Painting your kitchen cabinets is one of the most impactful ways to refresh your kitchen without a full remodel. But not all paints are created equal — the wrong product can peel, chip, or fail to cure properly in a high-moisture, high-traffic space like the kitchen.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best paints for kitchen cabinets based on performance, durability, ease of use, and finish quality.
Quick Answer: What’s the Best Paint for Cabinets?
For most homeowners, the top cabinet paint options in 2025 include:
- Benjamin Moore Advance – Premium waterborne alkyd enamel
- Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane – Pro-grade durability and finish
- INSL-X Cabinet Coat – Budget-friendly, DIY-ready
- BEHR Urethane Alkyd Enamel – Solid hybrid enamel from Home Depot
- Wise Owl One Hour Enamel – Fast-drying for tight timelines
These paints are formulated for cabinet use, offering superior adhesion, leveling, and long-term durability. The best finish? Semi-gloss — easy to clean, subtle shine, and built for daily wear.
| Brand | Paint Type | Best Use Case | Avg. Price | VOC Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore | Waterborne Alkyd | High-end kitchen refinishing | $65–$80 | Low |
| Sherwin-Williams | Urethane Alkyd | Durable, professional finishes | $70–$90 | Low |
| INSL-X | Acrylic Urethane | DIY-friendly cabinet projects | $45–$55 | Low |
| BEHR | Urethane Alkyd | Budget-conscious updates | $35–$50 | Low |
| Wise Owl | Water-Based Enamel | Fast-drying cabinet painting | $70–$85 | Low |
What Makes a Paint Ideal for Kitchen Cabinets?
Unlike drywall, kitchen cabinets take a beating. You need a paint that’s:
- Extremely durable and resistant to scratches and stains
- Moisture-resistant for cooking and cleaning environments
- Smooth and self-leveling for a factory-finish appearance
- Low-VOC and safe for indoor use
- Easy to clean with soap and water
Paints for cabinets also need to cure hard, not just dry — so the resin type (alkyd, urethane, acrylic) matters more here than for walls or ceilings.
Top Paint Brands for Kitchen Cabinets
Benjamin Moore Advance
Benjamin Moore’s Advance is a waterborne alkyd enamel, offering the best of both worlds: the hardness of oil-based paint with the ease of water-based cleanup.
Best for: Premium results on wood or MDF cabinets
Finish options: Satin, semi-gloss, high-gloss
Pros:
- Outstanding leveling and flow
- Furniture-grade hardness
- Long-lasting color fidelity
Cons:
- Long dry/cure time (up to 16 hours between coats)
- Higher cost
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel
Sherwin-Williams’ Emerald line is a urethane-modified alkyd that resists yellowing and cures to a hard, enamel-like finish.
Best for: Professional cabinet refinishing
Finish options: Satin, semi-gloss, gloss
Pros:
- Excellent adhesion and durability
- Great for white cabinets (non-yellowing)
- Low odor, low VOC
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Sold only in Sherwin-Williams stores
INSL-X Cabinet Coat
This acrylic urethane enamel from Benjamin Moore’s INSL-X line is purpose-built for cabinets and trim.
Best for: DIYers or pros seeking value and efficiency
Finish options: Satin
Pros:
- Primer-free on many surfaces
- Smooth, factory-like finish
- Durable and washable
Cons:
- Limited color availability
- Not ideal for raw wood or unsealed surfaces without primer
BEHR Urethane Alkyd Enamel
BEHR’s hybrid formula is a urethane alkyd enamel designed for cabinets, trim, and doors.
Best for: Affordable cabinet painting at scale
Finish options: Semi-gloss
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to find at Home Depot
- Good coverage and leveling
Cons:
- Durability is decent but not pro-grade
- Limited finish range
Wise Owl One Hour Enamel
Wise Owl’s fast-drying enamel is known for high durability and rapid cure times.
Best for: Time-sensitive DIY or quick-turn projects
Finish options: Satin
Pros:
- Touch-dry in one hour
- Excellent adhesion and scuff resistance
- Available in unique designer shades
Cons:
- Expensive for a boutique brand
- May require extra coats for full opacity
Best Paint Finish for Kitchen Cabinets
Your cabinet paint’s finish affects both appearance and cleanability:
| Finish | Look | Durability | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Satin | Soft sheen | Moderate | Modern/farmhouse style |
| Semi-gloss | Subtle shine | High | Kitchens, bathrooms |
| Gloss | Reflective, bold | Very high | Ultra-modern designs, trim |
We recommend semi-gloss for most kitchens due to its balance of shine and scrubbability.
Should You Use Oil-Based or Water-Based Paint?
| Type | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Oil-based | Rock-hard finish, excellent leveling | High VOC, slow drying, hard cleanup |
| Water-based | Fast dry time, low odor, easy cleanup | Slightly softer cure |
| Hybrid Alkyd | Best of both worlds | Higher cost, may need longer cure time |
Modern alkyd or urethane hybrid paints (like Advance or Emerald) give you the hardness of oil without the drawbacks.
How to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets (Pro Tips)
- Clean thoroughly – Use degreaser to remove oils and residue
- Sand all surfaces – 220-grit for scuffing glossy finishes
- Prime properly – Use bonding primer like Stix or BIN if needed
- Label doors and hardware – Helps with reassembly
- Use quality tools – Foam rollers or HVLP sprayers for best finish
- Apply thin coats – 2–3 coats recommended, with sanding between
- Let it cure – Avoid heavy use for at least 7 days (full cure may take 30)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping surface prep
- Painting over greasy, glossy, or damaged areas
- Using wall paint or latex interior paints
- Rushing between coats
- Not sealing in humid conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will cabinet paint last?
With proper prep, 8–10 years is typical.
Can I paint laminate cabinets?
Yes — but use a bonding primer and sand lightly first.
Do I need to seal painted cabinets?
Not if you use enamel paint, but a water-based poly topcoat can help in high-use kitchens.
Brackens Painting Cabinet Recommendation
At Brackens Painting, we’ve painted hundreds of kitchens throughout West Virginia and Northern Virginia. Our go-to cabinet paints are:
- Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane for superior durability
- Benjamin Moore Advance for top-tier color and flow
- INSL-X Cabinet Coat for budget-conscious or lower-VOC jobs
We can handle everything from prep and spraying to final inspection and touch-up.
Call us at (304) 620-5342 or request a free quote to transform your kitchen today.
