Kitchen Paint and Finishes Mansfield
At Kudos Kitchens, we know how much a fresh coat of paint can change your kitchen. It's not just about making things look pretty - it's about creating a space that works for your family and can handle the messy bits of everyday life.
Why Kitchen Paint Matters More Than You Think
Your kitchen isn't like other rooms in your house. It gets hot, steamy, and splattered with food and grease. Regular wall paint just won't cut it here. Kitchen paint needs to be tough enough to handle repeated cleaning without washing away or looking patchy.
"We've seen so many kitchens where the wrong paint was used," says Michael. "After a few months, the walls look awful - all streaky from cleaning and with permanent stains that won't budge. Getting the right paint from the start saves so much hassle later on."
The right paint and finish can:
- Make your kitchen easier to clean
- Help your kitchen last longer without needing touch-ups
- Hide imperfections in older cabinets and walls
- Make small kitchens feel bigger and dark kitchens brighter
- Give your whole kitchen a new look without replacing cabinets
Types of Paint That Work Best in Kitchens
Not all paint is the same. For kitchens, you need special formulations that can stand up to moisture, heat, and repeated cleaning.
For Kitchen Walls
Wall paint for kitchens should be washable and resistant to moisture. Here are the best options:
- Kitchen-specific wall paint - Many brands now make paint just for kitchens. These have extra ingredients that help them resist moisture and stains. They cost a bit more, but they last much longer.
- Satin finish paint - This is our most popular choice for kitchen walls. It has a slight sheen that makes it easier to wipe clean, but it's not so shiny that it shows every bump and dent in your walls.
- Eggshell finish paint - A step down in shininess from satin, eggshell is good if you have uneven walls but still want something cleanable.
- Semi-gloss paint - Very shiny and super easy to clean. Works great for areas that get especially messy, like behind the cooker or sink. The downside is it shows every little flaw in your wall.
"For families with young kids, we almost always recommend satin finish," says Emma. "It's the best balance between being easy to clean sticky fingerprints off and not highlighting every dent and ding in the wall."
For Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinet paint needs to be extra tough since you're opening and closing them all day long and they get splashed with food and water.
- Specialist cabinet paint - These are designed to go on smooth and create a hard, durable finish that won't chip easily.
- Acrylic satin or semi-gloss paint - These work well if you're painting over existing cabinets. They dry to a hard finish that can handle being wiped down regularly.
- Oil-based paints - These take longer to dry but create an extremely durable finish. They're good for cabinets that get heavy use.
- Water-based enamels - These dry faster than oil paint but still give you a hard, durable finish. They also don't yellow over time like oil can.
We've seen a big shift in recent years from oil to water-based paints for cabinets. The newer water-based options are almost as tough but dry faster and don't smell as strong, which is great when you can't move out of your house during the kitchen work.
Picking Kitchen Colours That You'll Love for Years
Choosing a colour is often the hardest part for our customers. Some colours look great in magazines but don't work in real kitchens with real lighting.
Popular Wall Colours in Mansfield Kitchens
Over the last year, we've painted lots of kitchens in the Mansfield area. Here are the most popular choices we've seen:
- Soft whites - Not stark white, but warmer whites with hints of cream or grey. These make kitchens feel clean and bright.
- Pale greens - Sage and mint tones are very popular right now. They feel fresh and natural.
- Grey-blues - These give a calm feeling and hide marks better than pure greys.
- Warm neutrals - Beiges and warm greys that add coziness without making the space feel dark.
When choosing a colour, think about how much natural light your kitchen gets. Darker kitchens need lighter colours, while kitchens with lots of windows can handle darker or more vivid colours.
Cabinet Colour Trends
Cabinet colours tend to be a bit more adventurous because they don't cover as much space as walls.
- Two-tone kitchens - Using a different colour for top and bottom cabinets is very popular. Often darker colours on the bottom and lighter on top.
- Navy blue - Still going strong as a popular cabinet colour, especially in Mansfield and Nottinghamshire homes.
- Forest and sage greens - These have really taken off in the last year or so.
- Black or charcoal - For a dramatic look that pairs well with wooden worktops or metallic handles.
- Cream and off-white - Classic choices that always work well and make small kitchens feel bigger.
"We did a kitchen in Sutton-in-Ashfield last month with sage green lower cabinets and cream uppers," Michael tells us. "The owners were nervous about using colour, but once it was done they absolutely loved it. It made their kitchen feel completely different."
Cabinet Refinishing: Making Old Cabinets Look New Again
Cabinet refinishing is an important part of kitchen renovation services offered in home improvement shop in Mansfield. This is perfect if your cabinets are in good shape structurally but look dated or worn.
The Cabinet Painting Process We Use
Getting a professional finish on cabinets takes time and attention to detail:
- Remove all doors, drawers and hardware - Everything comes off so we can work on it properly.
- Clean thoroughly - Kitchen grease builds up even in places you can't see. Everything gets degreased.
- Sand all surfaces - This roughens up the existing finish so the new paint can grip properly.
- Prime with specialist primer - This helps the paint stick to slick cabinet surfaces.
- Apply 2-3 coats of cabinet paint - We use brushes for detailed areas and rollers or sprayers for flat sections.
- Finish with protective clear coat - This adds extra durability for high-use areas.
- Reattach with clean or new hardware - Sometimes just changing the handles can update the whole look.
The whole process takes about 5-7 days for an average kitchen. That includes drying time between coats.
"People are often surprised how long proper cabinet painting takes," Emma explains. "But if you rush it, the finish won't last. We've had to fix so many DIY paint jobs where the paint started peeling after just a few months."
Beyond Basic Paint: Special Finishes for Kitchen Walls
Paint isn't your only option for kitchen walls. Here are some other finishes that work well:
Washable WallpaperModern washable wallpapers are much more practical than old-fashioned ones. They can be wiped clean and are resistant to moisture. They're great for adding pattern and interest to a kitchen. |
Panelling and Board SolutionsWood panelling is making a comeback, especially in kitchens with a country or traditional style. Tongue and groove boards or beadboard can be painted in kitchen-friendly paint for a durable and stylish look. |
Textured FinishesTextured paint effects can hide uneven walls and add interest. Techniques like rag rolling, sponging, or combing through paint can create unique effects. |
How We Apply Kitchen Paint for a Professional Finish
Getting a smooth, durable finish is all about preparation and using the right tools. Here's how we do it:
- Proper surface prep - Cleaning, filling holes, sanding rough spots, and priming where needed.
- Quality brushes and rollers - Cheap tools give poor results. We use different brushes for different paints and surfaces.
- The right painting sequence - Starting with the ceiling, then walls, then woodwork means less chance of drips and marks.
- Multiple thin coats - Several thin layers of paint give a better finish than one thick coat that might drip or peel.
- Adequate drying time - Rushing between coats can ruin the finish.
For wall painting, we usually use rollers with extenders for high areas, along with cutting-in brushes for edges and corners. For cabinets, we sometimes use spray equipment for the smoothest possible finish, especially on flat panel doors.
Taking Care of Your Painted Kitchen
Once your kitchen has been painted, you'll want to keep it looking good. Here's how:
- Wait before cleaning - Even though kitchen paint dries quickly, it takes about 2 weeks to fully cure and harden. Avoid scrubbing it during this time.
- Use the right cleaners - Harsh chemicals can damage paint. Mild dish soap and water works for most cleaning.
- Wipe up spills quickly - Even with good kitchen paint, it's best not to let spills sit for hours.
- Touch up as needed - Keep some extra paint for touch-ups on areas that get the most wear.
- Repaint on schedule - Even the best kitchen paint doesn't last forever. Walls may need repainting every 3-5 years, and cabinets every 5-7 years depending on use.
Real Kitchen Transformation: The Shaw Family in Mansfield
The Shaws had a dark, dated kitchen with 1990s oak cabinets and dingy beige walls. They couldn't afford a full kitchen renovation, so we suggested a paint transformation instead.
We painted their cabinet frames in a soft white, the doors in a deep navy blue, and the walls in a pale grey with blue undertones. We also added new handles in brushed brass.
"I still can't believe it's the same kitchen," Mrs. Shaw told us afterward. "It's so much brighter and feels like a completely different room. And we spent about a quarter of what a new kitchen would have cost."
The whole project took us 6 days and cost less than £2,000, including all materials and labour. A full kitchen replacement would have been £8,000-£10,000.
Questions People Ask About Kitchen Paint
What type of paint is best for kitchen walls?
For kitchen walls, a good quality satin or eggshell finish is best. These are easy to clean but don't show imperfections too much. Look for paints labeled as "kitchen and bathroom" or "scrubbable" for best results.
What is the most popular kitchen paint color in the UK?
White and off-white are still the most popular, but we're seeing more pale greens, blues and warm greys being used. Navy blue has been popular for cabinets, while walls tend to be lighter neutrals.
Should kitchen walls be matte or glossy?
Most people find that a middle ground works best - either eggshell or satin finish. Full matte is hard to clean in a kitchen environment, while high gloss shows every imperfection in your walls.
How often should you repaint a kitchen?
Kitchen walls typically need repainting every 3-5 years due to cooking grease, moisture, and cleaning. Cabinets can last 5-7 years between paint jobs if properly prepared and painted.
Is it OK to use matte paint in a kitchen?
Modern washable matte paints can work in a kitchen, but they're better for low-traffic areas or ceilings. For walls that get splashed or need frequent cleaning, satin or eggshell are better choices.
Ready for a Kitchen Colour Change?
If your kitchen needs a refresh, paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform the space. Whether you just want the walls done or a complete cabinet makeover, we'd love to help.
We serve Mansfield and surrounding areas including Sutton-in-Ashfield, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Rainworth, Clipstone, Forest Town, Edwinstowe, Ollerton, and other nearby communities.
Contact Michael and Emma at Kudos Kitchens for:
- Free colour consultations
- Samples to try at home
- No-obligation quotes
Give us a call or visit our Mansfield showroom to see examples of our paint finishes and colour options. Let's bring your kitchen back to life with fresh paint and expert finishes!
Kitchen Renovation Financing Available!*
Even if you do not have the funds now, you may be eligible to access project funding from Dopple! Contact us to learn more about how financing can help you get your dream kitchen renovation sooner.
We've partnered with Dopple to offer flexible kitchen renovation financing options for your kitchen project. With Dopple, you can spread the cost of your new kitchen over manageable monthly payments, choose from multiple finance options. You will get support from a friendly UK-based team and be able to finance kitchen projects big and small
*Credit is subject to status and credit assessments by the lender. Missed payments may affect your credit file, future borrowing and incur fees.
