The finish you choose is very much a matter of personal taste with gloss, eggshell, satin and matt the common choices. While branded as a furniture paint, Rust Oleum’s chalk paint is suitable for use on a variety of interior surfaces including melamine and MDF. This means that anything from old kitchen cabinets to yellowing stone fireplaces can all be revived and refreshed using this paint. One coat is usually enough to achieve a smooth, flattering result, and the product is washable and easy to maintain. Ideal to apply in high-traffic areas, this paint is also tough and durable, resistant to scratches and stains. From Cotton White to Charcoal Grey, the range of colors allows for endless possibilities to create the perfect kitchen look. The paint is easy to apply by brush or roller, and can be used on varnished or painted surfaces. The increased durability against spills and stains makes it an ideal choice for busy kitchens.

Viscosity ensures an easy application and consistent results with either a paintbrush or a roller, but the paint dries fast and is sometimes hard to handle. Unless you’re making a substantial colour change, one coat is usually enough, while the product dries in less than two hours. If necessary, a second coat can be applied after four hours. Sanding the surface is the only preparation required. The product adheres well to melamine and MDF without priming and is suitable to use on cupboards, furniture, doors, and more. Once you decide on a colour, the next step is deciding which finish will best suit your kitchen cupboard goals, and these days there are a whole lot of paint finishes on offer! From chalk, matt and eggshell through to satin, semi-gloss and plain old gloss. What’s immediately striking about The Little Greene Paint Company’s offering is the sheer breadth of neutral colours available – 12 in total. These water-based eggshell paints are ideal on wooden kitchen cabinets, especially given that they’re designed to be resistant to steam and condensation. Johnstone’s Cupboard Paint is very durable once set, however you will need to be careful around it during the drying process. Whilst wet it can be scratched very easily so due care and diligence is needed to ensure you don’t spoil the finish.

The highly pigmented formula is easy to apply by brush, roller or electric sprayer for lasting coverage that goes a long way, even on varnished or painted surfaces. If spraying, paint should be diluted with water by 10-20% as required. Two coats are recommended The most important factor is to clean all surfaces to be painted, including all freestanding and walls units. Stains and grease can prevent the paint from setting on the surface, leading to an unflattering result. Melamine and MDF are two popular kitchen cabinet materials. Inexpensive and aesthetically pleasant, these two materials have literally invaded most kitchens, replacing the nobler wood or its more expensive alternatives. Weaker than hardwood, melamine and MDF need more maintenance and are harder to redecorate with paint.

Very easy to use and coming in 42 attractive colours, Painter’s Touch by Rust-Oleum is one of the most versatile kitchen cupboard paints on the market – and our favourite. This multi-purpose paint is decorative and protective at the same time. A range of finishes gives you the possibility to choose from retro-gloss, satin or matt. On the market, there are many furniture paints that claim they adhere perfectly and provide an exceptional coverage on un-primed surfaces. We’ve tested some of them and they did provide great results. However, we still recommend priming the surface for the simple reason that paint will need less maintenance and will resist longer. As for contemporary designs, there are dozens of colour schemes to inspire your new look. Neutral tonalities are easy to mix and match in all décors. Darker greys, rust, copper, and dark browns are beautiful choices in an industrial style or contemporary kitchen. Pair them with natural stone or quartz countertops in matching shades for a touch of class. The paint itself is top quality – hard wearing, ultra-low VOC and leaves a flawless, professional-looking finish. It’s available in a matte or semi-matte finish and in an almost infinite colour range. While it looks a little pricey at first, this is probably one of the most affordable ways to refresh your kitchen without compromising on quality, providing you don’t already have all the equipment.

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The paint is water based which means you won’t need to put up with any strong odours, making it convenient to use in your kitchen without having to take all the doors off for exterior application. Of course, make sure your kitchen is well ventilated before, during and after painting.