Choosing the right cabinet paint is crucial for durability and appearance. This guide compares the best products and helps you pick the perfect paint for your project.
🏆 Quick Recommendations
Benjamin Moore Advance
Self-leveling, durable, easy cleanup
SW Emerald Urethane
Ultimate hardness and stain resistance
PPG Breakthrough
Great quality at lower price point
🎨 Types of Cabinet Paint
Acrylic-Alkyd Hybrid
RECOMMENDEDBest of both worlds: latex cleanup + oil-based durability. Self-levels for smooth finish. Most popular for cabinets.
- Benjamin Moore Advance
- Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane
- PPG Breakthrough
100% Acrylic Latex
Easy to use, fast drying. Less durable than hybrids but acceptable with proper prep and topcoat.
- Benjamin Moore Regal Select
- Sherwin-Williams ProClassic
Oil-Based/Alkyd
Maximum durability, but slow drying, strong fumes, difficult cleanup. Restricted in some areas (VOCs).
- Benjamin Moore Satin Impervo
- SW ProMar 200
🏆 Top Products Compared
| Product | Type | Price/Gal | Dry Time | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BM Advance | Alkyd Hybrid | $65-75 | 16-24 hrs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| SW Emerald Urethane | Urethane | $85-95 | 24 hrs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| PPG Breakthrough | Acrylic-Alkyd | $55-65 | 1-2 hrs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Behr Cabinet & Trim | Acrylic Enamel | $40-50 | 4-6 hrs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rust-Oleum Cabinet | Acrylic | $35-45 | 2-4 hrs | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Detailed Reviews
Benjamin Moore Advance
Best overall choice for most cabinet projects.
Advance has become the gold standard for cabinet painting. Its alkyd-modified formula provides excellent self-leveling, meaning brush marks practically disappear. The finish is hard and durable once fully cured (30 days).
- ✓ Exceptional self-leveling
- ✓ Hard, durable finish
- ✓ Water cleanup
- ✓ Wide color selection
- ✗ Long dry time (16-24 hours)
- ✗ 30-day full cure time
- ✗ Higher price point
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane
Most durable option for high-traffic kitchens.
The urethane-modified formula creates an incredibly hard finish that resists scratches, stains, and cleaning chemicals. Excellent color matching and consistency.
- ✓ Ultimate durability
- ✓ Excellent block resistance
- ✓ Stain resistant
- ✓ Smooth finish
- ✗ Highest price
- ✗ Long dry time
- ✗ Less forgiving of technique errors
PPG Breakthrough
Best value with professional-quality results.
Fast drying (recoat in 1-2 hours) makes this perfect for time-sensitive projects. Excellent adhesion to slick surfaces. Popular among professional painters.
- ✓ Fast dry time
- ✓ Great price point
- ✓ Excellent adhesion
- ✓ Pro favorite
- ✗ Less self-leveling than Advance
- ✗ Harder to find (paint stores only)
🤔 How to Choose
Need the smoothest possible finish?
→ Benjamin Moore Advance (best self-leveling)
Have kids or heavy kitchen use?
→ Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane (most durable)
Short on time or budget?
→ PPG Breakthrough (fast dry, good value)
DIY and want easy application?
→ Behr Cabinet & Trim (forgiving, available at HD)
🖌️ Application Tips
- Don't skip primer — Use bonding primer for best adhesion
- Apply thin coats — 2-3 thin coats beat 1 thick coat
- Use quality tools — Foam rollers and angled brushes
- Sand between coats — Light 320-grit sanding
- Allow full cure — 30 days before heavy use
💡 Pro Tip: Condition Your Paint
Add Floetrol (latex) or Penetrol (oil) to improve flow and reduce brush marks, especially in hot or dry conditions.
Let Us Handle Your Cabinet Project
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