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Best paint for kitchen cabinets

How to Choose the Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets: DIY vs. Pro Options

Decoding Cabinet Paint Choices

Walk into any paint store, and you’ll see cans labeled “for cabinets”—but are they all the best paint for kitchen cabinets? After our latest YouTube deep dive, we’ve got the answers. At Caldwell Painting, we know not every cabinet paint suits every skill level or goal. DIY-friendly options will chip faster, while durable pro paints can stump even seasoned painters. Let’s break down the top choices to help you pick the perfect paint for your Memphis or Nashville, TN, kitchen cabinets. Need a pro? Click Here to schedule an estimate with us today!

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 won’t harden like pro-grade options. Bonus: it self-levels for a sleek finish. Downside: Slow drying time—patience required!
  • Benjamin Moore Advance: Another DIY favorite, this alkyd paint offers a long working window to fix mistakes. It delivers a smooth, satin-to-gloss finish that’s tough for everyday wear. Downside: Like Emerald, it takes its sweet time to cure fully.
These are the best paint for kitchen cabinets if you’re after ease over extreme longevity.

Pro-Level Paints: Hard-as-Nails Finishes

Craving that flawless, professional “click” when your cabinets close? These paints demand skill but deliver durability:
  • Renner 2K: A two-component wonder, Renner 2K cures to a rock-hard finish that resists scratches and wear. Perfect for high-traffic kitchens, it’s a pro favorite at [Your Painting Company Name]. Catch: Its fast-drying nature requires expert handling.
  • General Finishes Enduro 2K: Another 2K champ, this paint offers a tough, glossy finish that screams quality. 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. 

kitchen island cabinets painted with Benjamin Moore Night Horizon 2134-10 kitchen cabinets painted with soft suede Sherwin williams sw 9577
Renner 2k

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 luxury is unmatched. DIY Warning: Leave it to pros unless you’re a painting wizard.
  • Sherwin-Williams Gallery Series: A new 2K contender we’re testing at Caldwell Painting. Early vibes? Promising hardness and shine. Stay tuned for our full review as we put it through its paces in TN kitchens!
These are the best paint for kitchen cabinets if you’re chasing perfection—and have the skills (or pros) to match.

Farrow and Ball Color matched high gloss kitchen cabinet general finishes enduro

How to Pick Your Cabinet Paint

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? Level up to Renner 2K or General Finishes Enduro 2K for lasting toughness.
  • Luxury Lover? Fine Paints of Europe Hollandlac Brilliant offers unmatched shine—if you can tame it.
Not sure? Our team in Memphis and Nashville, TN, can guide you—or paint it for you. just click here to schedule your free estimate online.

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. Got a favorite paint or project in mind? Drop a comment—we’d love to hear!

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