lines.
• Better materials – they have access to high-grade primers, paints, and sealers that are longer-lasting and more resistant to kitchen heat, grease, and humidity.
• Time efficiency – a professional team can prep, paint, and finish in days instead of the weeks a DIY project might take, with a far fewer mistakes.

When DIY makes sense?

Doing it yourself can save money and be rewarding if you have the right materials and are willing to put in the work, and not stress over any mistakes or lack of professional finish.

So, what to consider when planning DIY paint for kitchen cabinets:

• Cabinet material matters: Solid wood and MDF are ideal for DIY painting. Laminate can also be painted, but it needs extra surface prep and special primers to prevent peeling.
• Prep is everything: Successful DIY painting means proper sanding, priming, and sealing the surface before starting the paint. Skipping steps is a not an option because this can lead to chipping and uneven color.
• Finish expectations: Unless you own or rent a spray gun, expect some brush or roller texture. With patience, you can absolutely achieve a beautiful result, so what if it may or may not be a factory finish, but appreciate your hard work, and know that it’s great to start something new and to gain a new skill!

Basic Material Guide Prep for DIY Painting Kitchen Cabinets

• Solid wood works with all cabinet paints. Minimal prep needed if not heavily varnished.
• MDF/HDF works well with alkyd or enamel-based paints; it needs a primer
• Plywood similar to MDF, but ensure sealing edges before painting.
• Laminate needs a special adhesion primer first; it works best with urethane or alkyd enamel paints.
• Metal is rare for kitchen cabinets, but it can be painted with multi-surface enamels.

Some paint brands offer their DIY (do-it-yourself) painting steps for specific types of their paints for furniture. Like Berger Paint’s – IPaint Enamel Paint Kit has its own guide to follow if you want to do a DIY painting project for your furniture, but it might not be best for kitchen cabinets as kitchens are high traffic areas with high moisture and stain likelihoods.

Nuvo Cabnet Paint is the most highly rated DIY online. It is designed for easy application on various surfaces like wood, laminate, and metal cabinets. It’s formulated for durability on high-traffic surfaces. Some variants include “Titanium Infusion” for an ultra-white, satin finish

You can check out these out on Amazon.in: Nuvo Cabinet Paint Kit, DIY Berger IPaint Enamel Kit and Stencils

How to do DIY and get a Professional Smooth Finish? Step by Step Guide

I have done a thorough research by going through online DIY cabinet painting guides by homeowners – who’ve successfully painted their cabinets – to help you understand the step-by-step process for painting kitchen cabinets to get a professional, smooth finish by yourself.

Step 1 – Prepare your workspace & Surface

Proper preparation is the most critical factor for a smooth finish:

• Clear and clean your painting area. First, ensure your workspace is clean and well-ventilated. Lay down a drop cloth to protect the floor and other items. Dust-free environment will lead to a more professional and smoother finish.
• Clean the surface of the cabinets. Clean the surface with a mild detergent and water to remove any dirt, grease, or grime. For unfinished wood, skip this step.
• Remove old finishes. If working with old furniture, use a paint stripper or sand the surface (with sandpaper or a sanding machine) to remove the old finish. This preps the surface holding the primer/ and paint. Also, remove any old hardware.
• Fill imperfections. Use a putty knife to apply wood filler to any dents, holes, or scratches. Once dry, sand these areas smooth. (You can follow along a YouTube guide to better understand how the sanding process works)

Step 2 – Sand surface thoroughly

Sanding is crucial for leveling the surface and ensuring adhesion.

• Gradually increase grit. Start with a coarse-grit sandpaper (80-100 grit) to remove rough spots. Progress to a medium grit (120-150 grit), and finish with a fine grit (180-220 grit). For ultra-smooth results on closed-grain wood like maple, you can go even higher to 320 grit.
• Sand with the grain. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid visible scratches in the final finish.
• Feel for smoothness. First, check with open eyes for any untreated area over the surface, then close your eyes and feel the surface with your hand to find any rough spots you may have missed.
• Use a tack cloth. After sanding, vacuum or brush off all the dust, then use a track cloth to pick up any remaining fine particles. This is a crucial step to prevent dust from getting trapped in the finish.

Step 3 – aPPLY PRIMER (FOR SMOOTH PAINTING)

If you are painting, a good primer is essential for creating a uniform and adhesive base.

• Choose the right primer. Match your primer to the type of paint you are using (e.g., water-based primer for water-based paint). Zinsser Stain-Blocking Primer is a popular choice that adheres well and sands smoothly.
• Apply a thin, even coat. Use a high-quality foam roller for large, flat areas and a good brush for edges and corners to prevent brushstrokes.
• Sand the primer. Once the primer is completely dry, lightly sand it with a very fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit) to remove any imperfections. Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth.

Step 4 – apply thin coats of finish

Whether painting or applying a clear coat, applying multiple thin coats is key to preventing drips and brush marks.

• Choose your application method

1. Paint sprayer – a paint sprayer is a good option to get a professional-smooth finish. It eliminates brush and roller marks. You may need to thin the paint according to the sprayer’s instructions. (But you must know that you’ll need a tarp/plastic-covered area to carry out the spray paint work; otherwise, you’ll be spraying the paint everywhere along with the cabinet. Cover top-bottom-left-right all environment areas.)
2. High-quality foam roller and brush – For a large, flat surfaces, use a foam roller to apply paint and a good-quality angled brush for edges. Use a “roller and tip” method: roll the

• Sand between coats. After each coat of paint or clear finish has dried, lightly sand the entire surface with a fine-grit sanding pad or sandpaper (220-320 grit). This removes any imperfections, dust nibs, or bumps.
• Clean between coats. After sanding, vacuum and wipe the surface with a tack cloth to remove dust before applying the next coat of paint.
• Build the finish. Repeat the process of applying, drying, and sanding between coats until you achieve your desired finish. 2 to 4 paint coats are typically needed for a durable, smooth result.

Step 5 – apply the final coat and protective finish

• Apply the final coat of paint carefully. Do not sand when you’re ready to apply the last coat of paint or clear finish. Apply the paint carefully to avoid bubbles and streaks.

For water-based paints, you can add a paint additive like Floetrol, and if you don’t have Floetrol then you can try substitutes – the best alternative is to use high-quality, self-leveling cabinet and trim enamel (brands like Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel), products from other brands sometimes called “paint extenders” or “conditioners”, serve the same purpose, and another substitute is a tiny amount of water (but try this option with caution and after learning from painters who have successfully tried it).

Floetrol is a latex paint additive that is used as a conditioner (added to paint ) to help make the paint and primer flow smoothly, reduce/ eliminate brush and roller marks, and extend drying time. Floetrol gives latex paints the same flow and leveling as oil-based paints. It should never be used as a paint thinner.

Q Is Floetrol necessary for kitchen cabinet painting?

Floetrol is not strictly necessary these days with new paints being made with properties of Floetrol included in them, but in some cases, it can be useful, especially during DIY painting projects for painters who are new to using brushes and rollers.

So, when you might consider adding Floetrol to your paint:

• Floetrol has advantages and disadvantages. The main benefits are its ability to extend the drying time of water-based paint, allowing it to level out and smooth any application marks. This is useful for achieving a spray-like finish without a sprayer.
• For large surface areas or warm conditions. If you’re painting in a high-heat area or a place with low humidity, the paint can dry too quickly, leading to visible brush marks as you paint the strokes. Floetrol gives you more time to work with the paint even in such conditions.
• For spray application. Adding Floetrol to water-based paint can make it spray more easily, reduce tip clogging, and lessen wear and tear on your equipment.

When Not to Use it:

• When using oil-based paints. Floetrol is specifically for water-based paints (latex, acrylic, vinyl). You must use a different conditioner for oil-based paints.
• With high-quality self-leveling paints. Modern cabinet-specific paints, such as Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, are designed to level well on their own. Adding Floetrol may improve the finish and could thin the paint too much.
• For high-gloss finishes. Floetrol can slightly reduce the sheen of high-gloss paints if you use too much.

• Use a protective topcoat. For high-traffic surfaces like kitchen cabinets or tabletops, a sealant or topcoat will protect your work. Water-based polyurethane or sealing wax are common options. Apply the topcoat in thin, even layers.

• Buff the final finish (for wooden surfaces). For a silky-smooth wood finish, you can buff the final dried clear coat with a crumpled piece of craft paper. This will knock off any remaining tiny specks of dust.

• Allow for proper curing. Be patient and let the finish curing completely. While it may feel dry to the touch in hours, it can take 1-2 weeks or longer for the paint topcoat to fully harden and be ready for heavy use.

Bottom Line:

If you want a fast, flawless, and highly durable finish then go pro.

If you’re working with a smaller budget, have some painting experience, and are ready for a weekend (or two) of work, then DIY can be a satisfying project! And honestly, I, myself, have been researching the DIY process for painting kitchen cabinets as well as old furniture. It’s interesting, and I love painting.

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Pros & Cons of Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Painting kitchen cabinets is one the fastest and most cost-effective ways to change the feel of your kitchen but like anything, it has its advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

1. Quick Kitchen Transformation

A fresh coat of paint can make your kitchen feel brand new without the expense or hassle of replacing cabinets.

Whether you’re brightening up with a timeless, versatile white or bold with navy blue, or keeping it soft with sage green. The change is faster than pulling apart everything. It is generally immediate and dramatic.

2. Fully customizable colors

Unlike buying pre-finished cabinets, you’re not stuck with whatever’s in the store or is available in stock. You can match the exact tone you want, even mix custom shades to match your walls, backsplash (wall area between the counter and the upper cabinets), or counter tops.

You can also play with two-tone looks (darker lowers, and brighter upper shutters) or add accent colors to an island.

A kitchen island is an extra countertop/freestanding piece of cabinet usually located in the center of a kitchen, but accessible from all sides. It’s a like a standalone piece of furniture that’s not attached to any wall or other counters/cabinets.

3. More environmentally friendly than a full replacement

Keeping your existing cabinets from looking old and worn out on a budget is a big plus of this interior method. Instead of tearing out perfectly functional cabinets, you’re simply giving a new life to your cabinets.

This method is also considered eco-friendly because it helps save trees, energy, and materials that would be used to make new cabinets.

Cons

1. Over time, paint can chip, scratch, or fade, and can become hard to clean depending on the type of paint used or the heavy use of the kitchen area.

Kitchen cabinets endure a lot of daily use and abuse—opening, closing, shutting, bumping with utensils or dishes, and the constant moisture in the air, especially in heavy-use kitchens like those in India.

Even the best paint job will eventually show signs of wear, again, especially in near handles and high-traffic areas like in India.

2. Proper prep is non-negotiable

Painting cabinets isn’t just about brushing on color; it’s about the prep work.

Skipping even any of the following steps will result in a paint distaster:

• Sanding
• Priming
• Cleaning of grease off surfaces (if there’s grease on the cabinets) is a shortcut to peeling and uneven paint

Prep before paint on the cabinet and furniture is 70% of the job.

3. Finish type comes with trade-offs

• Gloss and Semi-Glass: Beautiful, light reflective, and easy to wipe clean, but they’ll show every fingerprint, smudge, and scratch.

• Matte and Eggshell: Soft, elegant, and better at hiding imperfections, but more prone to staining and harder to clean if grease splatters.

Painting kitchen cabinets is absolutely worth it for many kitchens, but not all kitchens, because paint for kitchen cabinets is not a magical bullet. If you go in knowing the advantages and limitations, you’ll like the results and will make it last longer.

Paint Type, Brand & Cost Estimation

We’ve discussed that different paints suit different cabinet materials and kitchen conditions, but we must never forget to keep a check on our budget while planning such projects.

Though it is wise to use the best to have a good, long-lasting result, it is also wise to pick the best we can get, depending on our purchasing power. We shouldn’t cross our budget limits if we’re doing any such projects for the first time.

Whenever you’re trying something new, always go for the next best if you’re on a tight budget. Don’t spend a big amount or go for the cheaper option; either way, you’ll end up regretting your choice if the result isn’t what you expected, and you’re stuck with it for a long time.

It’s wise to first test the waters with something good enough, so what if it’s not the bestest or the cheapest? It’ll be good enough to make you more knowledgeable without much regret.

Here’s a Quick Review of What Works Best with Different Materials:

Paint Type	Best For	Durability	Finish Options	Why it works for kitchen
Acrylic Latex Paint	Wood, MDF, Laminate (With primer)	High	Matte, Satin, Semi-gloss, gloss	Water-based, low VOC, easy to clean, resists
Oil-Based Paint	Wood, MDF	Very high	Satin, Semi-gloss, gloss	Ultra-smooth finish, durable against scrubbing, great for heavy-use kitchens
Alkyd Paint (Waterborne)	Wood, MDF, Laminate	High	Semi-gloss, gloss	Oil-like durability with water clean up ideal for global buyers looking for low fumes
Specialty Cabinet Paint	Wood, MDF, Metal	Very high	Satin, Semi-gloss	Pre-formulated for adhesion & durability, less prep needed

Now let us see the paint for kitchen cabinets available in the Indian market and how much it will cost us per liter. Keep in mind that calculating the area before purchasing the paint is A Must. Don’t go in blindly and just buy a one or two buckets just on assumption. Be wise. Get the area measured, ask how many coats it will take to get the look you want, do a small test run before getting a large quantity.

Paint Brand, Product Features & Cost Estimation Table

Paint Brand & Type	Relevant Product	Features	Price Estimate in India Per Liter
Nuvo Cabinet Paint (highly rated DIY paint)	Nuvo Cabinet Paint Kit	Built for high traffic daily use kitchen, easy DIY, applicable on all surfaces	₹14,000 – ₹17,000 (for kit covering 100 sq ft)
	Dulux EasyCare Washable Paint	Stain-repellent, easy to clean	₹1,600–₹1,800
Asian Paints	Asian Paint Royale Aspira	Anti-fungal, high washability	₹1,500–₹1,700
	Asian Paints Woodtech Melamyne	Glossy, Premium wood finish	₹280 – ₹400
Berger Paint	Berger Easy Clean	Budget-friendly, washable, and also do it yourself with IPaint Kit	₹650–₹850
	Berger Imperia	Luxury Polyurethane, Imperia Gold Emulsion	₹82 – ₹1283
	Berger Woodkeeper Melamine	24 Carat Paint, Interior Paint	₹340 – ₹400
Nippon Paints	Nippon Cleartone PU Wood Finish	Satin finish, smooth	₹1,200–₹1,400
	Nippon Wood Magic	24 Carat Paint, Interior Paint	₹380
Benjamin Moore Advance (imported)	Advance Interior Paint	Premium enamel-like finish in 3 finish types satin, semi-gloss, & high-gloss	₹6,500–₹8,000 per gallon
Sherwin-Williams Emerald (imported)	Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex Paint	Ultra-durable, washable, has 3 finish types Flat, Matte & Satin	₹7,000–₹9,000 per gallon
Nerolac Paints	Wonderword 2K PU	Interior, Exterior (weather resistant, light fastness, non-yellowing)	₹500 – ₹1000
Sirca Paints India	Sirca Wood Coating PU finish	Glossy, Matte	₹315 – ₹650
Indigo Paints	Wood Finish Catalogues	Wooden Finish	₹337 – ₹955

Prices vary by seller, region, and seasonal offer, volume purchased, specific shade, and finish chosen. It’s recommended to contact retailers or manufacturers directly for the most current pricing information.

• Nuvo Cabinet Paint is primarily available in India through online retail platforms like Ubuy and Amazon. It’s generally sold as a kit that includes the paint, rollers, brushes, and instructions, catering to DIY homeowners who want to paint the cabinets themselves.
• Based on online listings, Benjamin Moore Advance Satin paint can be found for around ₹17,799 on Ubuy India. However, this price is likely for a larger quantity (likely a gallon) and might not include import duties or taxes. It’s important to factor in shipping and potential customs charges for imported paints. 
• On the other hand, Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex Paint in a satin finish can be found for around ₹1,300 per liter on Tradeindia. However, minimum order quantities may apply. It’s recommended to contact authorized dealers for pricing on specific products and quantities.

Important considerations for imported paints:

• Availability and Shipping: Ensure the specific product and shade you need are readily available for import and factor in shipping timeframes.
• Cost: Imported paints are generally more expensive than locally manufactured options due to shipping costs, import duties, and taxes.
• Professional Application: These paints often perform best when applied by experienced professionals who understand their unique properties and application requirements.
• Color Matching: If you need to precisely match colors, it might be challenging with imported paints compared to readily available local brands. 

Where to Buy Paint for Kitchen Cabinet in India and Abroad

In India

• Amazon India – Cabinet Paints Buy Now
• Asian Paint (available in local stores, official websites as well as other retail platforms in India)
• Nerolac Paint (available in local stores, official websites as well as other retail platforms in India)
• Berger Paint (available in local stores, official websites as well as other retail platforms in India)
• Nippon Paint (available in local stores, official websites as well as other retail platforms in India)
• Rust-Oleum Products (buy via Amazon India if you’re searching online) Buy Now

Abroad (and for Import)

• First visit local wholesale and retail stores
• Amazon Global (ships to India)
• US retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s (with freight forwarding)
• Directions from paint brand websites for local as well as international deliveries, but do check for quantity requirements/ international shipping charges

Quick Buying Tips

• Always buy extra paint for touch-ups
• Use a bonding primer if painting laminate or slick surfaces
• Choose semi-gloss or satin for the kitchen; they resist stains and wipe clean easily
• For small kitchens, light shades make the space look bigger
• If importing, check shipping restrictions for paints

References

1. “Why painting cabinet is so popular” by Jonedec.com
2. “Should you paint your kitchen cabinets during winter?“ by Jonedec.com
3. “Best paint for kitchen cabinets (Professional Finish)” by thefullheartedhome.com
4. “20 Kitchen design trends you’ll see everywhere in 2025, according to experts” by housebeautiful.com
5. “Floetrol” working in latest paints discussion at Reddit.com
6. “Best Floetrol substitutes: pouring mediums that work” by loveacrylicpainting.com
7. “Guide to best materials & finishes for modular kitchens in India“ by Kuche7.com
8. “Carpenter has you confused? help is here“ by Livspace.com
9. “Membrane finish kitchen: a smart choice or not? let’s find out!” by Thegreenfirtune.com

FAQ