Kitchens go through more chaos in a week than most rooms do in a year: steam from boiling pots, kids leaning their peanut-butter hands on the walls, that one spot behind the stove that somehow always collects… something. So choosing the right paint for your kitchen walls isn’t just about color; it’s about durability, washability, and how much real life those walls can take before waving a white flag.
I’ve repainted more kitchens than I can count, some because the color was outdated, others because the wrong paint was used and the walls looked tired after six months. Think of this guide as painting contractor to homeowner advice, with a little rambling, a little humor, and a whole lot of honesty.
Here are the 7 best paints for kitchen walls, with pros, cons, cost, and a quick comparison to help you pick the right one for your home.
1. Benjamin Moore Regal Select (Eggshell or Matte)
If you want a “looks fancy, cleans easy, forgives fingerprints” kind of paint, this one’s a winner.
Why It Works in Kitchens
Regal Select has a durable finish that stands up to cleaning without losing its sheen. It handles steam well, which matters in busy kitchens across the Lake Norman area where humidity likes to linger.
Pros
- Washable finish
- Smooth application
- Excellent coverage
Cons
- Pricier than average
- Matte doesn’t hide major wall flaws
Cost
$60–$75 per gallon
2. Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa (Matte)
Yes, it’s marketed for bathrooms. But I’ll tell you a secret this stuff is fantastic in kitchen painting too.
Why It Works in Kitchens
Aura resists moisture beautifully and gives walls that soft, refined look. Great for homeowners who cook often and want a durable matte finish without the shine.
Pros
- Exceptional moisture resistance
- Beautiful, smooth finish
- Low VOC
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires good prep work
Cost
$75–$90 per gallon
3. Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior (Eggshell or Satin)
This one’s what I call the “we want a long-term color that looks professional and stays clean” paint.
Why It Works in Kitchens
Emerald offers high-quality stain-blocking properties and holds up well to scrubbing. Perfect for busy households.
Pros
- High durability
- Grease-resistant
- Great for high-traffic areas
Cons
- Can show roller marks if applied too thin
- Not budget-friendly
Cost
$70–$85 per gallon
4. Sherwin-Williams Duration Home (Satin)
If your kitchen walls see a lot of action kids, dogs, heavy cooking this might be the most practical choice.
Why It Works in Kitchens
Duration Home has advanced washability and stain resistance. It’s a workhorse paint, not the delicate type.
Pros
- Very scrubbable
- Self-priming on most surfaces
- Hides small imperfections
Cons
- Slightly thicker, takes practice to apply
- Mid-tier price
Cost
$55–$70 per gallon
5. Behr Premium Plus Ultra (Eggshell)
If you’re looking for quality without spending your entire weekend budget, this one hits the sweet spot.
Why It Works in Kitchens
Behr Ultra offers decent washability and coverage at a friendlier price point. It’s not boutique, but it gets the job done.
Pros
- Affordable
- Good coverage
- Mold-resistant
Cons
- Not as smooth as premium brands
- Can require extra coats
Cost
$35–$45 per gallon
6. Valspar Signature (Satin)
A solid mid-range paint that performs better than most people expect.
Why It Works in Kitchens
Its stain-resistant formula stands up well to everyday spills and splatters.
Pros
- Good stain-blocking
- Affordable
- Low odor
Cons
- Not as durable as Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore
- Coverage varies
Cost
$40–$50 per gallon
7. Clare Interior Paint (Eggshell)
This one’s for homeowners who like eco-friendly products and online ordering. Kind of a “modern brand for modern kitchens.”
Why It Works in Kitchens
Zero VOC, durable finish, and designer-curated colors make it a great option for style-conscious homeowners.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Great coverage
- Trend-forward colors
Cons
- Limited finish options
- Only available online
Cost
$55–$65 per gallon
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Paint | Best For | Durability | Washability | Cost |
| Benjamin Moore Regal Select | Everyday kitchens | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ |
| Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa | High-moisture kitchens | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ |
| SW Emerald | High-end look + durability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ |
| SW Duration Home | Busy families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ |
| Behr Ultra | Budget kitchens | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | $ |
| Valspar Signature | Mid-range homes | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | $ |
| Clare Interior | Eco-friendly homeowners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | $$ |
How to Choose the Right Paint for Your Kitchen
A few things I tell homeowners during consultations:
- If you cook a lot → get something scrubbable like Emerald or Duration Home.
- If your walls aren’t perfect → satin hides more flaws than matte or eggshell.
- If humidity is a problem → Aura Bath & Spa is your friend.
- If you just want something reliable and simple → Regal Select eggshell is a classic.
We’ve painted kitchen where the homeowner picked a high-end brand thinking it’d magically fix uneven drywall… and I’ve painted others where Behr Ultra held up surprisingly well because the prep work was done right. Paint quality matters, but prep work makes or breaks the finish cleaning, sanding, priming, filling, all the little things that turn a “paint job” into a high quality painting service.
Best Paint for Kitchen Walls FAQs
What type of paint finish is best for kitchen walls?
Eggshell or satin. Eggshell gives a soft look; satin offers better durability and washability.
Do kitchen walls need primer?
Yes especially over repairs, stains, or color changes. Primer keeps the paint from flashing and ensures a smooth, even coat.
Is matte paint okay for kitchens?
Yes, but only premium matte paints like Aura. Cheap matte finishes don’t handle grease or scrubbing well.
How much paint do I need for a kitchen?
Typically 1–2 gallons depending on wall size and number of coats.
Ready for a Fresh, Clean Kitchen?
Let’s give your kitchen walls a finish that lasts, looks great, and survives real life.