Painting your kitchen walls in the same paint you'd use for a living room or bedroom could be a big mistake — don't ask me how I know. Many moons ago, after painting my kitchen in a standard emulsion paint, I quickly found oil spots forming on the paintwork, and damage from steam from boiling pans caused.
That's why you need to know the best kitchen paint for walls — there's a reason they make specialist paints, after all. The paint and finish you choose should be practical, long-lasting, wipeable and enhance this high-traffic space.
But it's not just about the type of paint. Finishes and kitchen wall paint colors play a part in your scheme, too. Plus, not all kitchen paints are created to the same standard, so just because it says it's ideal for a kitchen, doesn't mean it's always going to be.
We asked experts to not only explain why it's important to use a good kitchen paint, but the finishes and colors they recommend, and even the particular kitchen paint brands they always reach for, so you know you're buying an expert recommendation.
What's the Best Type of Paint for Kitchens?
Our pick for the best kitchen wall paint right now are latex-based paints. "Latex paints give the durability you need for all the walls in high traffic and frequently used areas," says interior designer Elizabeth P. Lord-Levitt. "It's wipeable, anti-microbial (so great for bathrooms too), and stain resistant. It allows the kitchen walls to contrast the cabinet sheen, adding a depth of texture to the space." These paint types are generally long-lasting and are recommended in hard-wearing areas.
While it's true that oil-based paints actually provide a better barrier against splashes and moisture, this is a type of paint that we're seeing phased out, as not only is it trickier to use (it takes a long time for the paint to dry), but it also releases harmful emissions into a room over time.
If your preference is for eco paints, latex might also sound a bit scary, however it has low VOC emission, breaks down naturally in the environment and can be cleaned up with water, without requiring nasty chemicals.
Does the type of paint you use in a kitchen really matter?
The kitchen wall paint color aside, choosing the right type of paint and brand is important.
"The type of paint you use in a kitchen matters significantly," says Burcu K, co-founder of Color Atelier. "Kitchens are high-traffic areas prone to spills, splashes, and steam. Using high-quality, durable paint ensures that the walls can withstand these conditions. For instance, washable and scrubbable paint is essential because it allows easy cleaning without damaging the finish. Additionally, using paint with mildew-resistant properties helps maintain a clean and healthy environment, which is crucial in a kitchen."
Which Paint Finish is Best for Kitchens?
The finish too makes a big difference. Once you'd have to use a semi-gloss or satin paint to get a durable finish for your kitchen walls, but modern paint formulations mean that matte is an option too, if you so desire.
"The best paint finish for kitchens is a paint with a slight sheen rather than a flat finish," says Tina Nokes, owner of Five Star Painting of Loudoun, a Neighborly company. "A sheen, such as a matte, eggshell, or satin finish, provides easier washability for high use, high splatter areas like a kitchen. I wouldn't go up to a semi-gloss or high gloss though, as it is too shiny for walls."
What Are Some Good Colors for Kitchens?
You can transform the kitchen without renovating it by just choosing interesting paint colors. Since this is where you end up spending a lot of time, a soothing tone will ensure your mood is always uplifted. From vivid and daring combos for eclectic rooms, to more toned-down colors, choose hues that resonate with you.
"When choosing what color to paint the kitchen walls, consider what will be flexible and suit activities ranging cooking, eating, socializing, entertaining, and working," says health and wellbeing-focused interior designer Oliver Heath. "The kitchen should be bright and stimulating — different shades of white can provide a good backdrop, interjected with pops of brightness to keep it fresh."
White aside, sage green, beige, light gray, and taupe are kitchen color ideas that help create a relaxing environment.
What Qualities Should I Be Looking for?
Choosing brands that aren't well-known, or don't have reviews, can be a mistake to avoid when painting a kitchen. While it may be cheap, you don't know what you're getting, and it's likely it won't stand up to wear and tear as well as tried-and-trusted kitchen paints. You need to select paints that have the following qualities: durability, washability, resistance to moisture, and resistance to stains.
"Look for paints labeled as durable or high-traffic, which indicates it can withstand frequent cleaning and use," says Burcu from Color Atelier. "A paint with mildew-resistant properties can help prevent mold and mildew growth in the humid environment of a kitchen. Opt for low-VOC or zero-VOC paints like from Color Atelier to ensure better indoor air quality."
"Even a careful cook can get food on the walls at times," says Matt Stone of Oklahoma City-based Hometown Painting. "Also, if you fry foods in your kitchen there can be an oily residue that forms on the walls and other surfaces from the air. Because of this, kitchen walls should use paint that can hold up to frequent cleaning and scrubbing."
Which paint do experts recommend?
Which Kitchen Paint Do the Experts Swear By?
There are lots of kitchen paints and latex paints on the market — but which is the best? "One of our go-to options is Duration from Sherwin Williams," says professional decorator Matt Stone. This is a kitchen color that you won't get tired of.
Elizabeth agrees. "I use Duration from Sherwin Williams in the Satin finish for my kitchen walls and the flat for the ceiling," she says.
"Benjamin Moore's Advance is a great paint for kitchen cabinets," adds Tina. "It is a self-leveling, hard-drying paint, which means the self-leveling properties provide for a smooth finish while the hard-drying capability helps it stand up to the wear and tear that kitchen cabinets endure."
"Another new product recently available is the Sherwin Williams Gallery paint. Gallery is the closest paint to a factory finish that is out there, but it must be sprayed to achieve the desired effect. It also resists knicks and chips, as well as provides an outstanding finish. However, touch-up after some wear-and-tear is a little more difficult for just a small spot."
What are the Pros and Cons of Kitchen Paint?
1. Latex
Pros: This type of paint dries fast, is mildew and mold-resistant, and does not fade easily.
Cons: This paint is not as durable as oil-based paints, can stain quickly and usually requires multiple coats, bringing up the costs of the paint job.
2. Shellac
Pros: This paint is durable, easy to apply, and relatively more stain-resistant than other paints.
Cons: It has a strong odor when applied. The paint wall can be hard to clean up if stained.
3. Oil-based paints
Pros: These paints are durable and great for wooden cabinets as they seal the surface perfectly.
Cons: This paint may contain VOCs, and over time gets a yellowish tinge. You can also see visible brush marks as you paint this on walls.
