Paint Ideas for Kitchen Soffits

Considerations

• Before considering the paint type and color you want to use on the soffit, step back for a moment to consider the theme in the room where the soffit resides. For example, a den filled with antiques needs a different soffit treatment than a modernized kitchen. For the antique space there are similarly historical paint colors for your viewing at most local hardware stores. Meanwhile, a high-end chrome or stainless kitchen might benefit from a soffit bordered in metallic paint for continuity. While a lot of these deliberations get answered by personal taste, taking your time and choosing wisely now saves money on re-painting later.

Decreased Visibility

• If you’re trying to hide your soffits rather than accent them then you may have two things to paint. First, find a color for the rest of the room that blends with any cabinetry or woodwork. Avoid a contrasting color on the soffits or they’ll "pop" visually. Alternatively, you could forego the room painting and add molding to the top of the soffits that matches the predominant woodwork in the room. Again keep the soffits' paint a neutral color, and don't use them for decorative artwork.

Textural Paint

• While you’re thinking about paint colors, also ponder textures. There are many simple ways to give paint depth and other textural surface qualities. These provide more character to the room without overwhelming. One of the simplest methods is painting the soffits using a natural sponge for a specific visual impact. For example, use white against blue paint and it looks like clouds floating on the soffit.
  For more dramatic texture, get paint designed specifically for that purpose. They come in many colors and you’ll find a variety of options at most home centers, including those that dry looking like stone.

Paint Plus Decorative Elements

• Paint does not exist as a solo element. It’s part of a whole design. Now is the time to consider whether you want paint alone on the soffit or other decorative elements. For example, adding framework trim vertically in the center of a soffit makes it look longer. You can hang various pieces of artwork or pottery on a soffit as conversation pieces. Or, perhaps build a soffit around a lovely utilitarian light set and use high gloss paint to brighten a room.

Fundamental Technique for Painting

• Once you’ve chosen your paint, begin by washing the soffit with plain soap and water, removing dirt and grease. Let it dry. If you’re painting a new soffit begin with a primer -- fill in any discernible cracks, particularly where the soffit meets the ceiling, with caulking. Apply painter’s tape to protect the surrounding walls, cabinet and ceiling, and put a drop cloth over countertops or surrounding furniture, rugs or flooring.

  Begin painting on the bottom and horizontal parts at the edge of each soffit panel, followed by the vertical ones. Sash brushes work for this part of the job. Move on to the main part of the panels. Use a small roller for an even appearance and easy blending.

  You may need more than one coat of paint for this job. Let the first coat dry completely and look at it in good light. If it doesn’t seem finished, repeat until you’re happy with the final appearance.