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The Best Paints for Cabinets in Your Kitchen (2023)

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Looking to paint your kitchen cabinets but not sure which paint to use? You’re in the right place. If you’re short on time I’ll give you my top pick now. Just remember, while some paints are better than others for your kitchen cabinents, it really does come down to preference.

Overall Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets

My top pick for cabinets overall is Rust Oleum Milk Paint. The reason for choosing milk paint is it’s durability and the fact it has great coverage, while still having that chalky looking finish. Now, this isn’t for everyone because you may want a differnet look. I highly recommend you read the rest of this post to see what would be best for you.

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Why Using the Best Cabinet Paint is Important

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a great way to change the style of your kitchen. You can make outdated cabinets look sleek and modern, or transform plain cabinets into striking focal points. Cabinet painting is a major job, and not using the best paint or taking the time to do it correctly can lead to some awful results.

Several years ago, my husband and I were house hunting. At that time, many of the homes we looked at were being sold by “flippers”. These were usually older homes that someone bought & remodeled; hoping to “flip” them for a profit. Most of these homes had some kind of remodeling done in the kitchen.

Many of these remodeled kitchens turned out beautifully, but there were more than a few that had badly painted cabinets and doors.

There’s just no other way to describe it; they were bad. From a distance, it wasn’t really noticeable, but if you looked closely you could see plenty of mistakes. It was enough to turn us off as potential home buyers.

I remember noticing cabinets that had uneven paint coverage, small paint spots on the wall and inside edges where it hadn’t been taped properly, and in one case…a hair that had been painted over!  It was obvious some of the paint jobs had been done hastily, as the latex paint was lifting up on some edges, or had teeny bubbles in some corners.

Using the right paint and proper techniques is so important. There’s a saying that the kitchen is the heart of any home. If that’s so, the kitchen should be taken care of in the best possible way, even if that simply means picking out the best paint for a cabinet makeover.

Important Things to Consider When Picking The Best Brand of Paint for Your Kitchen Cabinets

When trying to decide which brand of paint you should use for your kitchen cabinet transformation, you should keep a few key things in mind.

First, make sure that the paint you like is suitable for kitchen cabinets. Many brands make paints that are specifically for cabinets and doors.

You should also compare the prices of different paint brands. A gallon of paint in similar colors can vary widely in what it will cost you, depending on the brand. Paints branded by famous home designers will undoubtedly cost more, but a mass-produced brand might do the job for you just as well. 

Finally, read online reviews when deciding which brand of paint to choose. I really can’t stress this enough.

Even if, at first glance, a particular paint has a lot of five-star ratings, browse through the less-than-favorable reviews, too.

If you notice that many users are having similar issues with the product, don’t rush to buy it right away. It’s also good to look at reviews on multiple websites such as Amazon, Google, and the paint manufacturers’ websites.

What is the Best Type of Paint for Cabinets?

Some types of paints are much better suited for cabinets than others. You want to be sure that your paint will hold up to lots of touching/movement, will be resistant to dirt and stains, and will be easy to clean. Paints that are formulated with built-in primer are a good choice, although in some instances you might want to use a separate primer anyway.

Here are brief descriptions of the types of paint you might find, and how well they’ll work for your kitchen cabinets.

Oil-Based Paints

Oil-based paints are durable, and the colors look rich and vibrant when the paint dries. They come in just about any color you can imagine, and are fairly resistant to dirt and stains.

However, there are some significant drawbacks to oil-based paints. They take a really long time to dry.

Waiting for the paint to dry between coats could add a couple of days to your painting projects. Oil paints also have a high amount of VOC (volatile organic compounds).

This means it is imperative that you have good ventilation in the room while you’re painting, and you should absolutely wear a filtered mask while painting. Unfortunately, the “new paint” smell of oil paints can take a week or more to go away.

Lastly, oil-based paints need to be cleaned up from your tools/work area with mineral spirits, and leftover paint is considered a hazardous material and needs to be disposed of properly.

Latex Paints

Latex paints are acrylic pigments in water-based paint. Latex is the most common type of paint you’ll find for any interior painting project.

The colors and finish are comparable to oil-based paints. The biggest difference between latex and oil-based paints is the drying time.

Latex paint dries pretty fast. In fact, it can seem like it dries almost too fast; making it difficult to get the paint applied perfectly smooth without streaks or uneven spots. Usually, this can be remedied with a second coat of paint, though. 

Latex paints have a much lower VOC content, so they don’t smell as strong as oil-based paints. You’ll still need to have good ventilation in your workspace, but the paint odor won’t linger much once the paint is completely dried.

Hybrid Alkyd Enamel Paint

Somewhat new to the world of home renovations, hybrid alkyd enamel paints bring the advantages of both oil-based and latex paints together.

Hybrid alkyd paints are water-based (like latex paint) but still contain alkyd resins (like oil-based paint). The result is a type of paint with the rich colors and durability of oil paints, but that dries quickly and has low VOC levels like latex paint.

Hybrid Alkyd paint also cleans up easily with soap and water and is virtually odorless. The durability makes this type of paint an excellent choice for kitchen cabinets, trim, and doors.

Chalk Paint

There are quite a lot of opinions about whether or not chalk paint is a good choice for kitchen cabinets. The matte finish and soft colors of chalk paint look absolutely gorgeous if your kitchen has a “farmhouse” or “country chic” style. Personally this is my favorite type of look.

Because chalk paint is a fairly thick paint, it can produce better coverage with few coats.

However, there are a few downsides to using chalk paint on your cabinets. Most importantly, chalk paint is prone to chipping.

That’s perfect for furniture that you want to have a distressed appearance, but it’s not a good idea for kitchen cabinets. Also, the matte finish of chalk paint will absorb any crumbs, dust, or grease from your normal kitchen use. 

For these reasons, it is absolutely necessary to finish chalk-painted cabinets with a coat or two of wax sealant. Your cabinets will have a slight sheen but will be much better protected. Eventually, you’ll have to touch up the wax sealant to keep your cabinets looking as good as they did when you first painted them.

Milk Paint

Milk paint will give you a smooth matte finish similar to chalk paint, but it’s a more durable choice for kitchen cabinets. I’ve written a full blog post covering milk paint vs chalk paint.

You can find milk paint in colors very similar to chalk paint colors, but the finish has a very slight satiny sheen to it.

This makes it a good choice for surfaces like cabinet doors, which will need frequent cleaning. Even though it is known to be a strong, long-lasting paint, you will still need to apply a protective top coat once your painted cabinets are fully dry.

Milk paint is sold in powder form and then you mix it with water to achieve the desired consistency. You need to be sure it is free of lumps after mixing to get a perfectly smooth finish.

While milk paint is known to be durable, it can still be a little bit prone to chipping on anything that will be touched or moved frequently. You can prevent chipping and scuffing by mixing in a bonding agent to make the paint more adhesive and long-lasting.

Milk paint can be a good value since you can mix the powdered form in just the quantity you need for your project. It’s practically odorless and cleans up easily with just mild soap and water.

Which Paints Have the Best Coverage?

If you’re looking for a smooth, opaque coverage for your cabinets you’ll get the best results with latex or hybrid alkyd paints. Both of these paints will dry with vibrant colors and a smooth finish if applied carefully.

Of these two, the hybrid alkyd paint is easier to get an even finish in just one or two coats. Latex paint will need at least two coats to achieve an even appearance.

Another great option is any paint that is a “paint and primer” formula. You can find these from most major latex paint brands. In some cases, you might still want to do a primer coat, but the paint-and-primer formulas do a great job of providing even full coverage. 

Do You Need a Special Paint for Wood Kitchen Cabinets?

Any of the types of paint already described in this article will work just fine on wood cabinets, whether they’ve been painted before or not.

You don’t need any special paint for your wood cabinets, but you might need to do a little bit of extra prep work to get the best results.

Wood cabinets are likely to have a light varnish or polyurethane top coat. In order for the paint to adhere evenly, you should clean the cabinets thoroughly and then lightly sand the top coat.

You don’t need to sand completely down to bare wood. The sanded surface is simply so the paint will be able to “grip” onto your cabinets. 

Can You Make Old Cabinets Look Modern?

Updating old cabinets is one of the most striking ways to make your kitchen look modern and stylish.

Changing the color of your kitchen cabinets is a simple way to update their look. This is especially true in older homes.

Even what was once a bright white paint job can appear yellowed and dingy over time. Kitchen cabinets that are still painted avocado green or sunny yellow (all the rage several decades ago!) can look brand new simply by changing the color to something more modern.

Muted shades, earthy colors, classic whites, and soft gray tones are all very popular colors for kitchen decor right now. Glossy finish paints look good if your kitchen has modern stainless steel appliances. The shiny finish will give your kitchen a contemporary designer look.

The other way to make your older cabinets look brand new is to change the hardware. This is an easy fix, but once it’s done you will be amazed at how it transforms the overall look of your kitchen.

Opt for sleek, minimalist hardware designs for the most contemporary style. Hidden hinges, as opposed to visible or ornate styles, are also a good way to update the look of your cabinets.

Can You Make New Cabinets Look Rustic?

Transforming new cabinets to have a rustic, or antiqued appearance is an easy and fun way to change the look of your kitchen.

Changing the paint color to a soft, lighter shade is a great way to get that “farmhouse” style that is so popular right now. Many paint brands even offer shades that are marketed as “farmhouse” or “country”.

Soft pastel hues and creamy shades of white are perfect to get a rustic aesthetic in your kitchen.

Painting your cabinets with chalk paint or milk paint, then sanding lightly for a “distressed” look can add a rustic appeal. However, you should only do very light distressing for anything in your kitchen, and you’ll definitely need to have a strong protective top coat over your paint.

Choose a top coat with a satin finish to keep your cabinets protected while preserving as much of the matte finish as possible.

Switching out your cabinet hardware is an easy way to transform your modern kitchen. Look for hardware that has a brushed or satin finish as opposed to anything shiny.

Oil-rubbed bronze, antiqued brass, and brushed nickel hinges and handles all have an attractive antique appearance. There are even companies that sell reproductions of antique hardware, right down to matching screws.

To complete the look, you could change your kitchen sink fixtures to match the new cabinet hardware.

How Much Money Do You Save By Painting Cabinets Yourself Instead of Hiring Someone?

Repainting kitchen cabinets sounds like it should be a simple DIY job. Unfortunately, that just isn’t the case.

It’s time-consuming and isn’t something that can be done by yourself over a long weekend. Realistically, prepping and painting your cabinets can take up to a week before your kitchen is fully usable again.

You can save a lot of time by hiring professionals to paint your cabinets, but it will cost considerably more.

On average, the cost of having kitchen cabinets repainted can range from $900 to $1500, depending on the material costs, the size of your kitchen, the number of cabinets, and how much prep/minor repair work needs to be done.

If you decide to tackle the job yourself, you can spend as much as $150 to $500 on paint and supplies.

This, of course, depends on the price of the paint you choose, how much you need, and what additional supplies you need to purchase.

So you can conceivably cut the cost of your kitchen cabinet painting by half (or maybe more) by doing it yourself. However, when you hire professionals you will have the job done in much less time, and it will be done properly.

Kitchen cabinets that are painted professionally can last decades without needing much more attention than regular cleaning.

Best Paint Finish For Kitchen Cabinets

Another consideration when choosing paint for your kitchen cabinets is deciding what type of finish will be the best choice.

Gloss or semi-gloss finishes are really optimal for any painted surface in the kitchen. The glossy finish helps to repel dirt and makes the painted surface easy to clean.

Although they look great, matte finishes aren’t always the best choice for the kitchen. That doesn’t mean you can’t use chalk paint or milk paint on your cabinets; you’ll just have to apply a protective top coat of wax or polyurethane.

The top coat will have a soft satiny sheen, so the paint won’t have the velvety matte look that these paints are known for.

Without the top coat, dirt, crumbs, and kitchen grease will stick to the paint, and it won’t be easy to clean without scuffing or chipping the paint.

Best DIY-Friendly Cabinet Paint

Beyond Paint Furniture, Cabinets and More All-in-One is one of the most “user-friendly” paints on the market. It’s perfect for anyone who is a beginner at home painting.

The product description states there is no sanding or priming needed with this paint. It comes in a variety of colors that are perfect for any style of kitchen. It’s a thick paint that applies easily with a roller and dries to a smooth, semi-glossy finish.

User reviews indicate that it lives up to the boast of needing little to no prep work, with a high rate of satisfaction.

The Best Oil-Based Paint For Cabinets

Rust-Oleum Protective Enamel is an oil-based paint that is a great choice for almost any home painting project.

The colors are rich and vibrant, and they look fresh and glossy after the paint is dry. Even though this is an oil-based paint, it has a relatively quick drying time of 3 to 4 hours.

Rust-Oleum is known for being one of the most durable home paints on the market, which makes it a good option for high-touch areas such as kitchen cabinets.

The Best Chalk Paint for Cabinets

Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint is available in a variety of contemporary colors at a budget-friendly price.

It applies easily with a brush or roller and dries to the touch in approximately 30 minutes. The final appearance is a velvety matte finish. You can read more about the best chalk paint brushes here.

Like any chalk-style paint, you will need to apply a protective top coat if using this on kitchen cabinets. You can seal this with a wax coating or with the Rust-Oleum brand clear top coat. I wrote a whole post about the best chalk paint waxes here.

Rust-Oleum produces a matte finish clear top coat, but a semi-gloss or satin finish will be easier to keep clean in the kitchen. You can read more about the best chalk paints here.

The Best Milk Paint for Cabinets

Old Fashioned Milk Paint Powder is an excellent choice if you want a rustic or farmhouse look for your kitchen. This powdered paint can be used as a semi-transparent wash (with one coat), or as a full matte finish paint (with two to three coats).

The colors are rich and won’t fade over time. Old Fashioned Milk Paint also produces a bonding agent that can be mixed in, to add more durability and adhesion to this paint. One of the nice features of any milk paint is that it is non-toxic and virtually odorless.

Like chalk paint, you will need to apply a protective top coat over this paint for the best results. It’s also important to mix the paint powder thoroughly and let it sit for a few minutes before painting to minimize bubbles in the paint.

The Best Paint and Primer for Kitchen Cabinets

Prestige Interior Paint and Primer is available in over 40 colors. These neutral shades are perfect for modern kitchen designs.

The semi-gloss finish allows for easy cleaning and keeps the paint looking fresh. This is an acrylic latex that has a low VOC content, so there is very little odor and it cleans up easily with soap and water. 

Best Kitchen Cabinet Paint From Sherwin Williams

For a professional-looking finish to your painted cabinets, you can’t go wrong with Sherwin Williams’ ProClassic Waterborne Interior Acrylic Enamel.

It is available in high-gloss, gloss, semi-gloss, and satin finishes, and you can get any of the Sherwin Williams paint colors.

This is a thicker paint that is formulated to stand up to heavy-use surfaces. It goes on smoothly with either a brush or roller and dries to show no brush marks at all. It is important to use a primer coat with this paint for the absolute best results.

The Best White Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets

Classic white cabinets look great in any kitchen decorating style. Picking out white paint can be trickier than you might think, though! Basically, whites can be “neutral”, “cool”, or “warm”. 

The neutral, or true whites will be the most “white”. They’re bright, reflective, and probably best suited to modern decor.

Cool whites have undertones of blue, gray, or even greenish hues. You don’t really notice the undertones, but they’ll look best in a kitchen with cooler complimentary colors.

Warm whites will have undertones of yellow, pink, or even pale orange. You have to be careful if you choose a warm white paint color because it can look yellow very easily.

Paints described as “off-white” or “cream” usually have warm undertones.

Here are a few popular white paints that are suitable for kitchen cabinets:

Sherwin Williams Alabaster White-Best Warm White

This paint has warm undertones of pale yellow and gray. It’s a lovely soft shade that looks especially pretty in natural light. Be aware that fluorescent lighting does bring out the yellowish tones in this paint.

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White-Best Cool White

This cool white is a favorite with interior designers as well as DIY home painters. This is almost a pure white, with very subtle cool undertones that look beautiful in any light.

It always looks crisp and modern and has absolutely no yellowish cast to it.

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White-Best True White

This absolutely bright white paint is probably the closest you can buy to a pure white. It has an LRV (light reflective value) of 95, which means that it is so bright it can reflect 95% of light off of its surface.

With decorative light fixtures and even candles, this can produce some dramatic light effects in your kitchen. While this true white paint looks bright and clean, it looks best in a kitchen that has some touches of color in it as well.

Without touches of color to accent the room, using this paint could make your kitchen look a little bit sterile.

Top Techniques for Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Now that you’ve read through some suggestions on the best types of paint, you’re probably wondering how to get started! Using a good technique is just as important as choosing the best paint for the job.

The first thing you need to do is make sure your cabinets are clean and dry. Then you should give them a light sanding, and clean them again to get rid of any sanded dust.

A primer coat is a good idea at this point, even if the paint you’re using is the kind that is described as “paint and primer in one”.

Once your primer coat is dry, you’re ready to apply your first coat of paint. Brushing with a 2.5-inch fine bristle brush will give you great results.

If you prefer using a roller, you’ll have better control with a mini roller than with a full-size one. Apply your first coat all over, then leave it to dry fully. Even if it feels dry to the touch after a couple of hours, it’s best to let it dry fully for several hours to overnight.

Then, you’ll want to sand it very lightly before applying a second coat and possibly a third coat. Thin coats of paint are better than thick coats. The thinner layers will provide a stronger, more long-lasting bond.

If you’re applying a protective sealant coat, be sure your paint is absolutely dry before you apply. In fact, making sure you allow enough drying time at all steps of your painting is crucial to achieving a professional look.

The last technique that should be mentioned is using a paint sprayer. This can make the job of actually painting go quickly, but it does require quite a bit of prep work to protect everything from any overspray.

If you opt to give a paint sprayer a try, be sure to wear goggles and a face mask for your own safety.

Make sure your kitchen and/or workspace are well-ventilated, especially if you’re working with oil-based paints.

How to Get a Smooth Finish When Painting Kitchen Cabinets

If your goal is to have a perfectly smooth finish, there are a couple of tricks that can help you achieve this.

The first tip to getting that beautifully smooth look on your cabinets is sanding. You’ll want to sand lightly with 220-grit sandpaper before applying your primer.

Then, you’ll want to lightly sand with your 220-grit between each layer of primer, paint, and top coat. This helps each layer adhere perfectly and level out to a smooth appearance. Be sure to lightly clean up any dust after sanding, so you’re not painting the dust into your surface!

The next tip for a smooth look is to use a foam paint roller. Foam rollers spread paint with almost no texture in the finished project.

You’ll probably still need to use a small brush for tight areas, but a 4-inch foam roller will make the job go quickly and give you great results. 

How to Paint Over Oak Cabinets White Without The Grain Showing

Oak cabinets are lovely if you want the look of natural wood grain and color. They’re also very sturdy. If you are considering painting over oak cabinets and don’t want the appearance or texture of the wood grain to show, you’ll need to take a couple of extra steps.

First, you’ll need to sand and fill in that wood grain. The grain on oak is deeper than a lot of other hardwoods.

You should use a medium sandpaper, and sand in the direction of the woodgrain using even pressure. Use a damp cloth to clean up any sanding dust before the next step.

Next, you’ll need some wood putty and a spackle spatula. Apply a very thin coat of the wood putty on the cabinet, and spread it over the surface.

You’re trying to just fill in the grain so you’ll have an even surface all over. Use the spatula to spread it evenly. You can sand any uneven spots after it is fully dry, but it will be easier if you can get it even while the putty is still wet.

Let this dry overnight, then get your light sandpaper and give it a light sanding again. You’ll need to wipe up any sanding dust again, of course.

The final step before painting is to apply one or two primer coats. The coats will act as a final barrier to prevent the wood grain from showing, as well as help your paint to adhere evenly.

Be sure to allow plenty of drying time between your primer coats, then you’re (finally) ready to paint your oak cabinets.

How Much Paint do You Need for a Cabinet?

Many paint manufacturers will have an estimate on the paint can that will tell you how many square feet the container of paint will cover.

As a general rule, one gallon of paint should cover 350 square feet, which is approximately enough to paint a bathroom or small room.

Two gallons of paint is considered enough for an “average” home painting project and should cover approximately 800 square feet. If you keep that in mind, a gallon of paint should be enough to paint your kitchen cabinets with multiple coats. 

How To Prep Cabinets To Be Painted?

There’s no easy way to say this: painting kitchen cabinets requires a lot of prep work! Not just prepping the cabinets, but also prepping your entire kitchen.

Before you even get started, you’ll need to remove everything from your kitchen countertops. You might want to move any furniture out of the kitchen also.

Cover your countertops, appliances, and floor with heavy paper or plastic sheeting.

Remove any curtains from nearby windows, and cover the windows with plastic. If you’re going to use a paint sprayer, you should hand some plastic sheeting to block off the entrance to the kitchen.

It’s easier to paint cabinet doors if you remove them from the cabinet boxes. Be sure to organize the hardware in small containers or plastic bags, and label them in a way that makes sense to you.

Now it’s time to clean! You’ll need to scrub the doors and outside surfaces of the cabinet boxes on the wall with soap and water.

Kitchen cabinets are going to pick up dirt, grease, and dust from daily use. You don’t want to paint over even tiny amounts of dirt, so making sure they’re spotlessly clean will help make your cabinets look wonderful.

Finally, it’s time to begin taping/masking off so you can get started with the paint!

How To Tape Cabinets To Be Painted

Personally, I find taping to be the most tedious part of any home painting project. But, I also know that taking the time to carefully tape off before painting can make the difference between a professional-looking job, and a less-than-wonderful-looking job!

In addition to masking tape, you’ll need some heavy brown paper. You can usually find rolls of it at most home improvement stores, as well as online. Tape several inches of the paper to the walls and ceiling all around the cabinet boxes.

You’ll also need to tape along the interior edge of the cabinets. Take your time and be sure to get the tape and paper right up to the edge of the cabinets.

It’s not the most fun part of the job, but doing it correctly will save you from doing unnecessary touch-ups and cleaning later.

If you’re going to use a paint sprayer, you should tape a sheet of plastic across the open cabinet boxes so you don’t get paint inside.

You should also tape the paper over the backsplash, countertops, floors, and most of the walls to avoid getting any overspray on them.

Wrapping Up on The Best Kitchen Cabinet Paints

Painting your cabinets is a great way to dramatically transform your kitchen. With the right paint, you can create a cozy “farmhouse chic” space or a crisp modern one.

It’s a big undertaking to try yourself, so doing some research on what paint you should use is worth the time. It’s also important to remember that a great paint job starts with great prep work, and kitchen cabinets take a lot of preparation.

In the end, though, you can have a stunning kitchen that reflects your personality and style. 

Milk Paint vs Chalk Paint – What’s the Difference?

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Milk paint and chalk paint seem very similar and it can be hard to tell the difference. I’m going to clear this up for you in the quickest way possible and also provide some more in-depth information for you.

If you’re a fan of the “farmhouse” or “country chic” home decor styles like me, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the trend of refinishing furniture and home accessories with colorful matte finish paints.

Chalk paint and milk paint are the two most popular products to achieve this look. One may be better than the other depending on what you’re painting. The best paint for cabinets may be different than the best paint for furniture.

Have you wondered what the difference is between these two paint products? They’re very similar but have some significant differences. 

Key Takeaways:

Chalk paint and milk paint are very similar but with a few key differences. However, milk paint can leave brush strokes and add texture. Chalk paint is thicker and covers textured surfaces better. Use milk paint if you want the outcome to look aged or rustic because it keeps textures. The brand I recommend is Rust-Oleum Milk Paint.

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What Is Milk Paint?

Modern milk paint is still made with milk protein (casein). It is sold in a powdered form, instead of a ready-to-use liquid. To use it, you’ll need to mix the powder with an equal amount of water.

Then, you need to let the paint sit for a few minutes to allow any bubbles to dissolve. Freshly mixed milk paint might have a slight odor that is described as “milky” or even “grassy”, but the scent completely vanishes once the paint dries.

You shouldn’t mix up too much milk paint at one time, as it has a relatively short shelf life once mixed. It will only be good for a few days to a week if kept in a sealed container.

You can extend the shelf life a little bit by keeping your mixed paint in the refrigerator. The milk paint powder, however, should be good for years as long as it is kept dry.

Milk paint is one of the most environmentally friendly paints you can buy. It is water-based, non-toxic, and completely free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

It’s also easy to create custom colors with milk paints, as you can easily combine the different pigments and then mix them with water.

Milk paint is a little bit thinner than chalk paint, so it can be used as a “wash” to allow wood grain details to show. To achieve a smooth, opaque finish, two or even three coats (depending on your surface) are needed.

Fortunately, milk paint dries very quickly so it doesn’t take much time to cover something with multiple coats of paint. The end result is a mostly matte finish with a very slight velvety sheen.

Brief History of Milk Paint

Milk paint has been around in some form for literally thousands of years. In fact, when the ancient Egyptian tomb of King Tutankhamun was discovered in 1924, some of the artifacts recovered were found to have been painted with milk paint.

The earliest forms of milk paint were made simply of milk, lime, and natural pigments made from plants or minerals.

What Is Chalk Paint?

Chalk paint is a decorative paint first invented by designer Annie Sloan in 1990. In fact, the term “chalk paint” is a registered trademark for that company. Since 1990, many other paint companies have created their version of chalk paints.

Chalk paint is a water-based, non-toxic paint that dries to a smooth, completely matte, “chalky” finish. Once it dries, there is absolutely no sheen to it at all.

This finish is achieved by the addition of minerals to a basic paint formula. It’s a popular choice for anyone who wants to transform an old piece of wood furniture or to create a “distressed” appearance on an object.

Chalk-style paint is easy to apply and comes ready to use. Other than stirring it a bit like you would any other paint, you can paint with it as soon as you open the can.

It will adhere to just about any porous surface without the need for any sanding. If you want to use it on a shiny or varnished surface, a little bit of light sanding will help the paint stick. The coverage is smooth, and for many projects, only one or two coats of paint are needed.

Much like milk paint, chalk-style paint is very environmentally friendly. It is water-based, non-toxic, and has a very low amount of volatile organic compounds. Some brands of chalk-style paint have a low odor, but it disappears when the paint is dry. 

Something interesting is you can even make your own chalk paint. There are two ways to do it. One is with BB Frosch and the other is your own homemade chalk paint recipe.

Uses For Milk Paint

Milk paint adheres to just about any porous surface. If you want to paint something that has a shiny surface, or wood with varnish on it, just lightly sand it and the milk paint should adhere with no problem.

Milk paint is a great choice for furniture, glass, and metal pieces. It is more difficult to get a distressed look on furniture than when using chalk-style paint, but it’s durable enough that you don’t necessarily have to use a finish coat with it.

Milk paint is also a good paint to use for cabinet doors, wood trim and framework, or even interior walls in your home. It holds up well to any piece that will be touched frequently.

Because milk paint is thinner than chalk paint, you’ll need to use at least two coats if you want opaque coverage. A single coat of milk paint will be semi-transparent and can be a lovely way to highlight wood grain and textures. 

Is Milk Paint Durable?

Milk paint is incredibly durable. The casein proteins and lime in the paint dry to form an impressively hard bond to whatever surface they’re in contact with.

Once you complete painting something with milk paint, the finish will stay vibrant for years. It shouldn’t chip (unless you purposely distress it) and the colors won’t fade significantly over time.

It’s a great choice if you want a matte finish on surfaces that will be touched quite a bit.

Usually, it isn’t necessary to apply any top coat to surfaces painted with milk paint, but if you want a top coat, an oil-based product such as tung oil is preferable to a finishing wax. Be sure to let the paint dry for at least 24 hours before finishing with any oil products.

Milk Paint vs Chalk Paint On Kitchen Cabinets

Both milk paint and chalk paint can make your kitchen cabinets look great. If your kitchen has a “farmhouse chic” decorating theme, either of these paints will look fabulous.

However, milk paint has a slight advantage over chalk-style paint if you’re going to paint your cabinets. That advantage comes down to the durability of milk paint. 

Chalk paint on cabinets will look great at first, but it won’t be long before it will start to show some wear and tear. If you choose to use chalk-style paints on cabinet doors, you will definitely need to apply a finishing wax top coat.

This will help your chalk-style paint last longer, but your paint job won’t look quite as perfectly matte on the surface. Even with a wax top coat, the wax will periodically need to be refreshed.

Milk paint is a better choice for cabinet doors. You’ll still have a mostly matte finish with just a slight sheen, but you’ll also have increased durability. Since cabinet doors are something that will frequently be moved and touched, you need paint that can handle a lot of use. 

Milk Paint vs Chalk Paint For Furniture

Deciding whether to use milk paint or chalk-style paint on a piece of furniture really depends on what you want your finished piece to look like. Both paints are good choices for transforming wood furniture into eye-catching vintage-style pieces.

Because milk paint is thinner than chalk-style paint, you can use one or two coats to give furniture a “washed” appearance. This is a good way to highlight any piece with attractive wood grain. If you want a more opaque finish, you can apply more coats of milk paint, allowing time to dry between each coat.

Because milk paint is so highly durable, you can get away with not needing a sealant over your paint. The paint will last for years and the colors stay beautifully vibrant.

It’s possible to get a “distressed” or “chippy” look with milk paint, but it takes a little more work than with chalk-style paint. Because milk paint dries to such a hard finish, it’s more challenging to sand or chip it away.

Try sanding your furniture before the milk paint is fully dry to make it easier.

Chalk-style paint, on the other hand, distresses beautifully with just a bit of light sanding. It’s easy to bring out carved details or wood grain when using chalk-style paints. Chalk paint also goes on smoothly, with even coverage. However, if your painted furniture will be something that gets touched a lot, you will need to apply a wax sealant coat over chalk-style paint to protect it. 

Milk Paint Brands

There are several brands of milk paint available. Some may be better than others so make sure to read the descriptions. I wrote a full post about the best milk paints already but here are some of the most popular brands:

Real Milk Paint Co

The Real Milk Paint Co. has an impressive selection of over 50 colors. It dries quickly and has no odor once dried. It is made of 100% organic materials. It’s easy to mix to a smooth consistency and doesn’t need any primer for most surfaces. However, this gets a bad rep online and I wouldn’t recommend this one.

Rust-Oleum Milk Paint

Rust-Oleum is one of the most popular brands of milk paint. It is also one of the highest-rated. If I had to suggest only one brand of milk paint, this is the one I recommend. It may be priced slightly higher than others but I believe it’s worth it.

Get it Here

Miss Mustard Seed

Miss Mustard Seed’s Milkpaint is another brand with a large selection of colors and non-toxicity. Miss Mustard Seed also produces additives for its milk paint, such as an anti-foaming additive for smooth mixing and hemp seed oil as an eco-friendly finishing product.

Old Fashioned Brand Milk Paint

Old Fashioned Brand Milk Paint has a slightly small selection of colors, but they are especially vibrant. Like other brands, this paint is non-toxic and safe for use on children’s furniture and toys. Old Fashioned Brand is made in small batches, using all-natural earth pigments.

Is Milk Paint Or Chalk Paint Cheaper?

The three brands of milk paint mentioned above range in price from approximately $23 to $28 for enough powder to mix one pint of paint.  Depending on the brand, chalk paints range in price from approximately $16 to $28 for the same amount of paint. While it may seem there’s not a huge difference in price, milk paint might be a better value in the long term. Because the powdered form of milk paint can last for years, you can mix as small a quantity as you need for your project and not have to worry about having wasted leftover paint.

Which is Right for You?

In summary, milk paint and chalk paint are both great but for slightly different purposes. Determining which is right for you is completely dependent on the project and the look you’re going for. Have a look around the website to get some ideas for chalk paint and milk paint projects.

The Best Spray Paints for Glass

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Somewhere in your home, probably in the back of a cupboard or on a shelf in your garage, is a small collection of interestingly shaped jars, bottles, and vases. They’re too nice to throw away, but they don’t get much use because they don’t seem to go with your decor. Fortunately, just a little bit of spray paint can transform ordinary glass objects into pretty and stylish home accessories.

Can You Spray Paint Glass?

Spray paint might not be the first idea that comes to mind when thinking of ways to transform plain glass items. Because glass is so smooth, it can be tricky to get spray paint applied evenly, without a lot of drips and smears. It’s not impossible though. Using the proper spray paints and techniques is key to achieving the prettiest results.

What Spray Paint Sticks to Glass?


Because glass is so smooth, some paints will stick to it better than others. Enamel or acrylic-based paints will give you the best finish and are less likely to drip or run. It’s always a good idea to read the labels on any spray paint to see what surfaces it will adhere to. 

Technically, you can use any spray paint for glass projects. Check the label on any spray paint you want to use to make sure it is appropriate for glass. If it doesn’t specifically say it will work on glass, you might be able to use it if you spray a primer coat first. There are many excellent spray primers on the market.  However, there are plenty of fun spray paints available that are specifically made for painting glass! These paints won’t require buying separate primers and are formulated for the best possible adhesion and finish on smooth glass surfaces.


Different Spray Paints for Different Results

There are so many spray paints formulated for glass. You can use them to easily transform ordinary glass pieces into eye-catching accessories. Krylon and Rustoleum are the two major spray paint brands that produce a variety of paint suitable for use on glass.

For solid, glossy colors you can’t go wrong with Rustoleum brand Universal Gloss spray paint. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors with a super glossy finish. If you want to transform a piece to look like vintage milk glass, the white color of Rustoleum Universal Gloss will give you the results you’re looking for! The color sprays on evenly, partly because this paint has a good built-in primer. It’s really easy to use, too. The can has an ergonomic nozzle that fits nicely in one’s hand, and reduces the chance of the paint dripping or running.

If you want jewel-toned translucent colors, you should try Krylon Stained Glass Spray Paint. It’s available in a variety of colors, and is made especially for glass. You can decide the intensity of the color you want simply by how many coats you apply. One or two coats will give you a nice pastel finish, while three to five coats produce a pretty jewel-toned effect. No matter how many coats of this spray paint you apply, the final product will be translucent like a beautiful piece of stained glass.

Both Krylon and Rustoleum brands have a Frosted Glass spray paint. These paints will leave whatever you’re painting with a semi-transparent “frosted” finish. Light will still filter through any glass piece painted with this paint, but it will be softened. You can use stencils with this paint to create the look of etched glass. Frosted Glass spray paint isn’t just for decorative pieces. It can also be used to create a little extra privacy on windows, such as in a bathroom or home office.

If you like the frosted glass finish but would also like some color, Krylon brand has a line of Sea Glass finish spray paint in eight eye-catching shades. This paint dries to a semi-translucent, frosted finish that resembles pieces of sea glass you might find on a beach. Much like with the frosted glass spray paint, you can use stencils with this paint for an eye-catching, dramatic effect.

If you like the “farmhouse” or “cottage core” aesthetic for your home decorating, glass accessories painted with chalk finish spray paint make adorable accent pieces. Both Krylon and Rustoleum sell a line of chalk finish spray paint with a good selection of colors. Chalk finish paint transforms ordinary glass jars or bottles into distinctive home decor items. A light rub with fine sandpaper creates a “distressed” look, which looks especially nice on glass pieces that have raised designs on them. Since chalk finish paint does have a tendency to chip after some time, you might consider lightly spraying anything you’ve painted with a matte finish top coat.

 

You can use metallic finish spray paint to transform jars and plain vases into pretty accents that are perfect for parties, holiday decorations, or even wedding receptions. There are several brands of metallic finish spray paint that work for painting glass objects. They’re available not only in gold and silver colors but also steel, gunmetal, copper, and rose gold. It’s amazing how a coating of metallic paint can make something as simple as an empty jar look chic and trendy. Metallic finish paints usually need at least three to four coats to get the best finish.

Is Spray Paint Dishwasher Safe?

It is not recommended to put any spray-painted glass pieces in the dishwasher. After a few washings, they may begin to chip. Some spray paints, especially chalk finish and metallic paints, might react to the sudden temperature changes in a dishwasher. The best way to wash any spray-painted pieces is by gentle hand washing in warm soapy water.


Is Spray Paint Safe For Dishes and Drinking Glasses?

Many spray paints are labeled as being “non-toxic”. However, being non-toxic is not the same as being food-safe. You shouldn’t spray paint any surface that will come in contact with food or drink. If you have a large glass bowl you wanted to paint, for example, you could spray paint the outside of the bowl but leave the inside surface where you would place food unpainted. 

Spray Painting Tips

Before painting any piece of glass, you need to make sure it’s absolutely clean. Remove any labels and the adhesive residue from those labels. Wash the glass with soap and warm water, being sure to rinse well. After it’s dry, wipe it down again with some diluted rubbing alcohol or white vinegar, and then rinse. Dry your glass with a lint-free towel. You want to be absolutely sure there isn’t any stray lint or fuzz on it. You might not see a speck or two of fuzz left on your glass piece, but it will show up when you spray paint. Don’t use window cleaning spray. Many window cleaning products contain ammonia. Even the slightest leftover ammonia residue on your piece will cause the spray paint to run or bubble. 


When using any spray paint, it’s important to be in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Before painting your piece, make a few “test sprays” on a large piece of cardboard just to make sure the paint sprays out evenly. Light, thin coats of spray paint are best; this will ensure the paint coverage is without streaks or drips, and it will last longer. Be sure to let your spray painted piece dry thoroughly between coats.

While your spray painted pieces are drying, make sure they’re in a spot that will be free of dust and wind. This is especially important if your painted pieces are drying outside. You don’t want to have spray-painted objects outside drying on very windy days. Don’t forget to lay down a tarp or drop cloth to protect the ground or your table from paint overspray!

You can use painters’ tape to make stripes, or shapes cut out of contact paper, on any glass surface. Then spray with paint to create fun designs. If you have access to a cutting machine such as a Cricut, you can design and cut stencils to personalize your spray painted glass art. Frosted and Sea Glass finish spray paints look especially nice when used with stencils

Spray painting on glass is a fun, easy hobby. It’s also very affordable. The various glass spray paints are not very expensive. Clear glass candlesticks, bowls, and vases can be found at yard sales, thrift shops, and discount stores.  You can paint empty glass food jars and bottles to create pretty accents for your home or office. Crafting with empty bottles and jars is not only affordable, but it keeps these items out of landfills. You can buy clear glass Christmas ornaments at discount stores and spray paint them to match your holiday decorating theme; an easy way to achieve a designer look for pennies! 

Now look around your house and your garage for glass pieces that might be fun to paint! Even the most unassuming old bottle can be transformed into a designer looking vase with a little spray paint and imagination!

The 5 Best Chalk Paints

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Key Takeaways

Short on time? Aren’t we all? Here are the key takeaways. I prefer BB Frosch Chalk Paint Powder instead of regular chalk paint. It’s so much more versatile and cheaper. You can mix it with any kind of paint. You can get it below for cheap.

Get BB Frosch Here

If you really want chalk paint instead of the powder, then go with Rust Oleum because it is tried-and-true and won’t break the bank like some of the more boutique chalk paints. Get it below.

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What is Chalk Paint?

For the newbies to chalk paint, you may want some background. What exactly is chalk paint? Chalk paint, not to be confused with chalkboard paint, is a water-based paint that dries to an attractive matte, “chalky” finish. Chalk paint was first created by the designer paint brand Annie Sloan, and the term “chalk paint” is a registered trademark for that company. However, there are many paint companies now selling their own versions of this type of paint, often marketed as “chalked paint” or “chalky paint”.

Chalk paint is a popular choice for anyone who is decorating with the “modern farmhouse” or “cottage core” aesthetics. It can transform an ordinary piece of furniture into a noticeable one-of-a-kind piece with very little effort. The unique finish can make a modern, inexpensive piece look like a treasured heirloom.  A little light sanding with fine or medium grit sandpaper over chalk paint can give your furniture a distinctive distressed look.

I have done so many projects on this website with chalk paint. Here are a few below:

The Best Overall Chalk Paint

The best overall chalk paint for me isn’t even chalk paint. I prefer BB Frosch Chalk Paint Powder. There are sooo many reasons for this. Let’s start with the fact that you’re not limited based on color. You can use any type of latex paint that you want and just add the chalk paint powder to it. The result is no different than buying expensive chalk paint brands. This allows you to buy any color paint that you want. The second reason is that it’s much cheaper. If you want to mix a gallon of chalk paint it’s around $100 cheaper to do so with BB Frosch. You can read the full BB Frosch Review here.

Get BB Frosch Here

Easiest Chalk Paint to Apply – Rust-Oleum Ultra Matte Chalked Paint

Most chalk paint is easy to apply. However, you can make the mistake of getting the wrong chalk paint and having to do a lot of prep and sealing. One brand known for ease of use and excellent coverage is Rust-Oleum Ultra Matte Chalked Paint. 

This paint comes in 11 colors and is sold in a 30-ounce can. One can of paint covers up to 150 square feet. This versatile paint will work on wood, glass, and ceramic surfaces. If you’re applying this paint to any glossy surface, it’s best to scuff it up a little bit with some light sandpaper. The Rust-Oleum paint is a thicker texture than most paints, so it can potentially cover your furniture in just one coat. It’s better to apply two coats if you want a richer color, or if you don’t plan to distress whatever you’ve painted. It only takes 30-45 minutes to dry, so you can apply multiple coats in an afternoon.  Because this paint is water-based, cleaning up is easy. You can wash out your brushes with hot soapy water; no solvents are necessary.

One small disadvantage of this paint is that it is rated for indoor use only. So it might not be a good choice if you’re considering chalk paint for your outdoor furniture.

 

Best No-Prep Chalk Paint – Kilz Chalk Style Paint

The Kilz paint brand is known for providing outstanding coverage with almost no preparation or priming needed. The Kilz Chalk Style Paint is certainly no exception to this. 

It will easily glide onto most clean, dust-free surfaces without priming or heavy sanding. This is a thick paint, but it becomes dry to the touch in about an hour, and you can apply a second coat after two hours. If needed, this paint can be thinned by stirring in up to two ounces of water per quart of paint, until it reaches the consistency you want.

Kilz Chalk Style Paint comes in a variety of colors that are quite complementary to each other. You can achieve an interesting result by painting your furniture in two coats of contrasting colors, then lightly sanding so one of the colors shows through. This distressing technique is especially effective to bring out details in carved wood accents.

In addition to the 13 colors of traditional chalk paint available, Kilz also makes spray versions of their chalk paint in 6 colors. This spray paint gives the same great coverage, with the added ease of being able to just spray it onto your project. This could be a great time-saver if you’re painting a large piece of furniture.

 

Best Value Chalk Paint – Retique – It Chalk Finish Paint

While there are plenty of inexpensive chalk paints on the market, a low price does not always mean that it’s a good value. Retique-It Chalk Finish Paint is a high-quality chalk paint that is available in a wide variety of colors. It provides outstanding coverage with just one or two coats. What makes this paint stand out as being a good value is that it can be purchased in quantities ranging from a half pint (8 ounces) to a quart (32 ounces). This means that you won’t have to buy more paint than is needed for your project.

According to their website, an 8-ounce container of Retique-It paint is enough to cover a small nightstand or end table. The 16-ounce container is enough paint for a small dresser or two end tables, and the 32-ounce jar can cover a large dresser, armoire, or a kitchen table with four chairs. Not having to buy a large can of paint for smaller projects not only saves you money but also keeps leftover paint and packaging out of landfills. 

Retique-It also offers product kits that include the chalk finish paint in your color choice, polycrylic topcoat, and paintbrushes. This is a nice bundle of products if you’re working on a project that would require sealant or a top coat of some kind. While not all chalk paint projects need to be sealed, high-traffic surfaces such as a tabletop or door will last longer with a sealant. It is a slightly better value to buy these products as a kit instead of individually.

Best Eco-Friendly Chalk Paint – Country Chic

Country Chic Paint is a company dedicated to manufacturing quality products, inspiring creativity, and being ecologically responsible while doing so. Their chalk finish paint is available in over 50 eye-catching colors. It’s a clay-based formula that also has a built-in primer and top coat, so the coverage is smooth and durable. If you are trying to achieve a “distressed” look for your project, Country Chic paints can be distressed without using sandpaper. This cuts down on the risk of breathing in a lot of paint dust while working.

All of their products are formulated so they don’t contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals, turpentine, and more. Further, Country Chic products are tested to have low-to-zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) levels and the pigments used are also VOC-free. Volatile organic compounds are the gasses that are released by many paints, lacquers, and cleaning products. If you’ve ever experienced a headache or dizziness while using a particular paint, that was caused by VOC’s.  

Other nice environmental awareness facts about Country Chic Paint Co. are that their brochures are printed on 100% recycled paper from sustainable sources, and they participate in paint recycling programs throughout North America to help keep leftover paint and containers out of landfills.

Best Chalk Paint for Kitchen Cabinets – Annie Sloan

The original creator of Chalk Paint is still one of the best choices, especially for larger projects like kitchen cabinets. Annie Sloan paints are easy to apply, durable, and they come in a wide selection of classic colors. The paint colors are inspired by 18th and 20th century decor but are easy to mix together to create your own contemporary custom colors. The paints can be thinned with a little bit of water if the texture is too thick, or you can simply leave the container sitting with the lid off for a while if you need it to thicken up.

For painting large projects, such as cabinet doors, walls, or large furniture, it is recommended to paint with two coats of chalk paint, then seal with either chalk paint wax or chalk paint lacquer. Sealing your painted project protects the paint from scratches and chips, and ensures that it will look good for a long time.

The Annie Sloan Paints website has detailed instructions and helpful video tutorials on how to use all of their products. There is also an “Inspiration” section on the website that shares ideas for unique decorating and art projects.

 

Tips for Chalk Paint Furniture Projects and Clean Up

Before painting any furniture with chalk paint, you should first make sure it is clean and dry. If it has a glossy or very smooth finish, a light sanding will help the chalk paint adhere smoothly and evenly. You don’t have to sand away all of the finish, just a light sanding to “rough up” the surface should be enough. Most brands of chalk paint will feel dry to the touch in an hour or even less. You can apply a second coat once the paint feels dry, but wait 24 hours after you are done painting to allow it to fully cure.

Sealants, such as polycrylic, wax, or lacquers, are only necessary for projects with “high touch” surfaces. Chalk-painted cabinets, doors, tabletops, and chairs will all last longer with a light sealant coat.

Chalk paints are water-based, so cleaning up is fairly easy! Cleaning brushes, rollers, and trays (and your hands) can be done with warm water and a mild detergent. It can be washed out of fabric before the paint is fully dry, but it might not launder out fully once the paint has dried. Chalk paint is slightly thicker than other paints, so it doesn’t tend to drip as much. It’s still a good idea to keep a protective drop cloth under your project, though.