Regular Paint vs Cabinet Paint: The Differences

In your everyday life, how often do you come across a kitchen cabinet? Well, if you’re like most other people, the answer should be pretty often. This means that because of everyday use, your kitchen cabinet is susceptible to wear and tear, and the first thing that wears in this case is the paint.

This is why there is a specific type of paint that gives your cabinets a long-lasting finish, and it is known as cabinet paint. It is a bit more expensive on the market than regular paint, though, and that’s why a lot of people opt to paint their cabinets with just regular paint.

But is it a smart choice, though? What difference does it make? In this article, we will delve into the details of what cabinet paint is, how it differs from regular paint, and when you should and should not use it. So, let’s get started!

What is Regular Paint?

Before we get into the differences between these two types of paint, let’s get a better understanding of what exactly each type of paint is.

Regular paint is a type of paint that is employed to paint interior and exterior walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. It is also referred to as “wall paint” or “general-purpose paint.” It is a versatile paint that can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including drywall, wood, concrete, and metal. 

These paints are available in a variety of forms, each with a unique set of qualities and properties, including latex-based, water-based, and oil-based paint. Additionally, they are frequently available in a variety of sheens, such as satin, flat, semi-gloss, eggshell, and high-gloss, and they can be tinted in a variety of colors. In contrast to water-based paint, which dries more quickly and is better for the environment, oil-based paint is more durable and dries more slowly.

What is Cabinet Paint?

Cabinet paint, on the other hand, is a specialized type of paint that is specifically designed for painting cabinets, furniture, and other high-use surfaces. Unlike regular paint, cabinet paint is formulated to provide a more durable and long lasting finish, as cabinets and furniture are subject to more wear and tear than other surfaces. 

There are also two variants of cabinet paint, namely water-based and oil-based. Water-based cabinet paint is more environmentally friendly and dries quickly, while oil-based cabinet paint is more durable and resistant to chipping and peeling. 

Cabinet paint is usually available in fewer sheens than regular paint, with satin and semi-gloss being the most common options. It also tends to have better coverage and adhesion than regular paint. Due to its specialized properties, cabinet paint is usually more expensive than regular paint.

Regular Paint vs Cabinet Paint: What are the Key Differences?

Now that we have a better understanding of the two types of paint, let’s look at their key differences:

• Sheen

The sheen of a paint refers to the level of glossiness or shininess it provides when it dries. In general, regular paint is available in a wider range of sheens than cabinet paint. As I’ve already mentioned, regular paint can be found in flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss sheens, while cabinet paint is usually only available in satin or semi-gloss.

This distinction arises because high-traffic areas like cabinets and furniture experience more wear and tear than walls do. Sheens like satin and semi-gloss are preferable to flat or eggshell sheens for cabinets and furniture because they are more durable and convenient to clean.

For walls and ceilings, which see less traffic and wear, flat and eggshell sheens offer a more matte and understated finish. High-gloss sheens, on the other hand, are extremely shiny and reflective, making them appropriate for trim and accents where a striking finish is desired.

• Durability

Due to their different formulations and intended uses, regular paint and cabinet paint have very different levels of durability. 

Cabinet paint is made especially for use on materials like furniture, trim, and cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom that see a lot of use. It is intended to be more resilient to flaking, peeling, and fading than regular paint, making it more long-lasting and durable.

Cabinet paint formulation differs significantly from other types of paint in that it uses additives like urethane to increase durability and abrasion resistance. Additionally, cabinet paint is more likely to be oil-based, which offers better adhesion and durability than water-based paints. The end result is a finish that is resistant to abrasion, scrubbing, moisture, and sunlight.

Contrarily, regular paint is intended for use on walls and ceilings, which do not experience the same level of use and abuse as cabinets and furniture. Regular paint can be made to be somewhat durable, but it is not intended to withstand the same level of abuse as cabinet paint. It is more likely that regular paint will be water-based, which dries quicker but is less long-lasting than oil-based paint.

• Coverage

Depending on the type of paint and the brand, the coverage of these two types of paint can vary. But, in general, cabinet paint tends to have better coverage than regular paint.

Cabinet paint is frequently designed to offer better adhesion and coverage, which enables it to cover surfaces more completely in less time and with fewer coats. This is due to the fact that cabinet paint must be able to offer a smooth and even finish on surfaces that are frequently uneven or already have paint or stains. Better coverage also aids in reducing the time and paint needed to finish any ongoing painting project.

Regular paint, on the other hand, might need more coats to get the desired coverage, particularly if the surface hasn’t been painted before or is a different color or texture from the new paint. As a result, painting may take longer, require more work, and cost more money to complete.

Notably, the caliber of the paintbrush or roller used can also have an impact on coverage. The paint can be applied more evenly and smoothly with the use of high-quality tools, leading to better coverage and a finish with a more polished appearance. 

• Cost

Again, although the prices may vary due to the type and brand, cabinet paint is generally the more expensive of the two.

This is especially true because of its unique formulation, which costs more to produce because it contains resins and additives that increase its durability. Additionally, cabinet paint is more likely to be oil-based, which costs more than water-based paints in general.

Since regular paint is frequently less expensive than cabinet paint and is sometimes sold in larger quantities, the price per gallon can be further decreased. However, because it is less resilient, using it to paint cabinets and furniture will frequently lead to wear and tear, and you might need to paint more frequently. Don’t skimp here because doing so will increase your expenses and inconvenience.

• Application

Compared to regular paint, cabinet paint typically has a thicker, more viscous consistency that aids in better adhesion to surfaces and better coverage. This thickness can make the application more difficult because, if done incorrectly, it can leave brush or roller marks. Therefore, it’s crucial to apply the paint in thin, even layers.

Spraying cabinet paint creates a smoother, more even finish and allows for better coverage. However, brushing can also be effective if done correctly, as it allows for more control over the application and can create a unique look.

Regular paint, on the other hand, is frequently thinner and more liquid, making it simpler to apply in large areas and achieve a smooth finish. As long as it is applied evenly, regular paint can typically be applied with a roller or brush without leaving observable brush or roller marks.

It can be more difficult to work with cabinet paint because it tends to dry more slowly than regular paint. Between coats, make sure to give the surface plenty of drying time, and wait until the paint is completely dry before touching or using the surface.

• Drying Time

One of the crucial differences between normal paint and cabinet paint is the drying period. Cabinet paint takes longer to dry than regular paint, so you can add more coats or finish other projects more rapidly. Regular paint can, however, be more prone to brush strokes or other flaws because of its quicker drying period if you’re not careful when applying it.

However, cabinet paint dries slower than conventional paint, which might be annoying if you’re pressed for time to complete your project. Yet, in some circumstances, the longer drying time may be beneficial.

For example, if you’re painting cabinets or other furniture pieces, you may want to take your time to ensure that you get a smooth and even finish. The slower drying time of cabinet paint can make it easier to avoid brush strokes or other imperfections, as you have more time to work with the paint before it starts to dry.

Another advantage of the slower drying time of cabinet paint is that it can allow for better adhesion. When paint dries too quickly, it can form a skin on the surface that prevents subsequent coats from adhering properly. By contrast, the slower drying time of cabinet paint allows each coat to fully bond with the previous layer, resulting in a stronger and more durable finish.

Overall, while the faster drying time of regular paint can be convenient in some situations, the slower drying time of cabinet paint can actually be an advantage in certain applications where a smooth and even finish is desired. It’s important to choose the right type of paint for your specific project based on your needs and goals.

Regular Paint vs Cabinet Paint: At a glance

For you to understand the difference better, I have created the following table. Have a look…

Can You Use the Same Paint for Walls and Cabinets?

So, can you—or, I’d rather say, should you—apply the same kind of paint for both your walls and your cabinets? Well, while it is possible to use the same paint for walls and cabinets, it is not recommended as the requirements for the paint used on these surfaces can differ significantly.

I’ve stated this several times throughout this article, but it bears repeating: using regular paint on cabinets may result in a finish that is less enduring and may wear and peel off more readily, especially if the cabinets are subject to frequent use or exposure to moisture. Furthermore, applying cabinet paint to walls might produce a finish that is too thick, challenging to apply smoothly, and possibly more expensive than necessary.

Because the needs for each surface are so different, it is not advised to use the same paint on cabinets and walls. To ensure a long-lasting finish with a polished appearance, it is crucial to select the appropriate type of paint for each surface.

Does Cabinet Paint need a Primer?

Since you’ve read this far, allow me to fill you in on another crucial matter: Is a primer required when applying cabinet paint? For the best possible finish, it is typically advised to use a primer first and then apply cabinet paint. A primer aids in painting surface preparation by laying down a smooth, even base that promotes better paint adhesion and durability.

Additionally, using a primer aids in preventing tannins from wood from bleeding through and staining, discoloring, or otherwise affecting the paint’s appearance over time. A high-quality primer will seal the surface and offer a constant base color, which aids in the appearance of an even and vibrant topcoat of paint.

It’s crucial to choose a primer designed specifically for use on wood or laminate surfaces when choosing one for cabinets because the porous nature of these materials can make painting them more difficult. Choosing a primer that works with the kind of paint you’ll be using is also very important.

On the market, there are some cabinet paints that have a primer built into their formula, enabling one-step application. Even with these products, it is still advised to properly clean and prepare the surface before painting to achieve the best finish.

What Type of Cabinets cannot be Painted?

Theoretically, most kitchen cabinets can be painted with the proper preparation and application techniques. But, you’ll find some cabinets in the market that are not suitable for painting at all. These are:

• Laminate cabinets: Laminate cabinets are constructed from a man-made material that is challenging to paint. Paint will not adhere well to the slippery surface of laminate cabinets and will eventually peel or chip.
• Veneer cabinets: veneer cabinets are made of a thin layer of wood glued onto a plywood or particle board base. If the veneer is damaged or cracked, it can be difficult to repair and may not hold paint well.
• Cabinets with a heavily distressed or textured finish: If your cabinets have a heavily distressed or textured finish, it may be difficult to achieve a smooth and even paint finish. The texture may show through the paint, and the paint may not adhere well to the uneven surface.
• Cabinets with a wax or oil finish: If your cabinets have a wax or oil finish, it can be difficult to get paint to adhere to the surface. The wax or oil may need to be removed before painting, which can be a time-consuming and difficult process.
• Cabinets made of certain types of wood: Some types of wood, such as cedar or redwood, contain natural oils that can make it difficult for paint to adhere to the surface. In some cases, a primer or sealer may be needed to help the paint adhere to the wood.

If you are unsure whether your kitchen cabinets can be painted, it is a good idea to consult with a professional painter or cabinet refinishing specialist. They can help evaluate the condition of your cabinets and recommend the best course of action for achieving the look you want.

Wrapping Up

Cabinet paint may be more expensive than regular paint, but the cost difference is offset by its longer lifespan and reduced maintenance requirements. Using cabinet paint on cabinets can also help to increase their resale value and improve the overall appearance of your space. 

So, if you’re looking to paint your cabinets, do not cheap out here. Spend the extra buck on the proper type of paint and seek professional help, as they will help you ensure a satisfying look on your newly painted cabinets.

Adnan