The Best Paint for Furniture and Cabinets

A fresh coat of paint is a great and relatively easy way to give many surfaces a new look, including furniture and cabinets. Whether you want to paint a dresser to revive its dated look or are looking for cabinet paint to change the aesthetic in your kitchen, it’s important to choose the right paint for the job. Things like paint type, finish and color will ensure you get the results you want.

Different finishes offer differences in durability and appearance. For cabinets and furniture, you’ll want to consider paint finishes that are durable and easy to clean, including gloss, semi-gloss, satin and chalky. We discuss the differences below.

Gloss: Gloss finish paint lends a dramatic, high shine to the surface it’s painted on. It reflects light, making it a great choice for kitchens where bright settings are usually preferred. If you’re thinking of choosing a bold paint color, a gloss finish is typically the best choice for those more daring hues. However, glossy finishes will show any surface imperfections, so it’s important to prep the surface well before painting to try and minimize the potential for visible flaws.

Semi-Gloss: Semi-gloss paint is a favorite finish for kitchen cabinets. It still offers the light-reflecting, shiny appearance many people like while maintaining durability. It creates a washable surface that stands up to staining, fading and chipping for a look that lasts.

Satin: For a less shiny but still durable finish, consider satin paint. It’s easy to clean, so if it’s being used on cabinets or other pieces that are more frequently used, you can keep up its appearance. It’s often described as smooth and velvety with a soft shine that’s a great choice of paint for drawers, cabinets and furniture.

Chalky: A chalky paint finish is a great choice for beginner painter DIYers, allowing you to skip prep work like sanding and priming. It’s popular to use chalky paint on cabinets, and it’s one of the best paints for furniture, but it’s also versatile enough to use on a variety of surfaces. Chalky paint has a matte finish, meaning there’s no shine, and it offers a distressed look that brings vintage charm to your space. It’s durable enough to be used on pieces that see a lot of action, but it’s recommended to seal it with a soft wax top coat to protect from normal wear and tear, chipping and flaking. Another positive is its faster dry time. If you’re thinking about using chalky paint, check out How to Use Chalky Paint.

Matte and flat paint finishes are also available, though they are not as durable as the other finishes listed above.

You’ll find water-based and oil-based paints on the market. Which you choose can determine things like durability, dry time, appearance and longevity. There are pros and cons to each, one of the biggest being the presence of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are chemicals released as the paint dries. VOCs are found in oil-based paints and can be harmful to your health. If you’re using oil-based paint for your project, be sure to wear protective gear, such as a respirator, and work in a well-ventilated space. If possible, choose a paint with low or no VOCs.

Latex paint is a water-based paint that has become more durable and easier to clean over the years. Using latex paint may require you to prep the surface being painted beforehand, but latex paint is quick drying and has low or no VOCs, making painting safer. To ensure it’ll stand up to a good cleaning — especially helpful if using for kitchen cabinets — check to ensure the paint label says it’s washable or scrubbable.

Acrylic paint is another water-based paint option. It’s easy to clean, low-odor and dries quickly, so there’s less wait time in between multiple coats. It’s also water-resistant and can expand and contract as temperatures change, making it a great choice for cabinets over a range and even outdoor kitchen surfaces.

Alkyd paint is like oil-based paint, providing durability, quick dry time and a smooth finish that doesn't show brushstrokes. It's a good fit for high-touch surfaces, like kitchen cabinets. Look for water-based alkyd paint for safer application and easier clean up.

Oil-based paint is the most durable option, whether you’re painting a dresser or cabinets. It creates easy-to-clean surfaces that are resistant to chipping and scratches — perfect for pieces that see regular use. It adheres well to most surfaces, including ones that are already coated with water- or oil-based paint. However, it takes a long time to dry and emits harmful VOCs as it cures. It's important to use this paint in well-ventilated spaces and with the appropriate safety gear, including respirators and gloves. It's also harder to clean up.

If you’re painting kitchen cabinets, think about the elements that already exist in your kitchen: flooring, countertops, appliances and other furniture. Pull hues that will complement the space — whether they’re soft or bold is up to you. See DIY Kitchen Color Schemes and Paint Ideas for inspiration.

If you’re painting furniture, think about where it’ll live and whether it’ll be a focal point of the space or coexist with other pieces in the room. In a bedroom you can paint dressers or end tables a bolder color if the rest of the room features a more neutral color palette. But if there are already bolder features in the space, consider toning down the furniture so it doesn’t compete for attention and potentially clash with its surroundings.