Chalk paint for kitchen cabinets?

Question

I am seriously considering using chalk paint for my kitchen cabinets but am so worried they won't hold up.  Has anyone done this to their cabinets on a long term basis?  My worry is they might look good the first year and then start chipping, etc.  I would put water based varnish on them if I did paint them.

Nora · Answer

Yes, Elaine, absolutely! I've been researching this same idea and plan to use Powder River Paint on ours: www.powderriverpaint.net My understanding is that it's incredibly durable and beautiful on cabinets. They also have (or will have soon) an extra-durable top coat, which can be used instead of the usual wax if you want extra protection. This was developed by a couple in my own city--he's a builder and she grew up in her family's furniture building/restoration business and has continued and expanded the family tradition all these years. Check them out. I will post my project when it's done, but it won't be for another couple of months. Good luck with yours!

Elaine Simmons · Answer

Thanks for the link, Nora. What color are you doing?

Pat Dollar · Answer

Check out Nuvo Cabinet Paint http://nuvocabinetpaint.com/ - No sanding, No priming, No Hassle. Very nice color choices to compliment your floors and counter tops too!

Elaine Simmons · Answer

The paint might be ok but I looked at the video and they said you did not have to remove the hinges. I think in order to do a good job, it is imperative you remove the hinges.

Lex263207 · Answer

I haven't done it myself, but I recently read a post by another girl who painted hers with black chalk paint. She said no regrets.
I think as long as you seal them properly they'll be fine.

Vicki K · Answer

Miss Mustard Seed sells Milk Paint, not Chalk, but she paints right over her hinges and everything. Since no prep, the paint gets 'chippy.' That's why I was going for Chalk Paint, and preparing the surface first, I don't want chips. Polycrylic sealer will yellow some, so I wouldn't pick white or you will wind up with a dirty looking yellowy white. I'm thinking light pewter? Gray is new. Brown is out. White is on way out, I hear, yet so many people are painting white, so I don't know. You got me...

Marlene Wilson · Answer

I have the same kind of cabinets,and I would like to paint them also,Hpoe you do yours and then you can teach me,lol.I think I would like milk paint.?????

268742 · Answer

You can absolutely use Chalk Paint on the cabinets...just use the Annie Sloan Laquer to seal it for a durable finish: http://www.therestoredhome.com/paint-sealers-topcoats/lacquer-by-annie-sloan-1-liter/ This laquer is used to seal Chalk Paint when used on floors, so it produces a HIGHLY durable finish! Good luck!

Elaine Simmons · Answer

Vicki, I don't think that waterbased poly yellows but oil based does. At least that has been my experience. I absolutely don't want milk paint, the chippy look has it's place but not on kitchen cabinets, in my opinion. Besides, I live in more of a contemporary home. The kitchen is open to the dining, living room and foyer. We have an extended patio out in the back of our home and although it is nice it does make the kitchen too dark. That is one of the reasons I was going for the white.

Kay Mount · Answer

We make Powder River Paint™ and have used it and other chalk paints on kitchen cabinets for years with no problems.  Because grease is inherent on kitchen cabinets, good cleaning and prep is a must.  We use TSP and elbow grease.  The results are well worth the effort.  After painting, we seal the cabinets with Faux Effects' Varnish Plus.  For more how-to's, visit www.powderriverpaint.net.

Elaine Simmons · Answer

Kay, there is no dealer near me. Do you have a color sample brochure you send to people? I wouldn't want to order without one. I agree, TSP and elbow grease is a great cleaner.

Pat Dollar · Answer

I use Krud Kutter professional. It is a liquid sandpaper/degreaser/deglosser that is a TSP alternative and works beautifully without all the work and scrubbing needed for TSP. You can buy it from Amazon if not available locally for you.

B.J. B · Answer

I have cabinets just like yours that I painted 2 years ago with a semi gloss Valspar paint in a taupe color. I hesitated to use chalk paint, which I love by the way, because I wanted a finish that was real easy to clean. We prepped the cupboards with Kiltz. Every once in a while there is a nick so I keep a glass jar filled with paint handy for touch ups. It took me years to get up the nerve to paint my cupboards. I just love them and wish I had done it sooner. I have used chalk paint on other furniture, though, and it seems very durable so far. I wish you luck in whatever you decide.

Elaine Simmons · Answer

I have heard of that, will have to check into it.

Elaine Simmons · Answer

Thanks BJB!

Heather (New House New Home) · Answer

I painted my cabinets with Annie Sloan chalk paint about 2 years ago and they still look great. I finished them by waxing. They have held up really well in my very busy kitchen. I highly recommend doing it

Cindy tustin · Answer

I have been concerned about cleaning I do lots of canning, and jams and jellys try to be very careful but everyonce in a while a splash or splatter or spill happens. Will it clean as easily as my sealed wood cabinets?

Leslie · Answer

I painted my cabinets in ASCP Old Ochre about a year and a half ago and they have held up beautifully.  One suggestion might be to prime any cabinet that may hold the slightest bit of grease (even though you don't have to prime with ASCP).  I had a bit of bleed through of grease on the doors closest to my stove even after cleaning well.  Just a suggestion.  The cabinets clean up well, using just a wet sponge.  I used clear wax and slight distressing.  I would definitely recommend doing this.

Linda Odom · Answer

Is the chalk paint everybody is using now -- the same chalk paint that you use to make chalk boards? What's the difference with it than regular paint? Is it more durable or something?

Leslieb127 · Answer

I'm planning on doing the same thing and have been doing a lot of research on Pinterest. There are several bloggers who have done it with great success, including making their own chalk paint (which apparently is really easy). I don't have the names of the blogs at the moment but could look them up if you need. Just go to Pinterest and put in 'painted cabinets' in the search box. You'll find tons of great advice!

Sabren · Answer

I used black chalk paint on the top of my desk it looks great but I put three coats of gloss top coat on it. it is working out very good. I had these paints so that is what I used. didn't want to go buy more paint for the project.

Karyn Burch · Answer

Why on earth would you want to paint these gorgeous cabinets ? if they were were nasty like mine maybe if I thought they wouldn't look tacky when I finished I would paint & have thought about applying beadboard & new wood doors . Good luck .

Sherrie · Answer

While I will agree you you can use chalk paint I think there are other paints that are better for it. Like paint and glaze and sealer. Regardless you still have to clean and seal certain woods or you will have a bleed through. And even Anne Sloan suggests you seal instead of wax your cabinets because of heat (It melts the wax). Anytime your painting a large blank area it is harder to control the brush and brush marks. And Anne Sloan is my favorite paint in the world. And is it cost effective because it is very expensive paint. If you decide to paint it I would suggest you practice on several older cabinet doors first. This way you will get the exact results you want. I use many different paints for many different ways of painting. You don't have to be stuck on one paint to get the exact results you want. And to me waxing isn't the best finish for cabinets. Anytime I do a table top I always use a sealer. And cure it. Because I want lasting results. And waxing it has to be re-applied and that's a very large area to reapply wax. Just my humble opinion!

Linda Odom · Answer

Thank you Cher.....where do I buy it and what do I ask for....if I ask for chalk paint will they give me the wrong thing? what brand is it? does it come in a variety of colors...Oh,yes what kind of wax...also? thank you in advance.

Marcia P · Answer

I like your cabinets - you could change your look, update by refinishing the wall surfaces with either a brighter color or tiles.

Elaine Simmons · Answer

I have never been crazy about a maple finish......it is only one step up from oak as far as I am concerned. I don't think it goes with my granite counter top either which is black with gray and silver in it. This kitchen is open to the dining and living room. Here is a more recent pic .....the walls that are red are not the best choice to go with this maple either. The bar area is a faux finish I did to sort of match the color of the cabinets. I am trying to post a pic.......no problem ......the pic comes up but when I go to click on the comment button, there is none there...........and it won't let me scroll down. Frustrating! Finally I got it. I had to scroll before I posted the pic.

Vicki K · Answer

Why don't you faux finish with a wadded-up tee shirt, daubed on all over the cabinets, in a regular latex paint (after proper surface prep, as in thorough sanding, tacking the dust off)? You can play with the daubing and the color you chose, making it lighter or darker like the front of your bar kinda - a pewter gray is good right now, look nice with the red and your appliances and granite countertops. Daub and smear until you are satisfied. Let cure a few days. You can distress it if you want, as well. Then apply a clear polycrylic sealer. Let it cure a few days, maybe several coats, let cure in between. You get to eat out a lot!! I'm fighting with my cabinets too, not sure what to do with them...

SawHorse Design Build · Answer

This response has nothing to do with kitchen cabinets but thought that I would share it with you anyway...
I was at a clients house and they painted the walls of the hall bathroom with chalk paint. Sound like fun until you have a party with guest that are drinking. I visited the week after a weekend get together and got to enjoy some of the funny comments added on the walls by their guest.
I guess this could apply to your kitchen- be wary of your guest temptation to leave you messages on your chalk paint cabinets.

Elaine Simmons · Answer

It is not chalkboard paint I am thinking of using, SawHorse.net........people get that confused.........it is chalk paint for furniture or wood.

Elaine Simmons · Answer

Thanks Vicki but I don't want to do a faux finish on my cabinets......I did that on the bar wall and besides, I want the cabinets to be plain.

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