Did you buy a new house but don’t like the kitchen? Or simply want to change the appearance of your current kitchen without spending thousands on a kitchen renovation?
Well, the pantry makes the heart of any kitchen, and painting the pantry shelves can completely transform the look of your kitchen without breaking your bank account.
Nonetheless, pantry shelves regularly come in contact with cooking fumes, heat, and humidity. Therefore, you need to choose a paint that’ll be able to withstand these elements while staying vibrant for long periods. Moreover, the paint must be easily cleanable as the shelves are prone to collect grease & oil over time.
However, various types of paints and finishes available on the market can make it hard to choose the best paint for pantry shelves. Don’t worry! We’ve brought to you an in-depth guide that’ll answer all your questions regarding choosing the perfect paint for your pantry shelves.
Quick Summary On Best Paint For Pantry Shelves
- Best Latex Pantry Shelf Paint: Rust-Oleum Painters Touch Latex Paint
“The best water-based latex formula to effectively protect your pantry shelves from moisture, humidity, and heat.”
- Best Chalk Paint Pantry Shelves: Krylon K05223000 Chalkboard Paint
“Transform your pantry shelves into chalkboards with this stunning chalk paint that’s easily cleanable for keeping your pantry looking as fresh as new.”
- Best Paint & Primer Combination: Krylon K05513007 COLORmaxx Spray Paint and Primer
“Enjoy outstanding adhesion, fade resistance, effortless application, and high endurance with this primer and paint duo.“
- Best Versatile Pantry Shelves Paint: Majic PAINTS Interior/Exterior Satin Paint
“No other paint can beat this one in terms of versatility. It’s compatible with more than ten surfaces and ensures excellent color retention on every single surface.“
- Best Matte Paint For Pantry Shelves: Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint
“ This high-coverage, low-odor, and easy application acrylic paint transforms your pantry shelves with its soft matte finish.”
Comparison Chart For Top 5 Paint For Pantry Shelves
Image | Paint Type | Paint Type | Finish | Price |
  | Rust-Oleum Painters Touch Latex Paint | Latex | Semi-Gloss | |
  | Krylon K05223000 Chalkboard Paint | Acrylic | Matte | |
  | Krylon K05513007 COLORmaxx Spray Paint and Primer | Spray | Gloss | |
  | Majic PAINTS Interior/Exterior Satin Paint | Enamel,Acrylic | Satin | |
  | Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint | Acrylic | Matte |
Best Paint For Pantry Shelves Review
1. Rust-Oleum Painters Touch Latex Paint
When talking about cabinet paint, the first brand that comes to mind is Rust-Oleum. They have been producing superior-quality paint since 1921 and their Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Latex Paint is the best type of paint for pantry shelves.
This multi-purpose latex paint is suitable for wood, ceramic, plaster, metal, and many more surfaces. So, no matter which type of shelves you have you can apply this paint. Also, this paint is considered excellent for cabinets as it comes with an outstanding chip-resistant formula that keeps the paint immaculate for years.
Pantry shelves face moisture and humidity from cooking fumes and hence need to be moisture resistant. Otherwise, your cabinets will get moldy and the paint will fall off.
But not with Rust Oleum’s ultra cover latex paint. This latex paint is water-based and shields the cabinets from moisture on a daily basis.
Moreover, one can of paint allows you to paint over a 120 sq ft area. As a result, you can transform your entire pantry with just one gallon of paint.
That’s not all, continuous exposure to heat & fumes forms spots, stains, and grease on the shelves. You can easily clean this paint with water and keep the shelves as good as new for longer.
Pros
- Superior water-based latex paint
- Durable water-resistant finish
- Suitable for various surfaces
- Easy to clean up
- Dries within 30 minutes
Cons
- Requires primer before painting
Product Speciality
The best part of this color is its year-round moisture and heat resistance. Its exceptional water-based latex formula ensures effortless application with a flawless finish to your pantry shelves.
2. Krylon K05223000 Chalkboard Paint
Next, we have a brand that has been producing top-quality paints for over 75 years. It’s none other than the Krylon Inc and their K05223000 Chalkboard Paint is no exception to the legacy.
You can turn your pantry shelves into chalkboards with this unique paint. The advanced acrylic formula gives the painted surface a smooth slate-like finish.
What’s more, you can actually write on the shelves with chalk. So, write on the cabinets what’s stored in them to eliminate the hassle of looking for stuff for hours.
In addition, the slate-like finish protects the shelves from heat and humidity. As a result, the paint stays intact without premature chipping or fading. That’s not all, this paint can be used on shelves made of plastic, wood, ceramic, and metal.
You get to choose from navy blue and charcoal black. Both of the colors come with a self-leveling feature so you get to enjoy a stunning smooth finish. Moreover, you can cover up to 20 sq ft of surface with this paint.
If you’re not a fan of glossy paints, this matte paint will be perfect for you. Moreover, this paint formula is effortless to apply and you will get a brush stroke free finish every time.
Pros
- Ensures top-notch durability
- Formulated with low VOC
- Eye-catching chalky matte finish
- Provides outstanding coverage
- Suitable for several surfaces
Cons
- Takes a long time to dry
Product Speciality
Turn your pantry into a statement piece with this chalkboard paint. With this, you get to enjoy excellent coverage along with durability for many years to come.
3. Krylon K05513007 COLORmaxx Spray Paint and Primer
Another wonderful paint from Krylon is the K05513007 COLORmaxx Spray Paint and Primer. If you want to give your pantry shelves a trendy glossy finish, go for this paint and primer combo.
You can effortlessly spray paint pantry shelves with the big spray tip of this paint. Moreover, the advanced spraying tip allows you to enjoy the 360-degree application.
As this product includes both primer and paint, you won’t have to spend on buying a separate primer. What’s more, no need to prep and prime the shelves before painting. So, this paint not only saves your money but also a lot of time.
The pantry is a high-traffic area in the house so you need paint that’ll dry faster. This Krylon spray paint takes only 20 minutes to dry and you can apply recoat in about 4 hours. As a result, there’s less risk of fresh paint getting chipped or scratched.
No matter what type of cabinets you own, Krylon has got you covered. Their unique paint formula ensures better paint adhesion and impressive fade-resistance to more than eight types of surfaces.
What’s more, you can easily clean up everyday spots as it’s completely scrubbable.
Pros
- Exceptional paint adhesion
- Elegant glossy finish
- Superior protection against rust
- Dries to touch in 20 minutes
- 360-degree spray technology
Cons
- Strong pungent paint fume
Product Speciality
This 2-in-1 paint and primer formula allows you to paint your pantry shelves without any additional preparation. What’s more the wide color selection allows you to brighten up your pantry while ensuring enhanced protection.
4. Majic PAINTS Interior/Exterior Satin Paint
Looking for a paint that is suitable for multiple surfaces? Then, the Majic PAINTS Interior/Exterior Satin Paint will be perfect for you.
This is a water-based enamel paint that includes all the benefits of oil-based paints without having harmful chemicals. The best thing about this paint is that it can adhere to metal, drywall, glass, tile, aluminum, plastic, wood, masonry, and more. So, you can enjoy the vibrant satin finish of this paint no matter what type of shelves you have.
Moreover, you can directly apply this color on the shelves. There is no need for priming or sanding the shelves. This paint can effectively cover different surfaces with its smooth self-leveling formula.
This paint is available in 10 eye-catching shades to match every style and aesthetic. That’s not all, it has superior color retention capability. As a result, all the colors will stay vibrant on your shelves for years.
On top of that, this paint is made to withstand both indoor and outdoor usage. The advanced formula insulates the surface from heat and damage and keeps the paint flawless for longer.
Pros
- Exceptional color retention
- Flawless satin finish
- Suitable with versatile surfaces
- Ensures superior adhesion
- Excellent for indoors & outdoors
Cons
- Requires several coats & weeks of cure time
Product Speciality
This versatile color comes in 10 unique colors with premium coverage to make your pantry shelves stand out. What’s more, you can use it on virtually any type of cabinet and achieve excellent results.
5. Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint
Some people prefer a glossy finish while others favor a matte sleek look. If you’re part of the second group, Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint will be perfect for you.
This acrylic paint is available in more than ten trendy colors and all of them will give you a soft matte finish. You can apply it on wood, ceramic, and metal cabinets without worrying about adhesion capacity.
The best way to paint pantry shelves with this excellent color is to use quality synthetic brushes on a primed surface. For better durability you will need to add a clear topcoat.
If you want an edgier distressed look, sand the painted surface with sandpaper at the last step. What’s more, the unique formula allows it to provide excellent coverage with only one coat. As a result, you can cover more than 150 sq ft of surface with one can of paint.
That’s not all, once the paint is dry it’s really easy to clean up with only soap and water. So, transform your pantry with the trendy yet vintage colors of the Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint range.
Pros
- Velvety matte finish
- Low odor formula
- Elegant distressed look
- High surface coverage
- Cleanable with soap & water
Cons
- Requires top coat for durability
Product Speciality
Overall, if you are a fan of an distressed antique look, this paint will be perfect for you. Over 10 colors with premium coverage and a chalky matte finish will make your pantry shelves the centerpiece of your kitchen.
How To Choose Best Paint For Pantry Shelves?
Painted pantry shelves can change the look of your entire kitchen. However, choosing paint for your shelves can be somewhat confusing. Because these paints need to provide appropriate protection to the shelves from cooking fumes & grease.
To find out the right paint, you need to consider some crucial factors. We’ve put together a quick buying guide to help you in choosing the finest paint for your pantry shelves.
1. Paint Type
Primarily there are two types of paint available for pantry shelves: oil-based and water-based. Oil-based paints provide more coverage with a single coat along with being chip-resistant. In addition, they deliver optimal moisture defense.
However, oil-based paints have been banned in many states as they contain harmful VOC. Water-based latex and enamel paints don’t have this smell and they are easier to apply. With these, you can clean the shelves easily and enjoy better fade resistance.
2. Finish
Typical finishes for pantry shelves are matte, eggshell, satin, and gloss. While the choice of finish depends on your personal preference, there are a few points you need to keep in mind.
Matte finishes are harder to clean even though they give your kitchen an edgier look. But they are easier to recoat and stay vibrant for longer. Gloss finishes on the other hand dry with a strong hard finish. As a result, they are more durable and you can easily wipe them clean.
But not everyone is a fan of glossy finishes. A middle ground can be satin finishes. You get to enjoy the benefits of gloss without the blinding shine.
3. Durability
Painting pantry shelves is an expensive affair. Hence, no one wants to use paint on their shelves that’ll chip off in a few months. Therefore, look for paint that will last for at least a few years.
Alkyd enamel paints tend to be thicker and more durable. They provide more coverage and fade resistance. As a result, you get to enjoy vibrant smooth colors on your shelves for a long time.
Another thing to keep in mind is using primers or paints that include primer. Primer allows the paint to become more durable and provides better protection.
4. Moisture & Heat-Resistance
The primary feature you need to ensure is heat & moisture resistance. This is especially important if you have an open pantry adjacent to the kitchen. Pantry shelves can get prematurely damaged when they come in contact with moisture and heat from the stove.
Hence, choose paints that provide good moisture as well as heat resistance capability. Using heat-proof paint is crucial for elongating the lifespan of your pantry shelves.
5. Drying Time
The longer a paint takes to dry, the higher the chances of it getting scratched or chipped. Water-based paints take 20 minutes to an hour to dry. So, you can apply several coats of paint in one day.
But oil-based paints can take anywhere from 6 to 24 hours to completely dry. Therefore, you won’t be able to finish the painting project in one day.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
1. What Kind Of Paint To Use On Pantry Shelves?
Answer: Water-based latex paints are considered the best for the pantry shelves. You can also use enamel paints on your pantry shelves for enhanced protection.
2. How Do You Protect Painted Pantry Shelves?
Answer: To protect your painted pantry shelves, apply polyurethane over the paint. Water-based poly-urethane can be used over both latex and enamel paint. In addition, it protects the paint from fading & chipping.
3. What Color To Paint Pantry Walls?
Answer: This entirely depends on your personal style and preference. If you want an airy light vibe, go for the neutral tones like white, gray, or cream. But if you want to add a dramatic touch to the kitchen, paint the walls dark blue or emerald green.
4. What Is The Most Durable Paint For Shelves?
Answer: Even though oil-based paints have been considered the most durable for decades, they shouldn’t be used as they are harmful to humans. The next best thing is enamel paints. Enamel paints are solvent-based and they dry to a hard finish that protects the shelves from damage.
5. Do I Need To Prime The Kitchen Cabinets?
Answer: Primers create an ideal base for the paint and help the paint adhere properly to the cabinets. Moreover, primer makes the paint last longer without fading and chipping. So, yes you need to prime the cabinets before painting.
6. Which Paint Finish Will Be Ideal For Pantry Shelves?
Answer: Gloss or semi-gloss finish will be great for pantry shelves as they are grease-resistant and easier to clean. What’s more, glossy finishes are more durable and don’t get damaged by cooking fumes.
Final Word
Pantry shelves are the focal point in any kitchen. Hence, giving them a makeover can alter the look of the entire space. The easiest and most affordable way to do so is by giving them a fresh coat of the best paint for pantry shelves.
We have discussed everything you need to know about pantry shelf paints from the pros & cons of top paints to a buying guide for making the task of choosing the right paint effortless for you.
All that’s left is picking out the perfect paint for your pantry shelves and making your pantry as good as new.
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