Best Paint for Commercial Kitchen Walls – Top Choices for Durability, Hygiene, and Safety

When it comes to painting commercial kitchen walls, selecting the right type of paint is crucial for both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Commercial kitchens are high-traffic areas that endure heat, grease, steam, and frequent cleaning. A high-performance, durable paint is necessary to ensure that the walls can withstand constant exposure to moisture, dirt, and harsh cleaning chemicals. Additionally, it’s important to choose paints that meet health and safety standards to prevent mold growth and ensure hygiene.

We’ll explore the best types of paint for commercial kitchen walls, key features to look for, and recommendations of top-rated products for a long-lasting, easy-to-clean finish.

Key Considerations for Choosing Paint for Commercial Kitchen Walls

Before diving into the best options for painting your commercial kitchen, it’s essential to understand the unique challenges that kitchen walls face. Commercial kitchens are subjected to:

1. Moisture and Steam: The walls in commercial kitchens are constantly exposed to moisture from dishwashing, food prep, and cooking. A moisture-resistant paint is essential to prevent mold and mildew growth.
2. Heat: Kitchens experience high temperatures due to cooking, and the paint must withstand both the heat and frequent cleaning.
3. Grease and Stains: The walls are likely to encounter grease, oil splatters, and food stains, which can easily damage inferior paints.
4. Frequent Cleaning: Commercial kitchens require regular cleaning with strong chemicals and scrubbing. A durable, washable paint is necessary to maintain the wall’s appearance and protection.
5. Hygiene: Since food safety is a top priority, the paint you choose should not contribute to unhealthy indoor air quality or harbor bacteria.

Types of Paint Suitable for Commercial Kitchen Walls

1. Epoxy Paint

• Best For: Maximum durability and resistance to moisture, grease, and harsh chemicals.
• Why Choose Epoxy Paint? Epoxy paint is a two-component system that provides a highly durable, hard-wearing finish. It’s resistant to water, grease, and food stains, making it ideal for commercial kitchens that experience constant cleaning and heavy use.
• Features: Epoxy paints are typically resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria. They offer excellent adhesion to surfaces like drywall, concrete, and tile.
• Popular Options: Epoxy-based paints are often used for areas like food preparation zones, back kitchens, and areas with high traffic.

2. Acrylic Paint

• Best For: Easy application, moderate durability, and quick drying time.
• Why Choose Acrylic Paint? Acrylic paint is a popular choice for commercial kitchens due to its fast-drying time, low odor, and ease of application. While it’s not as durable as epoxy, high-quality acrylic paints still offer good moisture resistance and can withstand mild cleaning.
• Features: Acrylic paint is flexible, resistant to fading, and can withstand some heat exposure. It’s also easier to clean compared to regular latex paints.
• Popular Options: Acrylic paints are ideal for commercial kitchen areas that aren’t exposed to as much grease, moisture, or intense heat.

3. Alkyd (Oil-Based) Paint

• Best For: Long-lasting, smooth finish, and heavy-duty protection against moisture and stains.
• Why Choose Alkyd Paint? Alkyd paint is oil-based, providing a durable and long-lasting finish that can withstand heat and moisture exposure. This type of paint is also resistant to stains and grease, making it suitable for commercial kitchen walls.
• Features: Alkyd paint is highly resistant to scratches, fading, and stains, and it provides a smooth, glossy finish that’s easy to clean.
• Popular Options: While alkyd paints offer superior durability, they can be slow to dry and have a strong odor. It’s best to use them in well-ventilated areas.

4. Anti-Mold and Mildew Paint

• Best For: Areas prone to excessive moisture and humidity.
• Why Choose Anti-Mold and Mildew Paint? Some commercial kitchens, especially those near dishwashing areas or with poor ventilation, may struggle with mold or mildew growth. Anti-mold paints contain additives that prevent fungal growth on the painted surface, which is essential for hygiene and safety.
• Features: These paints can be used in both humid and high-moisture environments, and they often have additional antibacterial properties.
• Popular Options: These paints are often a good choice for areas that deal with wet cleaning processes or have high humidity levels.

Best Paints for Commercial Kitchen Walls

1. Benjamin Moore Aura® Interior Paint (Eggshell Finish)

Best For: General-purpose walls in commercial kitchens

Benjamin Moore’s Aura® Interior Paint is highly rated for its excellent durability, ease of application, and superior washability. This paint is designed for high-traffic areas, making it ideal for commercial kitchen walls. The paint has excellent resistance to staining, grease, and moisture, which is essential in a kitchen environment.

Key Features:

• Stain-Resistant: Easy to clean with soap and water; resistant to grease and grime buildup.
• Low VOCs: Environmentally friendly with low volatile organic compounds, which improves air quality in enclosed spaces like kitchens.
• Durable Finish: Withstands frequent scrubbing and cleaning without fading or chipping.
• Quick-Drying: Dries quickly, reducing downtime during painting and cleaning.

Why Choose Benjamin Moore Aura?

• Known for its long-lasting finish and resistance to moisture and staining, it’s a great all-around option for any part of a commercial kitchen.

2. Sherwin-Williams ProMar® 200 Zero VOC Interior Latex Paint

Best For: Low-odor and low-VOC environments

Sherwin-Williams ProMar® 200 is a commercial-grade, high-performance paint that is designed for use in high-traffic environments like kitchens. It offers exceptional durability and is formulated with a focus on providing a zero-VOC and low-odor application, making it ideal for spaces with limited ventilation.

Key Features:

• Zero VOCs: Safe for food preparation areas as it has minimal odor and low emissions.
• Stain-Resistant: The finish resists dirt and grease, which are common in commercial kitchens.
• Durable: Highly resistant to wear and tear, as well as cleaning chemicals commonly used in kitchen environments.
• Moisture-Resistant: Prevents mold and mildew growth, even in areas with high humidity.

Why Choose Sherwin-Williams ProMar® 200?

• A perfect solution for kitchens where indoor air quality is a priority, offering excellent resistance to grease and stains without harsh fumes.

3. Zinsser Perma-White® Interior Paint

Best For: Moisture and mold-resistant protection

If you’re concerned about mold and mildew growth in your commercial kitchen, Zinsser Perma-White® is an excellent choice. This paint is specifically designed to resist mold and mildew growth, making it perfect for damp areas like kitchen walls near dishwashers or sinks. It also provides long-lasting protection from stains and grease.

Key Features:

• Mold and Mildew Resistant: Provides long-term protection against mold and mildew, ensuring better hygiene in commercial kitchens.
• Washable and Durable: Designed to be scrubbed clean without fading or degrading the surface.
• Self-Priming: Offers excellent adhesion to most surfaces, which reduces the time and effort needed for prep work.
• Low Odor: Contains low levels of VOCs for safer indoor air quality.

Why Choose Zinsser Perma-White®?

• The best option for commercial kitchens with high humidity or for walls that are exposed to steam and moisture. It also makes the cleaning process easier.

4. Rust-Oleum Professional High Performance Enamel Paint

Best For: Heavy-duty commercial kitchens requiring industrial-grade durability

Rust-Oleum Professional High Performance Enamel Paint is designed to withstand the most demanding environments, including commercial kitchens that are frequently exposed to grease, food stains, and cleaning chemicals. This oil-based enamel offers a tough, durable finish that is resistant to moisture, stains, and damage from frequent cleaning.

Key Features:

• Heavy-Duty Protection: Offers exceptional resistance to grease, grime, and water, making it ideal for industrial and commercial kitchen environments.
• Glossy, Easy-to-Clean Finish: The smooth finish resists stains and makes the walls easy to wipe down.
• Corrosion and Chemical Resistance: Withstands exposure to chemicals commonly used in kitchen cleaning routines.
• Quick-Drying: Speeds up application and reduces downtime.

Why Choose Rust-Oleum Professional?

• Best for commercial kitchens that need a tough, industrial-grade paint that can handle heavy-duty cleaning and constant exposure to grease and grime.

5. Insl-X Sure Step Anti-Slip Floor & Wall Paint

Best For: Walls near floors, kitchens with slip hazards

Insl-X Sure Step Anti-Slip Paint is designed for surfaces that need added protection from slipping hazards. If you’re looking for paint that can withstand heavy traffic and offer anti-slip protection, this is a great choice. It’s particularly effective for areas near the floor in commercial kitchens, where water, grease, and food spills create slip risks.

Key Features:

• Anti-Slip Properties: Provides a textured finish that reduces slip hazards, particularly in wet or greasy areas.
• Durable and Washable: The paint is highly resistant to stains and wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic commercial kitchens.
• Waterproof: Ideal for kitchens exposed to water, steam, and high moisture levels.

Why Choose Insl-X Sure Step?

• Great for walls that are located near floors, or for kitchens that need an extra layer of safety from slip hazards in wet areas.

Conclusion

Choosing the best paint for your commercial kitchen walls depends on factors such as moisture exposure, grease resistance, and cleaning frequency. For maximum durability and protection, epoxy paints and anti-mold options like Zinsser Perma-White® offer excellent protection. Benjamin Moore Aura® and Sherwin-Williams ProMar® 200 are great options for kitchens requiring easy maintenance and a low-VOC, environmentally friendly choice.

No matter which paint you select, make sure to prioritize cleanliness, durability, and long-lasting protection to keep your commercial kitchen safe, hygienic, and aesthetically pleasing.