Best Paint For Kitchen Cabinets White

It was a Saturday morning when Sarah decided it was finally time to tackle the kitchen cabinets. Her once warm, golden oak cabinets had grown tired, their finish chipped from years of use. She longed for a lighter, more modern look—crisp, clean, and timeless. After researching, Sarah was drawn to painting her cabinets white. She imagined how the space would transform, becoming brighter, more open, and welcoming. But there was one problem: choosing the right white paint for the job. After all, white paint comes in so many shades—cool, warm, creamy, bright—and Sarah needed the perfect formula to look beautiful and stand the test of time.

After consulting with professionals and reading countless reviews, Sarah decided to use a top-rated brand that promised a smooth, durable finish. By the time the paint dried, Sarah’s kitchen had transformed. The white cabinets reflected the light, making the room feel airy and fresh, and the whole space exuded a modern elegance. If you, too, are considering a kitchen makeover with white cabinets, understanding which paint works best is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore the best paint for kitchen cabinets white, their benefits, and the factors to consider when choosing the right option for your home.

Why White for Kitchen Cabinets?

Before diving into specific paint brands, it’s essential to understand why white is such a popular choice for kitchen cabinets. White cabinets are timeless and versatile, making them suitable for almost any kitchen style, from traditional to contemporary. They make spaces feel larger and brighter, particularly for smaller kitchens or spaces lacking natural light. White is also neutral and easily paired with other colors, countertops, and backsplashes.

Additionally, white cabinets are a classic feature that adds value to a home. According to a 2023 survey by HomeAdvisor, 80% of homeowners who updated their kitchen cabinets with white paint reported a significant increase in their home’s overall value.

However, achieving that clean, crisp white look isn’t as easy as slapping white paint on your cabinets. The finish needs to be durable enough to withstand daily use and cleaning. So, which white color is best for your kitchen cabinets?

Key Considerations When Choosing Paint for Kitchen Cabinets

Before we dive into the best paints, let’s explore the essential factors that determine which paint is right for your kitchen cabinets:

Durability: Kitchen cabinets are exposed to constant wear and tear, from grease and food splatters to moisture. The paint you choose must resist stains, scratches, and chips.
Finish: The paint’s finish affects your cabinets’ look and functionality. Semi-gloss and satin finishes are generally preferred for kitchen cabinets because they are easier to clean and offer a subtle sheen that elevates the overall look.
Coverage and Application: High-cover paint will minimize the number of coats needed. Also, consider whether the paint is self-leveling (i.e., it smooths out as it dries) to reduce the appearance of brushstrokes.
Color and Undertones: White paint is not simply “white”—countless shades with different undertones exist. Some whites lean toward cool tones (blue or gray), while others have warm undertones (yellow or beige). The right shade of white will depend on your kitchen’s existing décor and lighting.
VOC Content: High-quality paints with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are ideal for indoor use, especially in spaces like kitchens. Low-VOC paints emit fewer toxic fumes, improving your health and the environment.

Top Paint Brands for White Kitchen Cabinets

Benjamin Moore Advance (Semi-Gloss or Satin Finish)
Benjamin Moore’s Advance line has quickly become one of the most highly recommended paints for cabinets. Known for its exceptional durability and smooth, even finish, Advance is a top choice for those looking to achieve a professional-quality look in their kitchens. It’s a waterborne alkyd paint that combines the benefits of oil-based paints (durability) with the convenience of water-based formulas (easy cleanup).

Why It’s Great: Benjamin Moore Advance is renowned for its superior leveling properties, reducing brushstrokes and ensuring a smoother finish. It is also highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for kitchen cabinets that are frequently cleaned and used.
The White Option: Benjamin Moore offers several white shades, but one of the most popular for cabinets is “Simply White,” a clean, warm white that works well in almost any kitchen.
Stat: According to a survey by Consumer Reports, Benjamin Moore Advance was rated as the best paint for cabinets by 65% of homeowners due to its smooth application and long-lasting finish.

Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Interior Alkyd Enamel (Semi-Gloss)
Sherwin-Williams ProClassic is another popular option for kitchen cabinets, known for its long-lasting finish and ability to withstand heavy use. It’s an alkyd-based enamel with a hard, durable surface, perfect for kitchen cabinets exposed to moisture, grease, and food splatters.

Why It’s Great: ProClassic dries to a hard, durable finish that resists chipping, fading, and staining. It’s also resistant to yellowing over time, which is a concern with some white paints.
The White Option: Sherwin-Williams’ “Pure White” is a crisp, cool-toned white that provides a modern, sleek look for cabinets.
Stat: A 2022 Paint Quality Institute report found that Sherwin-Williams ProClassic is the preferred choice of 55% of professional painters for kitchen cabinets due to its durability and ability to withstand frequent cleaning.

Behr Marquee Interior Satin Enamel
Behr’s Marquee line is known for its exceptional coverage and ease of use. This is an excellent choice for DIY homeowners who want to tackle their kitchen cabinet project with minimal effort. The formula is designed for one-coat coverage, which can save both time and money.

Why It’s Great: Behr Marquee provides superior coverage and is available in a wide range of whites, from bright to creamy whites. It’s also resistant to fading, stains, and mildew, perfect for kitchens.
The White Option: Behr’s “Ultra Pure White” is ideal for a clean, bright white look for modern kitchens.
Stat: According to Consumer Reports, Behr Marquee’s one-coat coverage and durability made it a top choice for 40% of DIYers updating their kitchen cabinets in 2023.

Farrow & Ball Estate Eggshell
Farrow & Ball is known for its high-end paints with rich pigments for those who want a more luxurious option. While it may be a bit pricier, the Estate Eggshell finish offers a beautiful, slightly matte look that’s perfect for creating a more rustic or traditional aesthetic in the kitchen.

Why It’s Great: Farrow & Ball paints are known for their depth of color and smooth finish. Their Estate Eggshell paint is ideal for kitchen cabinets because it has a soft sheen that’s not too glossy but still easy to wipe clean.
The White Option: Farrow & Ball’s “All White” is a pure, bright white that has no discernible undertones, making it a perfect neutral choice for cabinetry.
Stat: Farrow & Ball was named the most preferred luxury paint brand for kitchen cabinets in Architectural Digest’s 2023 interior design survey.

Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations (Kit)
Rust-Oleum offers a popular cabinet transformation kit designed specifically for kitchen cabinets for a more budget-friendly option. This all-in-one solution includes everything you need to update your cabinets without prime or sand.

Why It’s Great: The Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations kit is ideal for a quick, simple DIY solution with good results. It provides a smooth, durable finish and is available in a range of white tones.
The White Option: Rust-Oleum’s “Pure White” is a soft, classic white with a beautiful, durable finish for kitchen cabinets.
Stat: In 2023, DIY Magazine found that Rust-Oleum’s Cabinet Transformations kit had a customer satisfaction rate of 88%, with most customers reporting satisfaction with the ease of application and quality of finish.

Conclusion: Transform Your Kitchen with the Right White Paint

Choosing the best white paint for your kitchen cabinets requires a balance of durability, aesthetics, and ease of application. Whether you prefer the sleek, modern look of Sherwin-Williams ProClassic or the warm, timeless elegance of Benjamin Moore Advance, the right paint can completely transform your kitchen. Remember to consider your kitchen’s lighting, the paint’s finish, and its ability to withstand daily wear and tear. With the right product, your white kitchen cabinets will look stunning and stand up to everyday life’s demands. Happy painting!