Kitchen paint guide: How to choose paints that can handle the heat

Contrary to popular belief, choosing kitchen paint isn’t just about working your favourite shades into a splashback. Kitchens are exposed to steam, grease, moisture and splatters, so you need a finish that can handle it.

Prep the surface

Proper preparation is key to helping paint adhere and stand up to heat and humidity. Remove grease and oil with a strong cleaner like Jif or Resene Heavy Duty Paintwork Cleaner and Oil Remover, then wipe walls with Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner. Avoid sugar soap, which can leave an alkaline residue unless thoroughly rinsed.

For the walls

For a hardworking finish, Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom is ideal. This waterborne enamel contains antibacterial silver and MoulDefender and is easy to wipe clean.

Fill any dents and holes with PAL Contract Filler or EzyFill Quick, then lightly sand. If needed, prime with Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat before applying two coats of your chosen Resene colour.

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Cooking with colour

As one of the most-used spaces in the home, your kitchen palette should feel comfortable and considered. Use cabinetry, benchtops and flooring as your starting point, then layer in colour. Glossy finishes reflect more light than low-sheen walls, so matching across materials can be tricky. Try choosing a slightly lighter or darker tone rather than aiming for an exact match.

Compact kitchen? Keep in mind that darker shades can make a space feel smaller.

Looking up

Quarter or half-strength colours create a soft, welcoming feel on the ceiling of the home’s hub. Resene Quarter Black White is a popular choice, helping light move through the room.

Flat finishes diffuse light and hide imperfections, so is great for ceilings. Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom is wipeable and handles steam with ease.

Chat to the staff at your local Resene ColorShop for all the prep, priming and painting advice you’ll need to get a quality finish, or head online to resene.co.nz for more information.