Kitchen Painting Tips

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and a fresh coat of paint can completely transform the space. Whether you're painting walls, refreshing cabinets, or doing a complete kitchen makeover, here's everything you need to know.

Best Paint Finishes for Kitchens

Kitchens have special requirements due to moisture, grease, and frequent cleaning:

Walls

• Satin finish: The most popular choice - washable and moisture-resistant
• Semi-gloss: Even more durable, ideal near stoves and sinks
• Avoid flat/matte: Too difficult to clean in a kitchen environment

Ceiling

• Satin finish: Resists steam and moisture better than flat
• Kitchen-specific ceiling paint: Designed for humid environments

Cabinets

• Semi-gloss or satin: Durable and easy to wipe clean
• Specialty cabinet paint: Designed for heavy use
• Enamel paints: Provide a hard, durable finish

Popular Kitchen Colour Trends

Timeless Choices

• White: Classic, bright, makes spaces feel larger
• Soft grey: Modern and sophisticated
• Cream/off-white: Warm and inviting
• Navy blue cabinets: Bold yet timeless

Current Trends

• Sage green: Calming and nature-inspired
• Warm whites: Less stark than pure white
• Two-tone cabinets: Different colours for upper and lower
• Dark green: Rich and sophisticated

Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinet painting can dramatically update your kitchen at a fraction of the cost of new cabinets.

Preparation is Critical

• Remove all doors, drawers, and hardware
• Clean thoroughly with sugar soap to remove grease
• Sand all surfaces to help paint adhere
• Apply appropriate primer

Application Tips

• Use a foam roller for smooth finishes on flat surfaces
• Use a quality brush for edges and details
• Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat
• Allow proper drying time between coats
• Consider spray painting for the smoothest finish

Kitchen Painting Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping prep: Kitchen grease causes paint to fail
• Wrong paint type: Must be washable and moisture-resistant
• Not priming cabinets: Essential for adhesion
• Painting over silicon: Paint won't stick - remove and re-caulk
• Painting behind appliances: May discolour from heat

Special Considerations

Painting Behind the Stove

Areas near heat sources need special attention:

• Use heat-resistant paint if close to heat
• Ensure proper ventilation during painting
• Consider a splashback rather than paint

Open Plan Kitchens

When your kitchen flows into living areas:

• Consider using the same colour throughout for flow
• Use feature walls or accent colours for definition
• Test colours in all lighting conditions

Cost of Kitchen Painting

Typical costs for kitchen painting in Melbourne:

• Kitchen walls only: $400-$800
• Walls and ceiling: $600-$1,200
• Cabinet painting: $2,000-$5,000 depending on size
• Complete kitchen repaint: $3,000-$6,000