Best Paints For Your Kitchen

 

 

Your kitchen is one of the busiest and most demanding spaces in any home, requiring paints that can endure constant exposure to heat, moisture, grease, and frequent cleaning. Ordinary interior wall paints lack the durability needed, making it essential to choose specialist formulations that provide enhanced protection against stains, scrubbing, and humidity. Using paints made for kitchens ensures a lasting finish that stays fresh and clean even in high-traffic kitchens.

Beyond durability, kitchen paint should be easy to apply and create a smooth, even finish that prevents dirt and grease from accumulating. The correct paint choice can significantly reduce the need for frequent repainting and improve overall hygiene. Specialist kitchen paints are often designed with added stain resistance, ensuring that oil splatters, sauces, and cooking residues can be wiped away effortlessly without damaging the surface. Given their hardwearing formulas, these paints are also suitable for use around the home and business, including bathrooms, door joinery, hallways and stairwells – anywhere that requires a durable coating.

 

 

Choosing the right paint finish for your kitchen is about more than just colour – how the surface reflects light can transform the feel of the space. Specialist paints are formulated to be durable, cleanable, and wipeable, but the level of sheen affects how the room looks and feels. Whether aiming for a bright, airy space or a softer, more muted atmosphere, the right finish makes all the difference.

Gloss and Semi-Gloss – Bright and Reflective

Gloss and semi-gloss finishes offer the highest level of light reflection, creating a crisp, polished appearance that enhances depth and dimension. Gloss is the most reflective, bringing a mirror-like effect that amplifies natural and artificial light, making it particularly effective in smaller kitchens or those with limited light sources. Semi-gloss provides a slightly softer shine while still brightening the space and highlighting details.

Both finishes work exceptionally well on cabinets, trims, and doors, adding a sleek touch that enhances the shape and structure of a kitchen. Their reflective nature makes them a great choice for modern and contemporary designs, where clean lines and a fresh aesthetic are key.

Satin and Eggshell – Soft and Balanced

Satin and eggshell finishes sit between high-shine and matt, reflecting light with a subtle glow. Satin has a touch more sheen than eggshell, offering a velvety finish that balances brightness without overpowering. Eggshell, with its more delicate sheen, creates a warm and inviting look, diffusing light softly to reduce glare while keeping a sense of movement in the space.

These finishes are ideal for kitchen walls, as they provide enough reflection to prevent the space from feeling flat while maintaining a smooth, modern appearance. They work well in both contemporary and traditional kitchens, adding a sense of depth without drawing too much attention to the surface itself.

Matt – Modern and Smooth

Matt paint absorbs light rather than reflecting it, creating a smooth, even appearance with a soft, contemporary feel. This finish is ideal for kitchens where a sophisticated, understated look is desired. Unlike traditional matt paints, modern washable matt formulations are designed for easy cleaning, making them a practical choice even in high-use areas.

A matt finish is particularly effective in kitchens with ample natural light, where it allows colour to take centre stage without interference from glare. It also works well for creating a cosy, inviting atmosphere, complementing minimalist, industrial, or rustic kitchen designs.

Choosing the Right Finish for Your Kitchen

Each finish contributes to the overall style and feel of a kitchen. The best choice depends on how you want the light to interact with your space, the level of depth you prefer, and how different finishes complement your kitchen’s design.

 

 

Kitchens are one of the busiest rooms in any home, exposed to heat, moisture, grease, and constant cleaning. Standard emulsions may seem like an easy option, but they often struggle to withstand these everyday challenges. Their porous nature means they absorb moisture and stains, leading to discolouration, peeling, or even mould growth over time. Cleaning can also be a problem, as frequent scrubbing often wears away the paint, leaving patchy or faded areas that require regular touch-ups.

Specialist kitchen paints offer a far more durable and practical solution. Designed to resist moisture, stains, and grease, these paints create a tough, wipeable surface that stays fresh for years. Many include anti-mould properties to prevent black spots in humid conditions, while grease-resistant formulas stop cooking splatters from soaking in. With washable finishes that stand up to repeated cleaning without losing colour or texture, the right kitchen wall paint ensures walls remain pristine, even in the most demanding environments.

Once your kitchen walls are up to scratch, you may may wish to update your window frames. Like kitchen cupboards, you don’t need to rip everything out and spend a lot of money replacing uPVC windows with a new colour. Specialist uPVC paints at Rawlins are available in 4,400+ colours (including anthracite grey), so you can easily match or contrast your kitchen decor with new interior and exterior colours for your uPVC, without the hassle of replacing the entire unit.

Recommended products:

Rust-Oleum Premium KWP

Zinsser Perma-White Interior

Glixtone Fungi-Shield Anti-Mould & Black Spot Paint

 

 

Giving kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to transform a space without the hassle of a full renovation. Instead of ripping out perfectly good cupboards, the right paint can breathe new life into them, whether they’re solid wood, melamine, or laminate. Specialist kitchen cabinet paints are designed to stick firmly to these surfaces, creating a smooth, durable finish that won’t peel or chip over time. No need for excessive sanding or priming – just a good clean, the right preparation, and a high-quality paint that does the hard work for you.

Kitchens take a lot of wear and tear, so cabinet paint needs to be tough. Greasy hands, food splashes, and everyday knocks can take a toll, which is why these paints are made to resist stains, moisture, and constant cleaning. A good kitchen cabinet paint forms a strong, wipeable surface that keeps its colour and finish for years, whether you go for a deep, moody tone or a fresh, neutral shade. And beyond just saving money, painting old cabinets is an easy way to upcycle instead of replacing, cutting down on waste while giving your kitchen a stylish, updated look.

Recommended product:

Rust-Oleum Premium Washable KCP

 

 

Kitchen ceilings take a lot of wear and tear from steam, condensation, and airborne grease, making it essential to use a durable, moisture-resistant paint. Standard emulsions can struggle in these conditions, leading to peeling, staining, and even mould growth. A specialist kitchen ceiling paint, particularly one with anti-mould properties, helps to prevent damp spots and mildew build-up, ensuring the surface stays clean and fresh for longer. These paints contain protective additives that resist humidity and condensation, making them ideal for kitchens where ventilation may not always be sufficient.

Kitchen ceilings are typically painted in a matt finish to conceal imperfections and reduce glare, creating a smooth, understated look. However, gloss is gaining popularity as a way to enhance light reflectivity, making kitchens feel brighter and more spacious. High-gloss or satin finishes help bounce light around the room, which is especially beneficial in smaller spaces with limited natural light. Modern gloss paints are also more durable and moisture-resistant, making them easier to clean and better suited to kitchens. While they can highlight surface imperfections, a well-prepared ceiling can take full advantage of their light-enhancing properties.

Recommended product:

Zinsser Perma-White

 

 

A kitchen island is more than just a functional surface – it’s the centrepiece of the entire space. It’s where family and friends gather, where meals are prepped, and where design choices can truly shine. Because of its prominence, the colour and quality of paint used on an island can transform the look and feel of a kitchen. Whether it acts as a bold statement or a subtle complement to surrounding cabinetry, the right paint helps define the space and bring the whole kitchen together.

Since kitchen islands see constant use, from food prep to casual dining, durability is just as important as aesthetics. Using kitchen paint ensures it stands up to daily wear without losing its charm. Whether opting for a rich, moody tone to add depth or a softer shade to create warmth, the right finish elevates the island from a simple workspace to the focal point of the home.

Recommended products:

Bradite One Can Matt

Bradite One Can Eggshell

 

 

Splashbacks are subject to grease, water splashes, and cooking stains, making it essential to use a highly durable, waterproof paint. Tile-specific paints provide excellent adhesion and resistance to moisture. For added longevity, a clear protective topcoat can be applied to further safeguard the painted surface.

Kitchen paints are best suited for splashbacks as they offer easy-clean surfaces. Some paints are specially designed to withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for use behind stoves and ovens. In areas with heavy moisture exposure, applying an additional layer of sealant can enhance resistance to stains and water damage.

Recommended product:

Rust-Oleum CombiColor MS

 

 

Painting over kitchen tiles is a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to ripping them out, reducing landfill waste and avoiding the mess and expense of a full renovation. Removing tiles creates dust, rubble, and disposal costs, whereas upcycling with specialist tile paint transforms a kitchen without the hassle. By choosing kitchen tile paints, it’s possible to refresh outdated tiles with a durable, long-lasting finish that resists chips and stains while saving money and reducing environmental impact.

Not all paints will adhere properly to glossy tiles, so selecting a specialist kitchen tile paint is essential. These paints are formulated to bond to ceramic, porcelain, and glass surfaces without peeling or scratching, providing a smooth, professional-looking result. Many options require no primer and dry to a tough, stain-resistant finish that won’t fade or wear down with regular cleaning. For the best adhesion, tiles should be thoroughly degreased and lightly sanded before painting, ensuring a strong and even application.

Kitchen walls are constantly exposed to steam, grease, and food splashes, so a wipeable, grease-resistant finish is vital. Specialist tile paints create a durable surface that withstands everyday wear and tear while remaining easy to clean. This helps maintain a hygienic and stylish kitchen without frequent repainting. By upcycling tiles with high-performance paint, it’s possible to achieve a fresh, modern look without the disruption and cost of a full kitchen remodel.

Recommended product:

Rust-Oleum Water Resistant KTP

 

 

Exposed steel beams are a striking design feature in many kitchens, providing an industrial aesthetic and structural support. However, when left untreated, steel is vulnerable in the event of a fire, losing its load-bearing capacity at high temperatures. Specialist intumescent coatings for steel offer an effective solution, providing essential fire resistance while allowing beams to remain on display with a high-quality decorative finish.

Fire Protection for Kitchen Steel Beams

In a fire, unprotected steel can reach critical failure temperatures rapidly. Intumescent coatings from leading manufacturers such as Thermoguard, Zeroflame, and Bollom expand when attacked by fire, forming an insulating layer that slows down the spread of fire and maintains structural integrity for a pre-determined length of time. These coatings are essential for compliance with fire safety regulations, especially in residential and commercial kitchens where high heat and open flames are common.

Rawlins Paints offers complete fire protection kits that include the correct amount of intumescent basecoat and a compatible topcoat, ensuring accurate coverage with minimal wastage. This makes purchasing simple and cost-effective, avoiding the need to calculate quantities separately.

A Fire-Rated Finish in Thousands of Colours

A key advantage of modern intumescent coatings is the ability to pair them with decorative, fire-rated topcoats in an extensive range of colours. This means exposed steel beams can be protected against fire without compromising on design, with options ranging from classic architectural shades like Anthracite Grey to statement colours such as Bright Yellow or Red. These topcoats are specially formulated to work in conjunction with intumescent coatings, ensuring lasting adhesion and durability in a kitchen environment.

For guidance on selecting the right fire protection system for kitchen steel beams – or alternately timber beams -, technical support is available to assist with product compatibility and application requirements.

Recommended products:

Thermoguard Thermocoat System

Zeroflame Aquasteel System

Bollom Brosteel System

 

 

Heat-resistant paints for kitchens are essential for areas exposed to high temperatures, such as areas around ovens and hobs. These specialist coatings withstand high heat without blistering, discolouration, or deterioration, ensuring surfaces remain protected from heat damage. Typically used on walls around fireplaces, on radiators, pipes and vents, they provide a durable, long-lasting finish that resists peeling and cracking.

 

 

Anti-mould paints for kitchens are specifically formulated to resist fungal growth in areas prone to high humidity and condensation. These paints contain biocidal additives that prevent mould spores from taking hold, making them ideal for walls and ceilings near sinks, cookers, and windows where moisture levels fluctuate.

Kitchens are particularly vulnerable to mould due to steam from cooking, washing up, and inadequate ventilation, which can lead to unsightly black spots and damage to surfaces. It is recommended to sort the cause of mould and mildew, such as installing trickle vents or extractor fans, in conjunction with an anti-mould coating.

Recommended products:

Zinsser Perma-White

Glixtone Fungi-Shield

 

 

Kitchen colour trends continue to evolve, with rich, deep tones like forest green, navy blue, and charcoal growing in popularity for a bold, modern look. Soft pastels and warm neutrals, such as sage green and terracotta, remain favourites for a welcoming, relaxed space. While trends shift, classic choices like off-white, warm greys, and muted blues provide longevity and adaptability, ensuring the kitchen remains stylish for years to come. Whether opting for contemporary hues or timeless shades, selecting the right paint finish is essential for durability in such high-traffic areas.

Over 6,500 Colours – Find Your Perfect Shade

With more than 6,500 colours available at Rawlins Paints, finding the ideal shade for a kitchen is effortless. Colour sample sachets help visualise different options before committing to a full purchase, while the expert colour-matching service ensures a perfect match for existing décor or design inspirations. Beyond aesthetics, specialist paints designed for upcycling and recycling projects adhere properly to surfaces, reducing waste and extending the life of furniture and cabinetry. Unlike cheaper alternatives that peel and degrade quickly, these high-performance coatings ensure a long-lasting finish – proving the adage true: buy cheap, buy twice.

Choosing the right paint for your kitchen isn’t just about colour—it’s about making sure your walls, cabinets, and ceilings can handle the heat, moisture, and constant cleaning that come with a busy kitchen. Specialist kitchen paints resist stains, grease, and scrubbing, keeping your space looking fresh without the need for constant touch-ups. Whether you go for the sleek shine of gloss, the soft glow of satin, or the modern look of matt, the right finish makes all the difference.

Good ventilation is key to preventing moisture build-up, but in areas prone to persistent mould, specialist anti-mould paints provide an extra layer of protection. These paints help stop black spots from forming, keeping your kitchen walls and ceilings clean and hygienic for longer. With the right products, your kitchen can stay looking great while standing up to everyday life.