what is best paint to use on kitchen cabinets
May 19, 2025
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Best Paints for Kitchen Cabinets (2023–2024)
For a durable, long-lasting finish that withstands daily wear, grease, and moisture, these are the top-rated paints for kitchen cabinets:
1. Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel
Type: Water-based acrylic urethane
Finish: Smooth, self-leveling (satin or semi-gloss)
Why It's Great:
Extremely durable, scrub-resistant, and low odor.
Dries hard like oil-based paint without yellowing.
Ideal for DIYers and professionals.
Cost: 30–30–30–40 per quart
2. Benjamin Moore Advance
Type: Waterborne alkyd
Finish: Smooth, brushable (satin or semi-gloss)
Why It's Great:
Alkyd formula mimics oil-based durability but with low VOCs.
Resists chips, stains, and yellowing.
Self-leveling for a factory-like finish.
Cost: 25–25–25–35 per quart
3. Behr Cabinet & Trim Enamel
Type: Water-based acrylic
Finish: Semi-gloss
Why It's Great:
Budget-friendly with one-coat coverage.
Dries quickly and cleans easily.
Good for laminate or MDF cabinets.
Cost: 20–20–20–25 per quart
4. Farrow & Ball Modern Eggshell
Type: Water-based
Finish: Subtle sheen (eggshell)
Why It's Great:
Luxury finish with rich, deep pigments.
Eco-friendly and durable for high-end kitchens.
Pair with Farrow & Ball Undercoat for best adhesion.
Cost: 40–40–40–50 per quart
5. Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations Kit
Type: All-in-one acrylic kit (primer + paint + topcoat)
Finish: Matte, satin, or gloss
Why It's Great:
No sanding or priming required (good for laminate).
Includes degreaser, bond coat, and decorative glaze.
Cost: 80–80–80–120 per kit (covers 100 sq. ft.)
Key Tips for Painting Cabinets
Prep Work:
Clean with TSP substitute or Krud Kutter to remove grease.
Sand lightly (150–220 grit) for adhesion.
Use a bonding primer (e.g., Stix Primer or Zinsser BIN) for tricky surfaces (laminate, melamine).
Application:
Use a high-quality brush (angled sash brush) for edges and a foam roller for flat surfaces.
Sprayers (e.g., Graco Ultra) provide the smoothest finish.
Drying/Curing:
Allow 6–8 hours between coats.
Let cabinets cure for 2–3 weeks before heavy use.
Finish Comparison
| Finish | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-Gloss | Durable, easy to clean, hides flaws. | Shows brush strokes if applied poorly. |
| Satin | Modern, low-sheen, hides smudges. | Slightly less durable than semi-gloss. |
| Matte | Trendy, hides imperfections. | Harder to clean; not ideal for high use. |
Best for Specific Needs
DIYers on a Budget: Behr Cabinet & Trim Enamel.
Pro-Level Durability: Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane.
Luxury Look: Farrow & Ball Modern Eggshell.
Laminate/MDF: Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations Kit.
Final Recommendation:
For most kitchens, Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane are the gold standard. They balance durability, ease of use, and a flawless finish. Invest in proper prep and tools-your cabinets will look new for 7–10+ years with minimal upkeep! 🎨✨