Every paint store has cans labeled “for cabinets,” but the best paint for kitchen cabinets depends on who’s holding the brush. Easy DIY paints are forgiving but won’t be as tough, and the hardest pro coatings take real skill to spray. Here’s how we’d choose, depending on your skill level and the finish you want.
DIY-Friendly Paints: Easy Application, Solid Results
New to painting or want a stress-free project? These paints are forgiving and beginner-friendly:
- Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane: A go-to for DIYers, this water-based urethane glides on smoothly with minimal brush marks. It’s durable enough for light use but isn’t as hard as pro-grade coatings. Bonus: it self-levels for a sleek finish. Downside: it takes a while to dry, so plan for patience.
- Benjamin Moore Advance: Another DIY favorite, Advance is what Benjamin Moore calls a waterborne alkyd enamel, and it gives you a long working window to fix mistakes. It dries to a smooth satin or gloss finish that holds up to everyday wear. Downside: like Emerald, it takes a while to fully cure.
These are the best paints for kitchen cabinets if you’re after ease over extreme longevity.
Pro-Level Paints: The Toughest Cabinet Finishes
Craving that flawless, professional “click” when your cabinets close? These paints demand skill but deliver durability:
- Renner 2K: Renner 2K is a two-part coating that cures harder than regular paint and stands up well to scratches and daily wear. It’s what we use at Caldwell Painting for high-traffic kitchens. The catch: it dries fast and has to be sprayed by someone who knows it.
- General Finishes Enduro: A pro-grade line from General Finishes with a tough, smooth finish. It’s tricky to apply, think precise mixing and timing, but the result is worth it. Best for: Pros or advanced DIYers with patience.
For a pro-grade look in Memphis or Nashville, these are top-tier choices.
Specialty Paints: Mirror Finishes with a Learning Curve
Want a showstopping finish? These paints dazzle but aren’t for the faint of heart:
- Fine Paints of Europe Hollandlac Brilliant: This oil-based paint delivers a mirror-like gloss that transforms cabinets into art. It’s pricey and finicky, think sticky application and long drying times, but the gloss is stunning when it’s done right. DIY Warning: Leave it to pros unless you’re very experienced.
These are the best paints for kitchen cabinets if you’re chasing perfection, and have the skills (or pros) to match.
How to Choose the Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets
Choosing the best paint for kitchen cabinets boils down to two things: your skill level and your vision.
- DIY Newbie? Stick with Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane or Benjamin Moore Advance, easy to use, decent durability.
- Pro Finish Fan? Go with Renner 2K or General Finishes Enduro, sprayed by a pro.
- Luxury Lover? Fine Paints of Europe Hollandlac Brilliant gives you a true mirror gloss, if you can handle it.
Not sure? Our team in Memphis and Nashville, TN, can guide you, or paint it for you.
Conclusion: Paint Your Cabinets Right
The best paint for kitchen cabinets depends on you, DIY ease or pro durability? Options like Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane keep it simple, while Fine Paints of Europe Hollandlac Brilliant goes all-out. Pick wisely, or let us handle it for you in Memphis or Nashville.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best paint for kitchen cabinets?
It depends on who’s painting. For DIY, Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane and Benjamin Moore Advance are forgiving and hold up well. For the toughest finish, a pro sprayed 2K coating like Renner is what we use.
What’s the best paint for kitchen cabinets for a DIYer?
Emerald Urethane or Advance. Both level out to a smooth finish with few brush marks and give you time to fix mistakes. Sand, use a good cabinet primer, and give them plenty of time to cure.
Why do professionals use 2K paint on cabinets?
A 2K paint has two parts, a resin and a hardener, that cure into a much harder finish than regular paint. It holds up better to scratches and daily wear, but it dries fast and needs spray equipment, so it’s best left to pros.
Can I get a high gloss mirror finish on my cabinets?
Yes, with a specialty paint like Fine Paints of Europe Hollandlac Brilliant. It’s beautiful but slow drying and hard to apply well, so most homeowners hire a pro for a true mirror finish.
Do I need to sand before painting kitchen cabinets?
Yes. Even the best paint for kitchen cabinets needs something to grip. Scuff sand, clean, prime, then paint. More in our post on painting cabinets without sanding.
If you’re in the Memphis or Nashville area, reach out through our website and we’ll help you pick the right paint, or paint the cabinets for you.
Keep reading
- Can You Paint Cabinets Without Sanding? The Honest Truth
- How Much Does Cabinet Painting Cost? An Honest Breakdown
- Does Paint Quality Matter? The Best Paint for Your Memphis Home
Bart Caldwell is a entrepreneur and business owner. With his ambition, tenacity, and dedication to hard work, he has built Caldwell Painting that is respected throughout the industry for their high-quality services and innovative solutions. Bart’s passion for excellence in all service areas has seen him build a solid reputation as a reliable problem solver and leader. His reputation of professionalism, integrity and quality has made him one of the industry’s most sought-after business owners.
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