Choosing the Best Sherwin Williams Paint for Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are often a focal point in the home, and choosing the right paint can greatly enhance their appearance. With a wide range of options from Sherwin Williams, how do you decide on the best paint for your project?

DIY or Professional Application?

When considering Sherwin Williams paint options for kitchen cabinets, you may be leaning towards either doing the work yourself or hiring a professional. If you're opting for a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach, you might want to try Pro Classic.

For a professional application, Sherwin Williams offers Conversion Varnish, which is a popular choice. This type of varnish is designed to bond well with different surfaces and can provide a durable finish. Before applying conversion varnish, a primer such as shellac is usually recommended to ensure the best adhesion.

Paint Finishes: Semigloss vs. Matte

When it comes to the finish of the paint, a semigloss finish is generally a good choice for kitchen cabinets. Semigloss provides a balance of sheen and durability, making it easier to clean and resist stains. However, the cabinets may have a current finish that is semigloss or glossy, and in that case, a deglosser might be necessary to smooth out the old finish before applying a new coat of semigloss paint.

If you prefer a less glossy finish but still want the benefits of semigloss, a matte finish is also an option. Matte finishes can provide a more natural look and are easier to touch up, but they can show dirt more readily.

Additional Tips for DIY Painting

For DIY projects, ensuring the surface is properly prepared is crucial. Sanding the existing cabinets can be labor-intensive, but a degreaser like denatured alcohol can help achieve a smooth surface without the need for extensive sanding. To make the application process easier, a laundry detergent mixed with paint thinner can be used as a deglosser.

For a more professional look, consider using an acrylic latex paint. These paints are easier to apply and require fewer coats than oil-based paints. For oil-based paints, a waterborne Pro Series acrylic polyurethane is highly recommended due to its durable finish and ease of use. This type of paint dries to a hard, smooth surface and levels well, similar to oil-based paint when thinned with water.

Professional Application Techniques

For a professional application, using the right technique and tools can make all the difference. The Pro Series acrylic polyurethane is typically applied in thin coats, and at least two coats are recommended. While manual brushes work, an airless sprayer is often the go-to tool. An airless sprayer, such as a handheld airless sprayer, can provide a more even application and allow for thinner, more consistent coats.

For a particularly smooth finish, a high-volume low-pressure (HVLP) gravity cup gun with a 2mm tip at 35 lbs may be preferred. This setup provides greater control and can result in fantastic results. Additionally, tinting the primer to match the desired color can help achieve a seamless look, even if the exact color match is not perfectly accurate.

One real-world example of the power of this technique: I repainted a set of manufactured cabinets for a contractor. The original cabinets were not available in the desired color, so I prepared the cabinets, applied two coats of primer, and then two coats of paint. After drying and assessing the results, it was clear that the repainted cabinets looked just like a factory paint job. The client was thrilled with the results, making the entire project worthwhile.

When selecting Sherwin Williams paint for kitchen cabinets, these tips should help you make an informed decision. Whether you're doing the work yourself or hiring a professional, the right choice of paint and application techniques can have a significant impact on the final look of your cabinets.