Best Paint for Cabinets

11 Min Read

I’ve been searching for the best cabinet paint, and I’m thrilled to share what I’ve learned. As someone who loves DIY projects, picking the right paint is key for a top-notch finish. Today, cabinet painting has changed a lot, with new paints offering better results than old ones¹.

Big names like Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr have created special cabinet paints. These paints mix the good parts of oil-based paints with none of the bad¹. They self-level and give a hard, enamel-like finish that’s great for kitchen cabinets¹.

Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is a top choice for its smooth finish and great coverage¹². During my kitchen redo, just one can of this paint was enough because of its thickness and coverage².

Semi-gloss is a favorite for cabinets because it shines and is tough. It’s easy to clean and keep up with¹². But satin finishes are also good for a more subtle look².

Key Takeaways

Specially formulated cabinet paints offer superior results
Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is highly recommended
Semi-gloss finish is popular for its durability and ease of cleaning
Proper preparation is crucial for a professional-looking finish
High-quality tools are essential for successful cabinet painting

Understanding Cabinet Paint Types

Choosing the right paint for your cabinets can change how your kitchen looks and lasts. Let’s look at the different cabinet paints and what makes them special.

Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Paints

Oil-based paints used to be top picks for cabinets but are now less popular for inside work³. These paints take up to 16 hours to dry between coats, which can slow down your painting⁴. They also give off more harmful fumes than other types⁴.

Water-based latex paint dries fast and has fewer harmful fumes⁴. It’s easy to use and clean up, making it great for DIY fans. But, it might not last as long in busy areas like kitchens.

Specialty Cabinet Paints

For the best of both worlds, think about specialty cabinet paints. Water-based alkyd paint is often the best for hardwood cabinets because it’s tough and doesn’t give off bad fumes³. These paints mix the good things about oil-based paints without the bad parts.

Hybrid enamel paint is another great choice for kitchen cabinets. It’s easy to take care of and sticks well, perfect for busy kitchens⁴. Acrylic latex paint is also a top pick for its toughness and easy cleaning⁵.

Self-Leveling Properties

Self-leveling paint changes the game for a smooth finish. This paint removes brush or roller marks, ending up hard and smooth. It’s great for cabinets where a perfect look is wanted.

When picking cabinet paint, think about drying time, how long it lasts, and how easy it is to apply. The right choice can update your kitchen and keep it looking great for a long time. Remember, getting ready is important – rough the surface for better sticking, and always prime, especially for MDF cabinets⁴⁵.

Paint Type	Drying Time	VOC Level	Durability	Best For
Oil-Based	Up to 16 hours	High	High	Traditional projects
Water-Based Latex	Quick	Low	Moderate	DIY projects
Water-Based Alkyd	Moderate	Low	High	Hardwood cabinets
Hybrid Enamel	Quick	Low	High	Kitchen cabinets

Top Brands for Cabinet Paint

Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr are top choices for cabinet paint. They each have special lines for painting cabinets. Each brand has its own strengths.

Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is great for its self-leveling and durable finish. It’s a top pick, costing $90.00 per gallon⁶. Benjamin Moore Advance is another great option, priced at $58 per gallon. It acts like oil-based paint but doesn’t have its drawbacks⁷. For those on a budget, Behr Cabinet Enamel is a good choice.

PPG UltraLast and C2 Cabinet Paint are also great options. PPG UltraLast is Pittsburgh Paints’ top line for kitchen cabinets. C2 Cabinet Paint is a high-end choice that gets even better with a hardener⁶.

Brand	Product	Price per Gallon	Key Feature
Sherwin Williams	Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel	$90.00	Self-leveling properties
Benjamin Moore	Advance	$58.00	Alkyd enamel finish
Behr	Urethane Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel	Varies	Best value hybrid alkyd

For eco-friendly choices, HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams Ovation Plus is a great pick at $45 per gallon⁷. If you want luxury, David Kaufman Color DKC is a top choice at $130 per gallon⁷. Clare Interior Paint is a good option for online shoppers at $74 per gallon⁷.

When picking cabinet paint, think about durability, finish quality, and how easy it is to apply. I suggest testing samples on different wood types for the best results on your cabinets.

Preparing Your Cabinets for Painting

Getting your cabinets ready for painting is key to a top-notch finish. I’ll walk you through how to redo your kitchen without spending a lot. Painting your cabinets can be much cheaper than replacing them, costing about $200 for materials⁸. This is a fraction of the $5,000 or more it might cost for new cabinets.

Cleaning and Degreasing

Begin by cleaning your cabinets well. Take off all hardware and use a degreaser to get rid of dirt and grime. This makes sure the paint sticks well and won’t chip later⁹.

Sanding Techniques

Sanding is a crucial step. Use 120-grit sandpaper to fix any uneven spots, then switch to 220-grit for a smooth finish. After sanding, vacuum and clean with a tack cloth. This method is easy enough for DIY fans, rated 1 out of 5 in difficulty⁸.

Priming Considerations

Priming is a must, especially for laminate or glossy surfaces. I suggest a stain-blocking primer for cabinets with heavy stains. This step helps the paint stick better and gets you the color you want, especially when painting over dark colors⁸⁹.

Task	Time Required	Skill Level
Cleaning and Degreasing	2-3 hours	Beginner
Sanding Cabinets	4-6 hours	Intermediate
Priming Cabinets	2-3 hours	Beginner

Remember, getting ready is 90% of your paint job’s success. With the right prep, sanding, and priming, you can get a pro-quality finish in just a weekend. This depends on how many cabinets you’re painting⁸.

Best Paint for Cabinets: Our Top Picks

Choosing the right cabinet paint is key to a great look. Some brands really stand out for their quality and performance. Let’s look at some top picks that can change your kitchen cabinets.

Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel

Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is a top pick for painting cabinets. It covers well and lasts long, perfect for busy kitchens. You can choose from gloss, semi-gloss, or satin finishes. Each finish offers different sheens and protects against stains¹⁰.

Benjamin Moore Advance

Benjamin Moore’s Advance Alkyd Paint is my go-to for cabinets. It gives a strong, professional look that’s great for kitchens and bathrooms. This best cabinet paint doesn’t need a top coat for a hard finish. This saves you time and effort¹¹.

Behr Cabinet Enamel

Behr Cabinet Enamel is a budget-friendly choice that works well. It might not last as long as pricier brands, but it’s good for DIY projects.

Paint Brand	Finish Options	Drying Time	Durability
Sherwin Williams Emerald	Gloss, Semi-Gloss, Satin	4-6 hours	High
Benjamin Moore Advance	Satin, Semi-Gloss	16 hours	Very High
Behr Cabinet Enamel	Semi-Gloss	2 hours	Moderate

When picking paint for your cabinets, think about dry time, durability, and how easy it is to apply. For a pro look, Benjamin Moore’s Advance Alkyd Paint is a top choice. It needs fewer coats and covers well¹¹.

Choosing the Right Finish

Choosing the right paint sheen for your cabinets is key. Semi-gloss and satin finishes are great for kitchen cabinets. Let’s see why they’re popular and how to pick the best one for your home.

Semi-gloss finish is tough and easy to clean, perfect for busy kitchens. It protects against fading from sunlight¹². But, it might show surface imperfections.

Satin finish has a soft sheen and is less thick than semi-gloss. It’s great for living areas¹². It’s not as tough but still protects well and hides small flaws.

Both satin and semi-gloss paints work well on solid wood or plywood cabinets. They dry fast and don’t show brush marks much¹². For the best look, clean, sand, and prime before painting.

Think about your kitchen’s lighting and use when choosing between satin and semi-gloss. Semi-gloss is easy to clean, great for busy kitchens¹². If unsure, test paint samples to see how light changes their look before painting fully.

The right finish changes your kitchen’s look and function. Many homeowners pick semi-gloss for its style and practicality¹². Expect to spend $175 to $3,000 for professional cabinet painting, with an average of $897¹³.

Application Methods: Brush, Roll, or Spray

Choosing the right way to paint cabinets is key for a smooth finish. We’ll look at brushing, rolling, and spraying techniques.

Pros and Cons of Each Method

Spray painting cabinets is very popular today, giving a durable and even look¹⁴. It’s much faster than painting by hand, taking just a few hours for a whole set of cabinets¹⁵. Sprayers give a smoother finish but might use up to 33% more paint¹⁶.

Brushing and rolling are good for smaller projects and are cheaper. They can save about 25% compared to spraying¹⁴. Painting by hand with a brush or roller takes around 70 hours for a set of 40 doors and drawers¹⁵. Rollers let you create different textures, unlike sprayers¹⁶.

Tools and Equipment Needed

Method	Tools	Additional Equipment
Brushing	High-quality paintbrush	Paint tray, sandpaper
Rolling	Short nap mini roller	Paint tray, extension pole
Spraying	Paint sprayer	Protective gear, drop cloths

Tips for a Smooth Application

Here are tips for a pro finish:

Use enamel paint for durability¹⁵
Apply two coats of urethane paint¹⁴
Sand between coats for the smoothest finish
Wait 24 hours between coats and 48 hours before reassembling¹⁵

Each project might need a different method¹⁶. Whether you pick a paint sprayer, roller, or brush, prep and technique matter for a smooth cabinet finish.

Color Selection and Trends

Choosing the right cabinet color can change your kitchen’s look. I’ve worked on many cabinet projects and painted a lot myself. I know how important picking the right color is¹⁷. White cabinets are a timeless choice, offering a versatile look¹⁸. Cream-colored cabinets add a cozy touch¹⁸.

Gray cabinets are also popular, bringing sophistication to kitchens¹⁸. Benjamin Moore’s Simply White (OC-117) is great for kitchens with cool lighting. Sherwin-Williams’ Dovetail is another good choice with its low LRV of 26¹⁹.

Now, cabinet color trends are changing. Sage green is the top pick for many designers¹⁸. Blue cabinets, especially royal and navy, are getting more popular¹⁸. Sherwin Williams’ Naval (SW 6244) was named the 2020 color of the year, showing a big trend towards dark navy cabinets¹⁹.

For a bold look, black cabinets offer a modern, elegant style¹⁸. Sherwin Williams’ Rookwood Dark Green is another bold choice for two-tone kitchens¹⁹. Think about your backsplash and countertop when choosing colors. Many kitchens from the early to mid-2000s lack well-coordinated surfaces¹⁷.

Cabinet Color	Trend Status	Best For
White	Classic	Timeless appeal
Gray	Popular	Sophistication
Sage Green	Hottest Trend	Natural look
Navy Blue	Rising	Bold statement
Black	Gaining Popularity	Modern elegance

Maintenance and Durability

Keeping your painted cabinets looking great is easy with the right care. Let’s look at how to keep them fresh for years.

Curing Time

Be patient with your cabinet paint. Let it cure fully before using it again. This usually takes 3-5 days, based on the paint and your environment. Don’t put items on the paint during this time to avoid damage.

Cleaning Painted Cabinets

Clean your cabinets often with mild soap and water. Stay away from harsh chemicals that can harm the paint. For tough stains, use a gentle degreaser made for painted surfaces. Some paints, like Muralo’s Ceramithane finish, resist household chemicals well²⁰.

Touch-ups and Repairs

Even with good care, cabinets might need touch-ups now and then. For small repairs, lightly sand the area and paint it with a small brush. Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin-Williams ProClassic are good choices for their durability and easy touch-ups¹³. For professional results, consider Muralo Ultra Satin or Benjamin Moore’s Waterborne Satin Impervo Enamel for their great durability and touch-up skills²⁰.

Paint Brand	Price	Key Features
Benjamin Moore Advance	$58	Smooth application, durable finish
Behr Urethane Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel	Varies	Excellent value, widely available
HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams Infinity	$66	Superior hiding, stain-resistant

Choosing quality paint saves time and money over time. High-end paints like David Kaufman Color DKC offer unique colors and finishes that resist scrubbing. Budget-friendly options like Glidden High Endurance Plus also provide great coverage at a lower cost⁷. The right paint and care are crucial for cabinets that last a long time.

Conclusion

I’ve looked into DIY cabinet painting and found the secrets for a pro finish. The best paints are durable, easy to apply, and look amazing. Benjamin Moore Advance is a top pick, costing about $40 per gallon. It needs cleaning with TSP, sanding, and priming before painting²¹.

Fusion Mineral Paint is great for those who want to go green. It’s free from VOCs and water-based, needing less prep. It’s also easier to fix up and can be distressed for a cool look²¹. Sherwin Williams Pro Classic Alkyd Interior Enamel Oil-Based Paint is perfect for kitchen cabinets. It’s tough against daily wear and tear²².

When picking paint for cabinets, think about the finish, drying time, and how you apply it. Benjamin Moore Advance comes in satin and semi-gloss for a high-end look. Rust-Oleum Transformations Basic Cabinet and Trim Paint dries fast and gives a smooth finish in two coats²². With the right paint and techniques, you can update your cabinets and get a pro-quality finish that lasts.

FAQ

What type of paint is best for cabinets?

Specialty cabinet paints are top picks because they’re as tough as oil-based paints but without the downsides. Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel and Benjamin Moore Advance are great choices. They self-level and give a finish that lasts.

How do I prepare my cabinets for painting?

Getting your cabinets ready is key. Start by cleaning them well with a degreaser. Then, sand to fix any uneven spots. Finish by vacuuming and using a tack cloth to remove dust.

Some cabinets might need a primer, especially if they’re made of laminate or have a glossy finish.

What finish should I choose for kitchen cabinets?

For kitchen cabinets, semi-gloss and satin finishes work best. Semi-gloss is tough and easy to clean. Satin gives a subtle look. Stay away from matte and high-gloss finishes.

What are the pros and cons of different application methods?

Spray painting is quick and gives a smooth finish but needs more prep and safety gear. Rolling and brushing are easier but might leave texture. Use a high-quality mini roller for the best look.

How do I select the right color for my cabinets?

Think about your kitchen’s design and lighting when picking colors. Try samples in your space to see how they look under different lights. White and gray are popular for a modern feel.

How long does it take for cabinet paint to cure fully?

Let the paint dry completely before using your cabinets heavily, usually 3-5 days. Don’t put things on them during this time.

How do I maintain and clean painted cabinets?

Clean painted cabinets with mild soap and water. Stay away from strong chemicals that could harm the finish. For touch-ups, lightly sand the spot and paint it with a small brush.