Choosing the right paint for your outdoor kitchen cabinets is crucial to ensuring they stand up to the elements and last for years to come. With so many paint options on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one is best for an outdoor application. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting a paint for outdoor kitchen cabinets. We’ll also provide specific recommendations to help you choose the optimal paint for your climate and project.
How Are Outdoor Kitchens Different Than Indoor?
Before diving into paint options, it’s important to understand how outdoor kitchens differ from their indoor counterparts. An outdoor kitchen faces much more extreme conditions than a kitchen inside the home. Here are some of the key differences:
- Temperature Fluctuations – Outdoor kitchens experience intense heat and sunlight during the day and can get quite cold at night. These temperature swings put stress on cabinets and cause expansion and contraction.
- Moisture – Exposure to rain, snow, and humidity introduces a great deal of moisture that indoor kitchens don’t experience.
- UV Exposure – The sun’s harsh UV rays can degrade and fade paint much more quickly outside.
- Dirt/Pollution – Outdoor kitchens collect more dust, pollen, pollution and other contaminants that can stain the paint.
- Pests – Bugs and rodents are also more likely to come into contact with an outdoor kitchen and potentially damage the finish.
So in summary, the paint on your outdoor kitchen cabinets needs to hold up to a wide range of temperatures, resist moisture, block UV rays, and be easy to clean. This typically requires a much more durable paint than you would use inside your home.
Ideal Paint Qualities for Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
To stand up to the rigorous conditions outdoor kitchens face, you’ll want to look for cabinet paints that offer the following qualities:
- All-Weather Durability – The paint needs to withstand sun, rain, snow and wind without fading, chipping, cracking or peeling. Look for paint specifically designed for exterior use.
- UV/Moisture Resistance – The paint should contain UV absorbers to prevent fading and waterproofing additives like silicone to repel moisture.
- Stain/Mildew Resistance – Top quality exterior paints will include mold and mildew inhibitors as well as stain-blocking properties.
- High Adhesion – Adhesion refers to how well the paint bonds to the cabinet surface. For outdoor use, the paint needs incredibly strong adhesion to avoid peeling.
- Easy to Clean – Outdoor kitchens tend to collect dust and dirt at a higher rate. Choose a hard, non-porous paint that’s easy to wipe down.
- Abrasion Resistant – With more exposure to the elements and activities like grilling, outdoor cabinet paint needs to hold up to rubbing, scrubbing and abrasion.
- Blocking Alkalis – Paints suitable for outdoor kitchens will be formulated to resist damage from grill cleaner, lime, mortar and other exterior alkaline materials.
By keeping these key traits in mind, you’ll be able to zero in on the right type of paint for your specific outdoor kitchen cabinets.
Top Paint Options for Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
Now let’s explore some of the best options when it comes to paint for outdoor kitchen cabinets:
1. 100% Acrylic Latex Paint
For a top quality outdoor cabinet paint that checks all the boxes, 100% acrylic latex is the way to go. Acrylic latex paints are comprised of acrylic resin, which provides:
- Excellent adhesion to properly prepared surfaces
- Long-lasting flexibility and durability
- Resistance to UV rays, moisture, and stains
- Ability to expand and contract with temperature changes
Professional-grade acrylic latex paints designed for exterior use on wood, masonry, and metal will hold up great on outdoor cabinets. Be sure to look for exterior acrylic paint that offers mold, mildew and UV resistance.
When researching brands, ones like Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint, Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior Acrylic Latex, and Behr Premium Exterior Paint are excellent options specifically formulated for outdoor durability.
2. Alkyd/Oil-Based Paints
Alkyd paint, also referred to as oil-based paint, is another extremely durable choice suitable for outdoor kitchen cabinets. The alkyd resin provides:
- Superb adhesion and a hard, glossy finish
- Resistance to weathering
- Blocks stains from water, grease, and grime
- Doesn’t chalk or fade as fast as latex paints
Alkyd paints do contain strong VOCs so they require proper safety precautions during application. Odor and drying time are other downsides. But in terms of durability, alkyd is tough to beat for exterior applications. Quality alkyd paint options include Benjamin Moore Impervex Oil Based Paint, Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint Exterior Oil, and Pittsburgh Paints Manor Hall Exterior Paint.
3. Enamel Paints
Enamel paints use alkyd resins blended with varnish to create an extra hard, glass-like finish. This makes enamel paint ideal for high-wear surfaces like outdoor kitchen cabinetry.
Advantages of enamel paint:
- Extremely durable, scratch resistant finish
- Resists fading, yellowing, and chalking
- Easy to clean – resists stains and dirt
- Can achieve glossy or satin look
Rust-Oleum, Krylon, and Sherwin-Williams all offer quality exterior enamel paints specifically designed for use on cabinets, doors, and trim. Just be aware that enamel paint tends to show imperfections since it dries to a hard, smooth finish. Proper priming and prep work is a must.
4. Epoxy Paint
For the ultimate in durability, two-part epoxy paint systems provide a industrial-grade finish suitable for outdoor kitchen cabinets. Epoxy paint advantages:
- Nearly indestructible chemical and abrasion resistance
- High-gloss, showroom finish
- Repels moisture, stains, and alkalis
- Excellent adhesion and UV resistance
The downside to epoxy paint is that it requires precise mixing, limited pot life, and careful application to avoid drips and imperfections. Hiring a professional is often recommended. But if done properly, epoxy paint provides the toughest, most waterproof finish available.
5. Marine Paint
As the name implies, marine paints are formulated to withstand outdoor conditions on boats and vessels. Given its durability and moisture resistance, marine paint works quite well for outdoor kitchen cabinets too.
Specific benefits of marine paint:
- Specifically designed for exterior wood and metal
- Contains anti-fungal additives to resist mildew
- Blister resistant finish repels water
- Durable protection from sun, salt spray, and weathering
- Easy to clean high-gloss finish
Popular brands like Pettit EZ-Poxy, Sea Hawk EP-2000 Epoxy, and TotalBoat Gleam Marine Paint offer great corrosion, chemical, and abrasion resistance for long-lasting outdoor cabinet protection.
6. Exterior Cabinet Refinishing Systems
For a fast and easy option without the hassles of traditional painting, consider a cabinet refinishing system. These polyurethane and epoxy-acrylic blended coatings allow you to refinish cabinets right over top of old paint or stain with minimal prep.
Benefits of cabinet refinishing systems:
- Resists UV, moisture, stains, and abrasion
- Strong adhesion to existing finishes
- No need to strip or sand existing paint
- Fast application and cure time
- Available in multiple sheen finishes
Top brands specifically formulated for exterior cabinets include Cabinet Coat by Insl-X, Cabinet, Door & Trim Paint from Rust-Oleum and Sherwin-Williams Extreme Bond Paint. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for proper adhesion and curing.
Important Prep Work for Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
Once you’ve selected the right exterior paint for your outdoor kitchen cabinets, proper prep work is crucial for achieving long-lasting results. Here are some key tips for prep and painting outdoor cabinets:
- Clean Surfaces – Use TSP substitute to remove grease and grime. Rinse thoroughly.
- Sand Cabinets – Lightly sand glossy areas to dull and allow paint to adhere.
- Fill Any Holes/Imperfections – Use exterior wood filler and sand smooth.
- Prime Bare Wood – Prime especially oily woods like cedar and redwood before painting.
- Use Proper Primer – For shiny or glossy cabinets, use a bonding primer.
- Caulk Seams and Joints – Seal any cracks or seams prone to expansion/contraction.
- Remove Hardware – Take off hinges, pulls and handles to paint seperately.
- Use Angled Brush – Helps get paint into grooves and details. Maintain wet edge.
- Apply Multiple Coats – Wait proper dry times between coats. Lightly sand before final coat.
- Let Paint Fully Cure – Wait 1-2 weeks before reinstalling hardware and using cabinets.
By taking the time to properly clean, sand, prime, caulk, and prep your outdoor cabinets, you will achieve maximum paint adhesion and protection. Don’t cut corners on the prep work.
Maintaining Your Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
Once your exterior kitchen cabinets are painted, you’ll want to take steps to keep them looking like new:
- Inspect cabinets yearly for any signs of paint failure like cracking or peeling. Make touch ups as needed.
- Clear away leaves, dirt and other debris that collects on outdoor cabinets.
- Use a soft brush to remove dust and prevent buildup.
- Clean gently with mild detergent and rinse thoroughly. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Consider applying a fresh coat of exterior paint every 3-5 years.
- Check for signs of mildew or mold and treat immediately to avoid staining.
- Reseal any joints or seams that may come loose due to expansion and contraction.
- Avoid letting water pool on horizontal surfaces which can lead to deterioration.
- Stay on top of any scratches, chips or nicks in the paint. Touch up immediately before they spread.
- Store cleaning chemicals, grill supplies and other harsh materials away from painted cabinets.
Proper maintenance and care will keep your outdoor kitchen cabinets looking like new for many years. Be sure to address any minor issues quickly to avoid bigger problems down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What paint sheen should I use on outdoor kitchen cabinets?
For outdoor cabinets, a satin or semi-gloss finish typically works best. Satin provides some nice luster while minimizing glare and reflections. Semi-gloss offers a bit more shine and is easiest to clean. Avoid flat or matte paints outdoors since they trap dirt and stains.
What kind of primer should I use before painting outdoor cabinets?
On bare exterior wood, an oil or shellac-based primer works well to block stains and tannins. For repainting previously finished cabinets, a high adhesion primer made specifically for exterior use is crucial.
Do I need to sand or strip old paint off before repainting outdoor cabinets?
In most cases, you can paint directly over prior exterior paint as long as the surface is properly cleaned, lightly sanded and primed with a bonding primer. Avoid excessive sanding which can damage the wood underneath.
Can I use the same paint on outdoor kitchen cabinets and appliances?
Yes, choose one uniform paint brand and finish for all your outdoor cabinets, doors, drawers and stainless steel appliances. This gives a cohesive, seamless look. Just be sure the paint is specifically formulated for exterior use.
How long does exterior cabinet paint need to cure before use?
Plan to let exterior cabinet paint cure and harden for 1-2 weeks before reinstalling doors, drawers, hardware, countertops and appliances. This allows ample time for the paint to fully bond and build protection.
Conclusion
Choosing the right exterior paint is crucial to creating an outdoor kitchen that withstands years of use while retaining a like-new appearance. Seek out exterior-grade acrylic, alkyd, enamel, epoxy, marine, or cabinet refinishing paints specifically engineered to resist moisture, UV rays, stains, and abrasion. Match the paint’s quality and durability to the climate conditions your outdoor kitchen will face. And invest the proper time in surface preparation and application for results that will last. With the right paint protecting them, your outdoor kitchen cabinets can handle anything nature throws their way while staying beautiful for decades to come.