When it comes to choosing paint for kitchen and dining room walls, there are a few key factors to consider. The finish and sheen, durability, washability, and color are all important in selecting the best paint for high-traffic and food-prone areas like the kitchen and dining room. Taking the time to evaluate your options and priorities can ensure you end up with a paint that performs well and looks great.
Factors to Consider
Finish and Sheen
The finish and sheen of the paint have a big impact on its look and feel once applied to the wall. Here are some common options:
– Flat – Totally matte finish with no shine. Shows imperfections.
– Matte – Slight sheen, not shiny. Minimizes imperfections.
– Eggshell – Soft glow of a shine. Smooths over imperfections.
– Satin – Low-luster shine. Resists stains and easy to clean.
– Semi-Gloss – Some shine. Very stain resistant and most durable.
For kitchens and dining rooms, satin and semi-gloss paints are often preferred. Their subtle sheens help disguise imperfections, while also being durable and easy to clean. The higher gloss allows them to stand up well to moisture, grease, and frequent wiping down.
Durability
Kitchens and dining rooms get a lot of wear and tear. From cooking splatters to rowdy family meals, the walls in these rooms take a beating. It’s important to choose an interior paint with good durability that can handle being cleaned frequently.
Look for paints that claim to be scrubbable, washable, or stain-resistant. These paints have formulas that allow them to stand up well to cleaning and scrubbing. This prevents the paint from wearing down or getting dingy looking over time.
Washability
Similar to durability, washability is key for paints used in kitchens and dining rooms. Grease splatters, food stains, and handprints on the walls are inevitable. Selecting a paint that can be washed repeatedly without losing its color or sheen is essential.
Semi-gloss paints tend to be the most washable finish. The slight gloss helps repel stains, while the tough formula allows them to be scrubbed clean as needed. Flat and matte paints become damaged more easily by frequent washing.
Color
Don’t forget about color when selecting the best dining room and kitchen paint. While white and off-white are popular choices, you can opt for more color as well. Just keep in mind:
– Darker colors show more defects. Stick to lighter shades if you have many imperfections.
– Bold colors like red or orange may overpower a room. neutral to light tones are easier on the eyes.
– Softer paint colors like sage green, pale yellow, or light blues create an inviting mood.
– Greys or beiges work well as neutral backdrops in most kitchens and dining rooms.
Always test paint samples on the wall before fully committing to a color. Lighting can alter the look of a shade.
Best Type of Paint for Kitchen and Dining Room Walls
When considering all the factors of finish, durability, washability, and color, the best type of paint for kitchen and dining room walls is interior semi-gloss latex paint. Here’s why:
– Provides a subtle sheen that resists stains and masks imperfections.
– Much more durable and scrubbable than flat finishes.
– Can be repeatedly washed to remove food stains, grease, etc.
– Available in variety of colors from light to dark shades.
– Provides a finished look that is attractive but not overly shiny.
Latex paint also carries benefits over oil-based options of being lower odor and faster drying. It provides a harder, more flexible coated surface than oil paint.
Benefits of Semi-Gloss Latex Paint
Here is a summary of the benefits that make semi-gloss latex the best choice for kitchens and dining rooms:
| Slight sheen | Provides subtle shine and masks imperfections |
| Durable | Withstands frequent scrubbing and cleaning |
| Washable | Stains can be wiped off without damaging finish |
| Variety of colors | Available in many shades from light to dark |
| Low odor | Does not smell as strong as oil-based |
| Dries fast | Can be recoated in 2-4 hours |
| Hard finish | More flexible and durable than oil paint |
How to Choose the Best Semi-Gloss Paint
Now that you’ve decided on semi-gloss paint, next is picking the best specific product for your needs. Here are some tips:
– **Research brands** – Look into quality and reviews of top paint brands like Behr, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, etc.
– **Check the finish** – Ensure the can specifies “semi-gloss” for the right amount of shine.
– **Verify clean-up** – It should clean up with only soap and water, not thinner.
– **Consider primer** – Many semi-gloss paints act as a primer + paint in one.
– **Calculate coverage** – Check square footage on the label and measure your space.
– **Get samples** – Have small sample cans tinted in colors you’re considering.
– **Read application tips** – Follow brand guidelines for best results applying the paint.
– **Prep properly** – Clean walls, fill holes, tape trim, etc. for a quality paint job.
Taking the time to properly choose and apply semi-gloss paint will result in kitchen and dining room walls that are durable, washable, and great looking for years to come.
Tips for Painting Your Kitchen and Dining Room
Once you’ve selected the perfect semi-gloss paint, you’ll want to make sure you apply it properly for the best looking and most durable results. Here are some top tips for painting kitchen and dining room walls:
– Wash walls with TSP or other degreaser if needed to remove grease and grime before painting
-Fill any holes or imperfections with spackle and sand smooth when dry
-Tape off trim, baseboards, and edges with painters tape for clean lines
-Cover floors, countertops, and furniture to protect from drips and splatters
-Apply primer if painting over glossy or dark walls for better paint adhesion
-Use a high quality roller cover designed for smooth surfaces and a high-quality nylon/polyester brush
-Always maintain a “wet edge” by brushing back into newly painted sections before moving on
-Apply in a V or W motion with a fully loaded roller for even coverage with minimal rolling
-For cutting in edges, load the brush lightly and gently press the bristles to the wall edge
-Second coats will provide better hide and Sheen uniformity once first coat has fully dried
-Allow new paint to cure for at least 2 weeks before cleaning or wiping
Following these tips will help your new semi-gloss painted walls come out looking professionally done.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best paint for busy, messy spaces like kitchens and dining rooms, interior semi-gloss latex paint is a top choice. The subtle sheen hides imperfections, while the durable and washable finish can be easily scrubbed clean. Carefully selecting a quality brand and properly prepping and applying the paint will result in eye-catching walls that withstand the wear and tear of daily life. With semi-gloss paint on your kitchen and dining room walls, you can enjoy an attractive space that continues looking freshly painted for years.