How to Choose the Best Paint for Your Cabinets—Plus 8 Brands to Shop (2024)

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Cabinet paint should be durable and easy to clean.

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Madeline Buiano

How to Choose the Best Paint for Your Cabinets—Plus 8 Brands to Shop (1)

Madeline Buiano

Madeline Buiano is an associate editor at MarthaStewart.com, sharing her knowledge on a range of topics—from gardening and cleaning to home and pets. She has five years of writing and editing experience in the digital publishing industry.

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Published on August 23, 2023 05:08PM EDT

How to Choose the Best Paint for Your Cabinets—Plus 8 Brands to Shop (2)

One of the most costly areas of the home to renovate is the kitchen, which is especially true if you want to replace your cabinets. But rather than investing in all new units, consider giving your existing cabinetry new life with a fresh coat of paint. As long as your cabinets are safe to use, painting them and adding new hardware is a simple DIY way to transform your kitchen.

Just as there are certain types of paint that are best suited to your walls, the same considerations apply when painting your cabinets. "What I recommend most often, is a product specifically intended for painting cabinets," saysAmy Wax, architectural color consultantand creator of theColor911 App.

Amy Wax has served as aninterior paint color expertandexterior paint color consultantfor homeowners and businesses, has helped with color palette development for a number of major paint manufacturers, and is creator of theColor911 App.

9 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

What to Consider When Buying Cabinet Paint

In addition to selecting a paint specifically designed for cabinets, you'll also want to take into account the paint's base and finish.

Paint base

Cabinet paints can be oil-based, latex, alkyd, and acrylic. While each base has its own pros and cons, there are some options that are preferred over others.

  • Oil-based paint: Oil-based paint is a popular choice for cabinets. "The oil-based paint dries harder, making it more durable for places where there will be more wear and tear and hands-on use," says Wax. Oil-based paint also has the ability to self level, eliminating visible brush strokes and giving you a smoother appearance. One downside to oil-based paint is that it will start to yellow or change to a lightly warmer color over time.
  • Latex paint: Another option for painting cabinetry is latex paint, which dries quickly, has stable colors, and is easy to apply. However, latex paint is a thinner product that doesn't level out. "You will likely see the imperfections on the surface or brush strokes once the product is applied," says Wax.
  • Alkyd paint: Similar to oil-based paint, alkyd paint is durable, dries quickly, and has a smooth finish. The paint won't fade over time, making it a great option for high touch areas like the kitchen.
  • Acrylic paint: Acrylic paint can withstand high temperatures without cracking, making it ideal if you have cabinets over a stovetop. "I have had success with an acrylic paint with urethane applied, creating an enamel-like product giving the cabinets a smooth, harder finish that will maintain its color and durability," says Wax.

Paint Finish

Whether you're choosing a paint for your walls or your cabinets, there are certain finishes that are best suited to certain projects. "Cabinets need to wear well and wash easily," says Wax. "The best finish for that would be satin or semi-gloss."

  • Satin: The satin or low luster finish has a less reflective sheen, but enough of a sheen that the surface is sealed and protected, says Wax. Satin finishes are also easy to clean.
  • Semi-gloss: The higher sheen would be a semi-gloss finish, which makes the finish a bit more reflective, says Wax. Cabinets with this sheen tend to look more clean.

With all of these factors in mind, here are the best paint for cabinets.

01of 08

Benjamin Moore Advance Interior Paint

How to Choose the Best Paint for Your Cabinets—Plus 8 Brands to Shop (3)

This premium quality waterborne alkyd paint delivers a durable satin finish that can withstand repeated washing. "With a silky-smooth reflective quality, Advance is a waterborne alkyd paint that dries smoothly with a furniture like finish," says Wax. "Both durable and non-yellowing it dries hard, wears well, and is available in a variety of gloss finishes."

Price at time of publish: $80

02of 08

BEHR Hybrid Urethane Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel Paint

How to Choose the Best Paint for Your Cabinets—Plus 8 Brands to Shop (4)

Available in a range of custom colors, this paint provides the performance and durability of a traditional oil-based paint with the ease of use of a water-based paint. Offering a professional quality finish, the product provides expert leveling, minimizing the appearance of brush strokes and imperfections.

Price at time of publish: $47

03of 08

Farrow & Ball Wood Primer & Undercoat

How to Choose the Best Paint for Your Cabinets—Plus 8 Brands to Shop (5)

If you have wood cabinets you want to spruce up, consider this option from Farrow & Ball. The primer and undercoat is designed for use on bare or previously painted interior and exterior wood. It creates a smooth, protective base and is available in four shades to complement your topcoat for a durable fish.

Price at time of publish: $129

04of 08

Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel

How to Choose the Best Paint for Your Cabinets—Plus 8 Brands to Shop (6)

Designed for cabinets, doors, and trim this enamel paint resists yellowing, unlike traditional oil-based coatings. What's more, it creates a hard durable finish that withstands wear and tear and frequent cleaning. "This paint is preferable for many because it is a water-based product giving it the ease of use, with the durability of an enamel," says Wax.

Price at time of publish: $109

05of 08

Beyond Paint All-in-One Refinishing Paint for Cabinets

How to Choose the Best Paint for Your Cabinets—Plus 8 Brands to Shop (7)

Designed specifically for cabinets, this all-in-one-paint requires no stripping, sanding, or priming. It has an acrylic base, meaning it can withstand the humidity and temperature fluctuations of kitchens without cracking. Available in more than 12 shades, you're sure to find one that complements your space.

Price at time of publish: $114

06of 08

Benjamin Moore INSL-X Specialty Coatings

How to Choose the Best Paint for Your Cabinets—Plus 8 Brands to Shop (8)

The ultimate satin enamel paint finish for cabinets, this product is known for its super smooth finish. "This cabinet coat, with it’s urethane-acrylic formula, dries hard and is a great product for the high use cabinetry it is designed for," says Wax. "This product wears well and gives you the durability you need."

Price at time of publish: $63

07of 08

BEHR Alpenglow Semi-Gloss Enamel Low Odor Interior Paint & Primer

How to Choose the Best Paint for Your Cabinets—Plus 8 Brands to Shop (9)

Formulated with a finish that resists mildew and stains, this paint and primer has a semi-gloss finish that gives cabinets a reflective sheen. It has a 100 percent acrylic base that is easy to apply and won't diminish over time.

Price at time of publish: $38

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Valspar Satin Base Cabinet and Furniture Paint Enamel

How to Choose the Best Paint for Your Cabinets—Plus 8 Brands to Shop (10)

This oil-enriched enamel paint dries to a smooth factory-like finish. Plus, it is resistant to fading, scratching, and scuffing, providing a durability that is needed when it comes to kitchen cabinets. The oil-based formula means you won't see any brush marks when the paint dries.

Price at time of publish: $60

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How to Choose the Best Paint for Your Cabinets—Plus 8 Brands to Shop (2024)

FAQs

What is the best paint to use for cabinets? ›

There are many types of paint to choose from, but the best paint for kitchen cabinets is semi-gloss, gloss or satin.

What do professional painters use to paint kitchen cabinets? ›

We usually use professional-grade lacquer because it has a lovely, silky-smooth feel to it, and is what cabinet manufacturers use. We think it's the best paint for cabinets, hands-down (although there are some great pro-level water-based options as well).

What is the most popular kitchen cabinet paint? ›

What is the most popular color for kitchen cabinets? Though trend reports may show that white is falling out of favor, interior designers say that, generally, homeowners are still most drawn toward white kitchen cabinets.

What paint roller gives the smoothest finish on cabinets? ›

DIY enthusiasts and professionals have grown fond of using high-density foam rollers. This makes them a great choice is their ability to provide a flawless, smooth surface, making them ideal for use on cabinets and furniture. The dense foam ensures even coverage, eliminating the problem of brush marks or uneven layers.

Should cabinets be gloss or satin? ›

If you're after a cabinet finish that will last, a satin finish is a good choice because it's less glossy and more durable than a high-gloss one.

What sheen paint is best for kitchen cabinets? ›

Kitchen walls and especially kitchen cabinets require a paint finish that's tough, easy to wipe down, and attractive. Satin and eggshell paint finishes work well for kitchen walls, while semi-gloss proves best for kitchen cabinets.

What is the 2024 color for kitchen cabinets? ›

Gone are the days when white cabinets dominated kitchens. In 2024, moody blues and greens are stealing the spotlight. Deep navy, forest green, and rich emerald are becoming go-to choices for those seeking a sophisticated and luxurious vibe in their culinary space.

What color cabinets never go out of style? ›

The 7 Best Kitchen Cabinetry Colours That Will Remain Timeless
  • Natural Wood Cabinetry. ...
  • Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore. ...
  • Olive Grove by Sherwin Williams. ...
  • Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball. ...
  • White Dove by Benjamin Moore. ...
  • Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore. ...
  • Your Favourite Colour is Always a Timeless Choice for Your Cabinetry.

What Sherwin Williams paint is best for cabinets? ›

Once you've taken care of primer, the best paint for cabinets is Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel. This product creates a hard, durable finish that withstands the wear and tear of frequently used areas like kitchens.

Is it better to roll or brush paint cabinets? ›

On the fronts and backs of drawers and doors, you can use a roller. This will apply the paint in a more smooth and even manner and is much faster than only using a paint brush. Then, use a brush for touching up small areas or for hard-to-reach spots.

What is the most durable finish for painted kitchen cabinets? ›

Semi-Gloss Finish

As the most popular sheen, semi-gloss provides your kitchen cabinets with a nice shine that is not overbearing. Semi-gloss finishes like polyurethane are known for their easy application and high durability.

How to avoid roller marks when painting cabinets? ›

Avoiding roller marks is easier than preventing brush marks–just add enough paint to the roller and overlap each stroke of the roller whenever possible. Once you've applied the first coat, check your work thoroughly for any paint drips and brush marks and rectify them before the paint dries.

What Sherwin Williams paint do you use on cabinets? ›

Once you've taken care of primer, the best paint for cabinets is Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel. This product creates a hard, durable finish that withstands the wear and tear of frequently used areas like kitchens.

How do I get a smooth finish on kitchen cabinets? ›

Go over the paint with a foam brush

OK, here's the trick to getting a smooth finish: as soon as you're done brushing on the primer, you want to go over it with a foam roller brush. Boom! Instant smoothness.

How to prep cabinets for paint? ›

Let's get started!
  1. Step 1: Prepare Your Cabinets. ...
  2. Step 2: Clean and Degrease. ...
  3. Step 3: Scuff Sand the Cabinets. ...
  4. Step 4: Wipe Down the Cabinets. ...
  5. Step 5: Primer Application. ...
  6. Step 6: Sand and Wipe Down Again. ...
  7. Step 7: Paint Your Cabinets. ...
  8. Step 8: Sand and Wipe Down Between Coats.
Nov 1, 2023

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