skip to main content

Cabinets Oil Spray or Oil Hand Paint More Durable?

9 years ago

I'm painting my kitchen cabinets and have already chosen to go with oil based (true white). I've gotten quotes from people who will spray and some from hand paint. I don't really have a huge preference for whether they're smooth - factory looking or more hand done with brush strokes. My main concern is durability. The hand paint is obviously more expensive (almost 2x as much). My friend has sprayed oil and they're chipped within the year. Would hand painting be more durable?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

Plan9
9 years ago
I don't know if brushed would be more durable than spray. But I suspect it might because the cured film would be thicker.

However, a "good" brushed paint job will look nicer than a good spray job in a more traditional style kitchen.

But, if you have or want an ultra modern kitchen with slab cabinets spraying is the way to go.
Faron79
9 years ago
You do realize Oil-based "Whites" WILL yellow some....don't you?!

You couldn't pay me enough to use Oil-based paint...

UNLESS you're using some of FPE's stuff...which is STUNNING, but you'll PAY for it. It ain't cheap!

Faron
Related Discussions
Oil, Latex, or Laquer best for painted cabinets?
Q
Comments (2)
We used oil-based BM Satin Impervo on our painted kitchen cabs. We're happy with how it looks, and I gave the cabinet fronts a good scrubbing the other day (using the scrubby back of a blue sponge) and I didn't feel like I had to have an worry about its durability. We used the acrylic latex based Impervo for the kids' built-ins (because it would dry faster). My husband, who did the painting and spraying, didn't like it as well as the oil-based for flow or for the quality of the finish when complete. It's OK, but we're not quite as confident of the durability over time and the feel isn't quite as nice.
...See More
oil-based white painted cabinets
Q
Comments (7)
Indeed, our GC on the little bath installation INSISTED that I use the alkyd primer/sealer version of the KILZ paint on the walls of this little bath. I humored him and did it, because once it was dry I could right away put the latex above the alkyd/oil. If you go with latex first, it is my understanding that you must wait a few MONTHS to let the moisture fully evaporate, before putting oil paint over the top of latex. OLD paint in good condition it does not matter if you put oil paint over latex. I also prefer to use the Behr brand paints. I like the PLUS and ultras, I think they are called, which have mildew and mold resistance built in. After I appeased the contractor, I then proceeded to do what I wanted every where else. It is much easier to deal with one kind of paint with uniform compatability. And the recent developments in paint mfgr using "nano" technology make latex or waterbased paints as durable as oil. And a lot easier to clean up, and less harmful to the environment IMHO. FWIW, I ONLY use Behr paint. (Well, except for Ralph Lauren's CANDLELIGHT) Great coverage, no fading, easy application, and talk about color or sheen choices!!! Wow.
...See More
Professional painting for oak cabinets oil based paint or lacquer
Q
Comments (3)
Enamel paint doesn't really signify what kind of paint it is, just that the paint is a washable paint, meaning that a protective skin forms on top of the paint. Enamel paints could be latex, acrylic, oil or lacquer really. I would use BIN primer (shellac based) or any other number of acrylic primers that are designed to stick to slick surfaces (bonding). I would then topcoat with a 100 percent high quality acrylic paint, probably in satin. Some perfer semi-gloss. The reason I would choose acrylic is because it won't yellow like oil or lacquer or crack in the joints as easily.
...See More
Cabinet Paint - Acrylic vs Oil vs Lacquer
Q
Comments (4)
We had ours done a year ago. I had them brushed with oil base BM as I wanted the historic look of the brush in the paint. It is very subtle. I love the way they came out and they have held up great so far, I just wipe them with a dishcloth and soapy water. Hope this helps, caroline
...See More
Peakmom
9 years ago
More labor intensive to brush on so stands to reason there is more cost. We're in the process of remodeling our bathroom and are going the DIY route. We built a vanity and a linen cabinet and after what seems like exhaustive research, have decided on a product called, Cabinet Coat (formerly called Insl-x) recently bought out by Benjamin Moore. We had it tinted in a BM color, Simply White. All research on this product suggests a rock hard finish that requires no top coat, delivers a smooth finish, is easy to maintain and will last for years and years without chipping. I just finished painting the vanity today and here's my take:

1. Although the can states you only need 2 coats (one primer and one finishing coat), the raw wood soaked up quite a bit of the first coat of paint and ultimately took 3 coats for full coverage. As the paint is expensive it would have been better for me to prime with a less expensive (but still proven) product first.

2. I used a Purdy angled brush to cut in and then a disposable foam roller for the flat surfaces. Spraying is only as good as the person who sprays it on and I am no pro. Brushing gave me more control and the product leveled enough to make me look better than I am.

3. Prep is key to any project and this is no exception. I sanded, vacuumed and tack-clothed first. The Cabinet Coat sanded down great with 220 after each coat.

4. The satin finish is not as shiny as wall satin paint, which turned out to be a good thing for me as I didn't want a glossy finish. If you want something shinier you can put a topcoat on but performance-wise it's not necessary.

Time will tell if this will last but it came highly recommended by a cabinet refinishing pro.
Peakmom
9 years ago
This is the finished vanity using 3 coats of Cabinet Coat - (please excuse the messy garage!).
PRO
Christopher Nelson Wallcovering and Painting
9 years ago
Messy garage????? Ha, you should see mine

Related Stories

UPHOLSTERY Fabric Focus: Make Your Interiors More Durable With Outdoor Fabric

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Indoor-outdoor fabric is strong and beautiful, whether in the backyard or the living room

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Counters: Durable, Easy-Clean Soapstone

By Ivon Street Studio

Give bacteria the boot and say sayonara to stains with this long-lasting material that's a great choice for kitchen and bath countertops

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Sinks: Granite Composite Offers Superior Durability

By Rachel Grace

It beats out quartz composite for strength and scratch resistance. Could this kitchen sink material be right for you?

KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS Kitchen Counters: Tile, the Choice for Affordable Durability

By Ivon Street Studio

DIYers and budget-minded remodelers often look to this countertop material, which can last for decades with the right maintenance

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Sinks: Enameled Cast Iron for Attractive Durability

By Rachel Grace

Strong, shiny and sustainable, an enameled cast iron sink can bring character to your kitchen

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Sinks: Soapstone for Germ-Free Beauty and Durability

By Rachel Grace

Stains and bacteria? Not on soapstone's watch. But this sink material's benefits don't come cheap.

KITCHEN CABINETS Kitchen Cabinet Color: Should You Paint or Stain?

By Ventana Construction LLC

Learn about durability, looks, cost and more for wooden cabinet finishes to make the right choice for your kitchen

FEEL-GOOD HOME Embrace a Few Beautifully Weathered Surfaces for a Happy, Durable Home

By Janell Beals - House of Fifty

You don’t need to worry so much about scuff marks and dings when you accept the character and beauty of wear

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Counters: Recycled Paper Surprises With Durability and Warmth

By Ivon Street Studio

Sturdier than you might think, this postconsumer countertop material also has major environmental cred

RUSTIC STYLE Brick Floors: Could This Durable Material Work for Your House?

By Lisa Frederick

You love the old-world look, but will you like the feel of it underfoot? Learn the pros and cons of interior brick flooring

Sponsored

Everingham Design

Columbus' Home Design Experts Specializing in Custom Cabinets

More Discussions

Accent Color Advice

18

I am in exterior paint color hell. Please help.

4

Black and white stairs

1

Help ID’g Sherwin Williams Color Match

1

Anybody here use Benjamin Moore's Kitty Gray on their exterior?

0