As it is a crucial part of your kitchen, your pantry should be painted properly to be functional and aesthetically pleasing. The ideal pantry paint should also be moisture-resistant, cleanable, and strong enough to survive repeated usage. In this post, you will get some advice on how to choose pantry paint and paint your pantry for a long-lasting result, as well as the best pantry paint.

Importance of choosing the right paint

Choosing the right paint for your pantry is essential for many reasons:

  1. Your pantry is in a high-traffic area, so it needs to be durable and withstand constant use.
  2. The pantry is an area of high humidity, so the paint needs to be moisture-resistant to prevent mold and mildew growth.
  3. The pantry is a food storage area, so the paint needs to be easy to clean to ensure good hygiene.

Types of paint for pantry

Several types of paint are suitable for pantries, including latex, oil-based, and enamel.

  • Latex paint is water-based, dries quickly, and is easy to clean with soap and water.
  • Oil-based paint is more durable and moisture-resistant than latex paint but requires solvents to clean up.
  • Finally, enamel paint is the most durable, moisture-resistant, and difficult to clean up.

Choosing the right paint

When choosing the right paint for your pantry, there are several factors to consider:

  1. Match the paint to the pantry’s style, color scheme, and lighting.
  2. Choose a paint that is durable and moisture-resistant.
  3. Easy to clean and maintain.

We recommend using Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint Interior Acrylic Latex for your pantry. It is durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean. Also, it is available in different colors to match any pantry style. You can purchase this paint at any Sherwin-Williams store or online at Sherwin-Williams.com.

Choosing the right tools and products

When painting your pantry, choosing the right tools and products is essential for achieving a professional-looking finish. You’ll need a paintbrush or roller, painter’s tape, sandpaper, a cleaning solution, and the right paint and primer.

We recommend using a high-quality paintbrush or roller. A synthetic brush or roller will work well with most paints and will help you achieve a smooth and even finish.

Regarding paint and primer, we recommend Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint Interior Acrylic Latex and Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Primer. These products are designed for use in high-moisture areas like kitchens and pantries and will provide excellent durability and protection against stains and moisture.

Preparing the pantry

It is critical to set up the pantry correctly before you begin painting. Remove everything from the shelves before washing the surfaces with a light cleaning agent. Removing dirt, grease, or debris will improve the paint’s adherence.

Use painter’s tape to cover any surfaces you do not wish to paint, such as the edges of shelves or the walls surrounding the pantry, after thoroughly cleaning them. For a smooth surface so the paint can adhere, sand any rough or uneven areas.

Next, paint the surfaces of the pantry with primer. This will improve paint adhesion and provide a finish that is more uniform. Before applying the paint, adhere to the manufacturer’s directions for drying time.

Preparing the pantry for painting

Before painting your pantry, you need to prepare the surfaces properly. This includes cleaning, sanding, and priming the surfaces. To clean the surfaces:

  1. To remove filth or grime, combine warm water with mild soap.
  2. Sand the surfaces with sandpaper to remove any rough spots and make a smooth surface for painting.
  3. To achieve strong adhesion and a long-lasting finish, prep the surfaces.

We recommend using Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus primer for your pantry. It is a multi-purpose primer ideal for use on all surfaces, including wood, metal, and plastic. It dries quickly and can be top-coated with any paint after just one hour. You can purchase this primer at any home improvement store.

Painting the pantry

When painting the pantry, start by applying the paint to the edges of the shelves and the corners of the walls. This will help prevent drips and ensure you don’t miss any areas. Apply the paint next in tiny portions and with long, even strokes.

Once the edges are painted, move on to the larger surfaces. Use the same technique of long, even strokes, working from the top of the shelf or wall down to the bottom. Apply the paint evenly; use less in one spot, which may result in drips or uneven coverage.

Let the first coat completely dry before using a second coat of paint. This will guarantee that the paint covers well and adheres properly. Then, apply the second layer using the same method as the first.

Tips for painting the pantry

To achieve a smooth and even finish when painting your pantry, follow these tips:

  1. Choose the right tools: Use a high-quality brush or roller to apply the paint. A brush is ideal for painting corners and edges, while a roller is ideal for painting large surfaces.
  2. Apply the paint evenly, using short strokes to prevent drips and sags. Before putting on the subsequent coat, let the previous coat completely dry.
  3. Avoid common mistakes: When painting a pantry, include painting over dirty or wet surfaces, using the wrong type of paint, and not allowing the paint to dry properly between coats.
  4. Use sufficient lighting to identify any spots that require touch-ups or additional coats while painting your pantry.
  5. Allow the paint to dry completely: After painting your pantry, allow the paint to dry completely before storing any food items in the pantry. This will prevent any contaminants from coming into contact with the wet paint.

Paint Maintenance

After painting, it is crucial to maintain your pantry to keep it in good shape and appear new. After painting, keeping your pantry clean is one of the greatest ways to maintain it. Use a moist cloth to clean the shelves and walls, often removing dirt or debris. Clean up spills and stains to stop them from settling in.

Checking your pantry for indications of wear and tear regularly is another approach to keeping it in good condition. Check for any paint flaws, peeling, cracks, or chips. If you detect any of these flaws, fix them as soon as possible using paint to keep them from worsening.

Avoid storing heavy or sharp objects on the shelves of your pantry. This can cause the shelves to sag or warp over time, damaging the paint and making it more difficult to maintain.

Conclusion

Painting your pantry is a great way to refresh the look of your kitchen and ensure good hygiene. You can achieve a long-lasting and beautiful finish by choosing the right paint, preparing the surfaces properly, and using the right techniques. 

We recommend using Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint Interior Acrylic Latex and Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Primer for the best results. These products are available at any Sherwin-Williams store or home improvement store and online.