Thinking about freshening up your kitchen with paint or planning a full renovation? This expert guide from Joyce Kitchens in Perth covers the best kitchen paint choices, durable finishes, colour tips, and how paint connects with cabinetry, benchtops, splashbacks and layout. It’s tailored to Australian homes and climate, and relevant whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, bathroom, laundry, or wardrobe joinery.
Core insights: kitchen paint that lasts in Australia
Choosing the right kitchen paint is about more than colour. Heat, moisture, cleaning chemicals and food splatters demand coatings with high washability, stain resistance and adhesion. In Perth’s warm, coastal climate, UV exposure and ventilation also matter, especially in open‑plan renovations that carry colour from the kitchen into living zones.
Top considerations for paint choices for kitchen zones
- Walls: Premium interior acrylic with strong scrub resistance and stain block. Popular options include Dulux Wash&Wear, Taubmans Endure and Haymes Ultra Premium low‑VOC lines.
- Ceilings: Flat or ultra‑flat acrylic to hide imperfections; consider anti‑mould additives for humid coastal areas.
- Trims and doors: Water‑based enamel (harder, less yellowing than traditional oils) for durability and a smoother feel.
- Cabinetry: Factory two‑pack polyurethane for the most durable finish; brush/roll or spray‑applied water‑based enamel is a cost‑effective alternative. For new custom cabinetry in WA, ask about sprayed finishes in our workshop for a flawless result.
Finish levels and sheen
- Matte finish: Beautiful and forgiving on walls; choose premium “washable matte” for better scrub resistance.
- Low‑sheen/semi‑gloss: All‑rounders for walls and trims; semi‑gloss is common on architraves and skirting.
- High‑gloss: Statement cabinetry in contemporary or luxe designs; shows more surface imperfections.
Colour direction for popular styles
- Shaker kitchen: Soft whites, warm greys, and inky blues suit classic Shaker profiles; pairs with brushed nickel or brass hardware.
- Coastal Hamptons style: Crisp white walls, pale greys and sea‑glass accents; matte or low‑sheen on walls, satin cabinetry.
- Minimalist/handleless: Neutral, tonal palettes; super‑smooth two‑pack or acrylic cabinetry for clean lines.
- Industrial/Scandi: Chalky whites, charcoals, and timber accents; pair paint with concrete‑look porcelain benchtops.
Local tip: Perth’s strong natural light can make whites read brighter; sample test patches in morning and afternoon light to confirm undertones.
The renovation process: from brief to final coat
1) Design brief and selections
- Define layout (galley, U‑shape, L‑shape with island), appliances, and whether you need a scullery or butler’s pantry.
- Choose your cabinet profiles (e.g., Shaker) and preferred paint systems early to align with benchtop and splashback selections.
- Consider adjacent rooms (bathroom, laundry, wardrobes) for a cohesive paint palette across joinery and trims.
2) Surface preparation
- Degrease kitchen walls and cabinetry thoroughly; kitchen aerosols leave a fine film that can cause adhesion failure.
- Sand glossy surfaces and use the correct primer‑sealer—especially on laminate, vinyl wrap doors and MDF cabinet doors.
- Repair dents, gaps and previous water damage; allow for moisture testing where leaks were present.
3) Application methods
- Walls/ceilings: Two coats of premium acrylic after spot priming. Cut in cleanly at cornices and splashbacks.
- Cabinetry: Professional spray finish in two‑pack or water‑based enamel for a factory‑level result (doors removed, hardware catalogued).
- Dry times: Respect recoat and cure times; cupboards can feel dry to touch but need days to fully harden.
4) Compliance and safety
- Painted plasterboard is combustible; behind gas cooktops you must meet Australian gas clearance rules (see AS/NZS 5601.1—check with your licensed gasfitter).
- Follow best‑practice surface preparation per AS/NZS 2311 (Painting of Buildings) and use licensed trades for electrical/gas changes.
- WA note: Engineered stone is banned for new installations nationally from 1 July 2024; if you have an existing engineered stone benchtop, maintenance is fine, but new projects should consider alternatives.
Materials & finishes: walls, ceilings, cabinetry and splashbacks
Paint for high‑use kitchen walls and trims
- Walls: Low‑VOC, washable acrylics (e.g., Dulux Wash&Wear, Taubmans Endure, Haymes Ultra Premium). Choose low‑sheen or washable matte.
- Trims: Water‑based enamel for a hard, chip‑resistant finish with low odour and minimal yellowing.
- Ceilings: Flat acrylic with anti‑mould in humid areas (kitchen, laundry).
Cabinetry coating options
- Two‑pack polyurethane (spray): Premium, highly durable, ideal for Shaker or profiled doors and modern flat panels.
- Water‑based enamel (spray/brush): Great value for repaints; durable and repairable.
- Acrylic, laminate and vinyl wrap doors: Budget‑friendly; if repainting laminate or vinyl wrap, correct priming is essential.
Splashbacks and wet areas
- Painted glass splashbacks are non‑combustible and easy to clean. Back‑painted colour can be matched to your palette.
- Painted plasterboard is not suitable directly behind gas cooktops within the clearance zone—choose glass, porcelain, or stainless.
- Tiles: Use epoxy grout in cooking zones for better stain resistance.
Benchtops: choosing a paint‑friendly partner
While paint elevates your scheme, benchtops are the visual anchor. With the engineered stone ban now in effect for new installations in WA and across Australia, many clients select porcelain/sintered stone or high‑quality laminate. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Porcelain/Sintered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Heat resistance | Excellent; handles hot cookware better | Moderate; use trivets to avoid damage |
| Stain/scratch resistance | Very high; non‑porous surface | Good for stains; moderate scratch resistance |
| Visuals | Stone/concrete/metal looks; seamless aesthetics | Wide range of colours/edges; budget‑friendly |
| Maintenance | Low; simple wipe‑down | Low; avoid harsh abrasives |
| Typical cost (installed) | $$$–$$$$ | $–$$ |
Tip: Select paint undertones that harmonise with your benchtop veining—warm whites with creamy stones, cooler whites with grey and charcoal surfaces.
Appliance sizing and clearances in AU kitchens
- Common appliance widths: ovens 600/900 mm, cooktops 600/900 mm, fridges 700–900+ mm. Confirm before cabinetry and paint touch‑ups.
- Gas cooktop to rangehood clearance is typically 600 mm (AS/NZS 5601.1—confirm with your appliance specs and gasfitter).
Layouts & styles: how paint supports your kitchen design
Perth case examples
Cottesloe coastal makeover (open‑plan renovation): Low‑sheen warm white walls, satin two‑pack Shaker doors in a sea‑mist grey, porcelain benchtops and a glass splashback. Result: a breathable coastal Hamptons style that stands up to sand and salt air.
Mount Lawley heritage update: Brush‑applied water‑based enamel on existing solid timber doors, matte white walls, and antique brass hardware. Retained character while improving paint durability and cleaning performance.
Style notes
- Shaker kitchen: Two‑pack satin or matte suits profiles; pair with engineered stone benchtop alternatives like porcelain for heritage‑meets‑modern.
- Handleless contemporary: High‑gloss or super‑matt acrylic doors; seamless wall colours to let joinery lines shine.
- Family kitchens: Washable matte for walls to hide marks; semi‑gloss on trims for easier wipe‑downs.
For kitchen renovations Perth homeowners love, our designers combine paint and custom cabinetry WA manufacturing to balance style, performance and budget.
Costs, timelines and allowances (Perth and WA)
- Repainting walls & ceilings (average kitchen): $1,200–$2,500+ depending on prep, patching and product quality.
- Cabinet repaint (spray water‑based enamel): $4,500–$9,000+ for a standard 10–14 door kitchen.
- Two‑pack respray (factory finish): $6,500–$12,000+ depending on door count, profiles and colour shifts.
- New doors/fronts only: $6,500–$15,000+ (Shaker profiles and premium paints at the upper range).
- New custom kitchen: $25,000–$60,000+ based on layout, joinery, benchtops and appliances.
Perth trade rates for specialist painters and cabinet finishers commonly range from $55–$95+ per hour. Allow extra time for masking, off‑site spraying, and cure periods. Always factor in ventilation and protection of adjacent rooms in open‑plan spaces.
Compliance and quality: We recommend working with HIA or Master Builders WA members and following AS/NZS 2311 surface prep and coating guidance. See Master Builders WA and HIA for homeowner resources, and WA Worksafe guidance on materials such as the engineered stone ban.
Practical checklist
- Confirm layout, appliance sizes and door profiles before finalising colours.
- Choose washable, low‑VOC wall paint and water‑based enamel or two‑pack for cabinetry.
- Test sample boards in morning and afternoon light; check undertones against benchtops and splashbacks.
- Specify correct primer‑sealer for laminate, vinyl wrap doors and MDF.
- Plan for off‑site spraying if you want a factory‑grade cabinet finish; label hardware and hinges.
- Verify splashback materials and clearances comply with AS/NZS 5601.1 if using gas.
- Schedule adequate curing time before re‑hanging doors and loading drawers.
- Discuss scullery/butler’s pantry paint and lighting so the palette flows from the main kitchen.
Ready to refresh or renovate?
From paint selections to custom cabinetry, Joyce Kitchens designs, manufactures and installs premium kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes across Perth and WA. Speak with our designers about the right products—two‑pack polyurethane, water‑based enamels, splashbacks and porcelain benchtops—to suit your home and budget.
For personalised advice on paint selections, colour choices and full design packages, contact a local Kitchen designer perth who can guide selections and arrange a site measure.
FAQ
What is the best paint for kitchen walls and ceilings?
Use a premium, washable low‑VOC interior acrylic for walls (washable matte or low‑sheen) and a flat acrylic on ceilings. Products such as Dulux Wash&Wear, Taubmans Endure and Haymes Ultra Premium offer excellent scrub and stain resistance—ideal for cooking zones and open‑plan spaces.
Can I paint kitchen cabinets (laminate or MDF) and will it last?
Yes—if you follow the right system: deep clean/degrease, sand, and apply a dedicated primer‑sealer for laminate or MDF. Finish with a quality water‑based enamel or a professionally sprayed two‑pack polyurethane. Expect 5–10 years from enamel repaints and 10–15 years from two‑pack with normal care.
Is a painted splashback safe behind a gas cooktop?
Painted plasterboard is combustible and not suitable within the gas clearance zone. For safety and compliance (AS/NZS 5601.1), use non‑combustible options such as toughened glass, porcelain/sintered stone or stainless steel, and confirm final clearances with your licensed gasfitter.
How much does it cost to repaint a kitchen in Perth?
As a guide, walls and ceilings are commonly $1,200–$2,500+. Cabinet door/drawer repaints are around $4,500–$9,000+ in water‑based enamel or $6,500–$12,000+ for two‑pack. New doors or a full new kitchen will cost more depending on layout and materials.
Are engineered stone benchtops still an option in WA?
Not for new installations—engineered stone is banned nationally from 1 July 2024. Alternatives that pair beautifully with painted kitchens include porcelain/sintered stone, natural stone and high‑quality laminate. Existing engineered stone benchtops can be maintained and kept in place.