If your cabinets look worn or outdated, a fresh coat of paint can completely transform your space. The right paint makes cabinets look brand new and keeps them in great condition for years. But here’s the big question: What’s the best paint for cabinets? With so many options in stores, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Some paints chip after only a few months, while others provide a smooth finish that holds up beautifully for years. In this guide, we’ll walk through what truly makes the best paint for cabinets, highlight expert recommendations, and share practical tips so your project stands the test of time.
Why the Right Paint Matters for Kitchen Cabinets
Painting kitchen cabinets isn’t the same as painting walls or simple furniture pieces. Cabinets take a lot of daily abuse—they’re opened and closed constantly, exposed to grease and steam, and cleaned more often than any other part of your home. If you choose the wrong paint, you’ll end up with peeling, cracking, and fading much sooner than you’d like. The best paint for cabinets is designed to resist all that wear and tear while still looking smooth and polished.
When you think about the cost and effort that go into painting cabinets, it’s clear why choosing the right paint is an investment. Good paint helps your kitchen stay stylish for years, while poor-quality paint may force you to redo the job much sooner. It’s not just about color—it’s about durability and function.
What Qualifies as the Best Paint for Cabinets?
Not every type of paint can handle the job. The best paint for cabinets is durable, easy to clean, and able to resist daily use. Professional painters often recommend paints made for trim and high-traffic surfaces because they’re formulated to withstand fingerprints, stains, and repeated scrubbing.
Another important detail is the paint finish. Flat or matte paints might look trendy at first, but they’re not a good fit for cabinets since they absorb grease and are difficult to clean. Instead, most experts recommend satin, semi-gloss, or gloss finishes. These options make wiping down cabinets easier and provide a protective surface that resists moisture and cooking splatters.
Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Paints for Cabinets
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether oil-based or water-based paint is better for cabinets. Each has its pros and cons.
Oil-based paints have been used for decades because they dry to a very hard, durable finish. They resist scratches and give cabinets a glossy look that lasts for years. However, they do come with drawbacks. They take longer to dry, have a stronger odor, and require paint thinner or other solvents for cleanup.
Water-based paints, on the other hand, are much easier to work with. They dry faster, produce less odor, and can be cleaned up with soap and water. Thanks to modern advancements, high-quality water-based paints now offer durability that rivals oil-based products. This makes them a popular choice for kitchen cabinet painting since they balance performance with convenience.
Expert Picks: Best Paint for Cabinets
After reviewing countless products and listening to what professionals trust, several paints stand out as consistent top performers for cabinet painting services and DIY projects alike.
Benjamin Moore Advance is one of the most trusted options. This waterborne alkyd paint combines the smooth finish of oil paint with the easier cleanup of water-based formulas. It provides excellent leveling, resists chipping, and gives cabinets a furniture-like finish that lasts.
Another favorite is Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel. This paint is designed for trim and cabinets, making it a natural fit for kitchens. It dries hard, resists yellowing, and maintains a rich, vibrant color even after years of scrubbing and daily use.
For those who want a reliable option at a lower cost, Behr Urethane Alkyd Enamel is a great pick. It covers well, resists scuffs, and levels out for a smooth finish without breaking the budget.
Valspar Cabinet and Furniture Paint is another solid choice. It’s made specifically for cabinets and sticks well without the need for a separate primer. It dries quickly, resists scratches, and works well for homeowners who want dependable results.
If you’re looking for a premium finish, Farrow & Ball Modern Eggshell is worth considering. It offers a refined appearance with impressive durability. This paint has a soft sheen, low odor, and washability that makes it a favorite for high-end kitchens.
Preparing Cabinets for Painting
Even if you buy the best paint for cabinets, the results won’t last if you skip proper preparation. Prep work ensures the paint sticks properly and stays looking good for years.
The first step is to remove all cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware. This gives you access to every surface and prevents paint from dripping onto handles or hinges. Once the doors are off, clean every surface thoroughly with a degreaser. Kitchens accumulate grease and dirt that paint can’t adhere to.
After cleaning, sanding is essential. Lightly sanding the surface gives the paint something to grip onto, creating a smoother and more durable finish. Once sanding is complete, apply a high-quality primer. Even if your chosen paint claims to stick without primer, professionals still recommend priming because it blocks stains and creates the ideal base for long-lasting color.
Skipping these steps may save a little time up front, but it often leads to peeling and uneven paint later on. Good prep is the difference between a quick fix and a finish that lasts for years.
Professional Cabinet Painting Services vs. DIY
When it comes to painting cabinets, you’ll need to decide whether to tackle the project yourself or hire professional cabinet painting services. Each approach has benefits.
DIY painting can save money and give you complete control over the color and finish. It can also be rewarding to see the transformation you created with your own hands. However, it requires patience, attention to detail, and a significant time commitment. Without experience, it’s easy to end up with brush marks, uneven coats, or a finish that doesn’t last as long as you’d hoped.
Hiring professional cabinet painting services costs more upfront, but it comes with the assurance of experience and proper equipment. Professionals know how to prep surfaces correctly, apply even coats, and deliver a flawless finish that looks like new cabinetry. For homeowners who want long-lasting results without the hassle, hiring experts is often worth it.
Choosing the Best Finish for Cabinets
The type of finish you select plays a major role in both appearance and durability. Satin finishes provide a soft sheen and modern look, while still being easy to clean. Semi-gloss finishes are the most popular because they balance shine with durability, making them a top choice for busy kitchens. Gloss finishes offer the highest shine and a polished appearance, which can make smaller kitchens feel brighter and more spacious.
While all three finishes are viable, most experts recommend semi-gloss because it resists moisture, wipes clean easily, and strikes the right balance between practicality and style.
Tips for Long-Lasting Cabinet Paint
If you’re investing time and money into painting your cabinets, you want the results to last as long as possible. The first tip is to always use a primer, even if the paint label says it isn’t necessary. Primer helps seal the surface and ensures stronger adhesion. Another tip is to apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat. This creates a smoother finish and helps the paint cure properly.
Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Rushing the process can lead to tacky paint or peeling later on. Once your cabinets are painted, avoid using harsh cleaners. A mild soap and water solution works best for cleaning painted surfaces without stripping the finish. Small upgrades like adding soft-close hinges can also protect the paint by reducing impact from slamming doors.
Imagine Your Kitchen in 10 Years
Think about how you want your kitchen to look a decade from now. Do you picture cabinets that still look smooth and polished, or ones that are scratched and dull? Choosing the best paint for cabinets today is what makes the difference. With careful preparation, the right products, and either a DIY effort or professional help, you can enjoy cabinets that stay beautiful year after year.
Final Thoughts
Painting cabinets is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh a kitchen without undergoing a full remodel. But the results only last if you choose the right paint. The best paint for cabinets is durable, easy to clean, and able to handle the heavy use that kitchen cabinets endure.
From trusted options like Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane to budget-friendly choices like Behr and Valspar, there are reliable paints for every style and budget. Whether you decide to take on kitchen cabinet painting yourself or call in cabinet painting services, the key to long-lasting results is the paint you choose and the preparation behind it. Your kitchen deserves more than a quick fix—it deserves a finish that can stand up to time.
