Transform Your Kitchen with Nordic Chic® Paint
Your kitchen is the heart of your home — and a fresh coat of paint is one of the most affordable ways to give it a completely new look. Whether you’re going for a clean Scandinavian feel or a bold statement, Nordic Chic® has everything you need. Here’s how to do it right.
🌿 EU Ecolabel Certified — Kind to You and Your Home
All Nordic Chic® paints used in this guide carry the EU Ecolabel — Europe’s official mark of environmental excellence. They are low-odour and free from nasty chemicals, making them safe to use indoors without strong fumes. Perfect for a kitchen project where you want to keep the space comfortable and well-ventilated without needing to vacate your home.
Step 1: Prep Your Cabinets with Prep & Clean
Good preparation is the secret to a long-lasting finish. Skip this step and even the best paint won’t hold.
- Empty your cabinets and remove doors and drawer fronts if possible — painting them flat gives a smoother result.
- Sand all surfaces lightly with fine-grit sandpaper before painting. This is essential for previously painted surfaces and smooth melamine surfaces — paint needs something to grip onto, and a light sanding creates that key. Go gently; you’re scuffing, not stripping.
- Degrease thoroughly using Nordic Chic® Prep & Clean. Kitchens accumulate grease, steam, and grime that will prevent paint from adhering properly. Apply Prep & Clean with a cloth, wipe down all surfaces, and allow to dry completely.
- Wipe away dust with a clean, damp cloth and let dry before painting.
Tip: Don’t skip the inside edges of doors — these are the areas most likely to chip with daily use.
Painting Pine or Oak Doors?
If your cabinets are made from pine or oak, we strongly recommend applying Nordic Chic® Primer before your topcoat colour. These woods contain natural tannins that can bleed through paint and cause yellowing or discolouration over time. A coat of Primer seals the wood and ensures your chosen colour stays true.
Option A: Furniture Paint + Topcoat
This is the classic Nordic Chic® kitchen finish — a chalky, matte look with a durable protective layer on top. Perfect for a timeless Scandinavian aesthetic.
What you’ll need:
- Nordic Chic® Furniture Paint in your chosen colour
- Nordic Chic® Topcoat (clear, matte or satin)
- A good quality brush or small foam roller
How to apply:
- Apply the first coat of Furniture Paint using long, even strokes. Work with the grain of the wood where possible.
- Allow to dry fully — typically 1–2 hours depending on temperature and humidity.
- Apply a second coat for full, even coverage. Two thin coats always beat one thick coat.
- Once fully dry, apply Nordic Chic® Topcoat to seal and protect the surface. This is essential in a kitchen where surfaces are exposed to moisture, heat, and daily wear.
- Allow the Topcoat to cure for 24–48 hours before rehanging doors or using the cabinets.
Tip: For a smoother finish, lightly sand between coats with a very fine sanding sponge (320 grit) and wipe clean before the next coat.
Option B: Outdoor & More
Want extra durability — especially for high-traffic kitchens or homes with children? Nordic Chic® Outdoor & More is a hardwearing paint originally developed for outdoor use, which makes it exceptionally tough indoors too. It’s self-sealing, so no separate topcoat is needed.
Key principle: less is more. Outdoor & More should always be applied in thin, even layers. Thick coats will not dry or cure properly and can lead to a poor finish. Take your time and build up coverage gradually.
What you’ll need:
- Nordic Chic® Outdoor & More in your chosen colour
- A brush or small foam roller
- Fine-grit sandpaper
How to apply:
- Apply the first coat in a thin, even layer across the cabinet surface. Do not overload your brush or roller.
- Allow to dry for a minimum of 11 hours before proceeding. Do not rush this step.
- Lightly sand the dried surface with fine-grit sandpaper to give the next coat something to grip onto. Wipe away all dust with a clean cloth.
- Apply the second coat, again in a thin, even layer.
- Going from a dark to a light colour? A third coat may be needed for full coverage. If so, allow another 11 hours drying time, lightly sand again, wipe clean, and apply the third coat thinly.
- Allow to cure for approximately 7 days before subjecting the surface to heavy use, cleaning, or moisture. The paint hardens significantly during this period — treat it gently in the meantime.
Tip: Outdoor & More has a slightly more satin finish than Furniture Paint, giving your kitchen a clean, modern look without extra steps.
Which Option is Right for You?
| Furniture Paint + Topcoat | Outdoor & More | |
| Finish | Matte/chalky | Satin |
| Durability | High (with Topcoat) | Very high |
| Drying between coats | 1–2 hours | Min. 11 hours |
| Full cure time | 24–48 hours | ~7 days |
| Coats needed | 2 + topcoat | 2–3 (thin layers) |
| EU Ecolabel | ✅ | ✅ |
| Best for | Classic Nordic look | Busy kitchens, families |
Final Tips for a Beautiful Result
- Always sand lightly before painting — especially on previously painted or melamine surfaces.
- Always start with Prep & Clean — it makes all the difference.
- For pine or oak cabinets, use Nordic Chic® Primer first to prevent tannin bleed-through.
- With Outdoor & More, always apply thin layers and sand lightly between coats — less is more.
- Paint in a well-ventilated room at room temperature.
- Use a small foam roller for large flat surfaces and a brush for edges and details.
- Don’t rush drying or curing time — patience gives you a professional finish.
- Enjoy the process! Painting your kitchen is a weekend project with results that last for years.
Ready to get started? Browse our full range of Furniture Paint, Outdoor & More, Primer, Topcoat and Prep & Clean in the Nordic Chic® shop.