Easy to Wash Paint for Cupboards
- It used to be that if you wanted a durable, scrubbable, high-gloss paint, oil-based varieties were pretty much the only choice. With oil-based paints, however, come greater expense, more difficult cleanup, paint fumes while painting and the need for toxic paint thinners to clean up the painting tools afterward. Latex is water-based, cleans up with soap and warm water and is far more forgiving than oil-based paints. Major paint manufacturers have developed some very durable, easy-to-apply latex varieties that make latex paint a great choice for scrubbable cabinetry.
- Factors in choosing a brand of paint include price, availability of colors and quality. Glidden has a high-traffic variety that comes with a 25-year warranty and in a multitude of colors. Krylon provides excellent spray-on coatings if you want to do oil-based work, and it has a great reputation for durability. Valspar's latest Signature Series promises "ultimate scrubbability" and high color definition in a one-coat application. Benjamin Moore's 100 percent acrylic latex uses proprietary resins to create a paint that's stain-resistant and, it claims, doesn't need to be washed as often as other paints. Sherwin-Williams' Bath Paint is mildew- and moisture-resistant and made for high-moisture areas like kitchens, baths and laundry rooms. Store brands have similar qualities, and some are even made by these same manufacturers. With low-cost brands, the consumer has to learn from experience how effective they are.
- Paints come in flat matte, semi-gloss and high gloss. The more glossy a paint is, the more scrubbable the surface will be. Finishing the paint job with a polyurethane clear coat can increase the durability and washability of the cupboard surfaces. With cabinets it's best to go with the semi-gloss or high-gloss paints. Matte finishes are harder to clean and don't hold up as well.
- Most latex varieties of paints can be mixed in the store to make any color you want. Be sure when you choose a color that you save the color swatch somewhere. The number on the swatch will help you match the paint if you have to go back later to do some touch-up work. Spray paints have a set color selection and, if the cans come from different batches, can vary in color slightly. If you spray your cabinet, buy an extra can of paint for later touch-ups.
- After you sand the surfaces, remove any dust with a damp rag. Follow instructions carefully. Use a primer if recommended. Apply paint in thin coats and allow plenty of time between coats for the paint to dry and cure. If you plan to topcoat with a clear coat, make sure it is compatible with whatever type of paint you used (oil or latex), or the clear coat could damage the paint underneath.