Which Paint Is Best For Outside Kitchen Cabinets?

The Benjamin Moore Advance is a popular choice for exterior paint on kitchen cabinets due to its durability and resistance to moisture, stains, and other factors. Cabinet paints are more suitable for high-touch areas that can easily get dirty or greasy, and are more resistant to stains. The Farrow and Ball Full Gloss Paint is the top pick for the best paint for cabinets, as it creates a smooth, brush-stroke-free finish.

Painting kitchen cabinets is an easy way to upgrade an outdated kitchen without spending a full remodel. A few coats of the best paint for kitchen cabinets not only add a pop of color but also provide a durable, easy-to-clean finish. Oil-based paints are highly recommended for their durability and low VOC content. A paint roller (preferably microfiber) should be used for flat parts, while a brush should be used for inside and outside edges.

Oil-based paint is the best option for painting cabinets and trim, but it is not easily available or DIY-friendly. Zinsser Allcoat is the best paint for this purpose. Sherwin Williams Urethane Trim Enamel is the best choice, but it needs to be paired with a high-quality primer. Acrylic latex paint is a water-based option that is durable and easy to clean, making it perfect for outdoor surfaces. Zinsser Bin Advanced Shellac primer is recommended for wood cabinet doors.

Oil-based or latex enamel spray paints provide a smooth, hard finish that is resistant to moisture, stains, and other factors. Labeled paints for cabinets are the best choice, as they are formulated with higher levels of resins than traditional wall paint.


📹 DIY Kitchen Cabinet Painting | the CHEAP & EASY way!

A DIY approach to painting your kitchen cabinets so you can save money! Supplies needed, paint used, and techniques for a …


What do professional painters use to paint kitchen cabinets?

Pro cabinet painters use professional-grade lacquer, a silky-smooth finish that is the best paint for cabinets. They use this product because it has a gorgeous look and feel, and it is the best paint for cabinets, hands-down. However, mastering sprayed finishes, especially lacquers, can be tricky due to various factors such as the wrong pressure or setting on the spray gun, the wrong distance from the surface, or the wrong speed of movement. To ensure a fast, reliable, and stress-free process, pro painters follow these steps:

  1. Disassemble the kitchen by removing cabinet doors and drawer fronts, removing all hardware, and taking off the hinges. Each door hinge is labeled to ensure they are placed correctly when reassembled.

In summary, pro cabinet painters use professional-grade lacquer for their cabinets, which are not easy for homeowners to master over a weekend. They follow a process that is fast, reliable, and stress-free to ensure your cabinets look beautiful and last long.

What type of paint is best for kitchen cabinets?

The most appropriate paint for kitchen cabinets is semi-gloss, gloss, or satin, among the various paint options available.

What is the difference between kitchen cabinet paint and regular paint?
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What is the difference between kitchen cabinet paint and regular paint?

Cabinet paints are more expensive due to their higher resin content, making them resistant to scratches, staining, and fading. They are often formulated with special pigments to camouflage imperfections and provide a high-quality finish. However, the extra cost is worth it for the added durability and beauty they offer. Cabinet paint takes longer to dry than regular wall paint, often several hours or even days.

Additionally, oil-based paints used on cabinets are more difficult to use due to their smudge and drip properties, while wall paints are much easier to apply. Overall, cabinet paints offer a more durable and visually appealing option for your home.

Is there a difference between cabinet paint and regular paint?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is there a difference between cabinet paint and regular paint?

Cabinet paints are a superior choice for kitchen cabinets and other surfaces due to their superior adhesion properties and thicker consistency. They are more resistant to scratches, staining, and fading due to their higher content of resins and special pigments. They also provide a high-quality finish by camouflaging imperfections. Despite their higher cost, the added durability and beauty of cabinet paints make them a worthwhile investment.

However, there are significant differences between wall paint and cabinet paint in terms of drying time. Cabinet paint takes significantly longer to dry than regular wall paint, often taking several hours or even days. This makes it a more suitable choice for surfaces that receive significant wear and tear.

Can you paint outdoor kitchen cabinets?

Trex Outdoor Kitchens offers a wide range of unique powder coat colors for outdoor cabinetry, transforming your outdoor kitchen design into a reality. With over 85 stainless steel cabinets powder coated, they bring beautiful colors to North America and the world. Their outdoor-rated, UV-resistant powder coat paints ensure the desired look. To learn more about Trex Outdoor Kitchens, contact a design expert at 203-726-0094.

Should kitchen cabinets be painted gloss or satin?

Satin finishes are preferred over glossy ones for their ability to effectively conceal dirt and flaws, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens. They are less glossy and more durable than high-gloss finishes, making them a cost-effective option for households with active members. Satin finishes also provide a luxurious look without the need for constant polishing, making them ideal for families with children or pets who may accelerate the aging process of cabinetry. They are also more affordable than semi-gloss finishes and offer user-friendly quick fixes.

What is the difference between cabinet paint and exterior paint?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What is the difference between cabinet paint and exterior paint?

Interior and exterior paints share the same components, including pigment, resin, solvents, and additives. Oil paint manufacturers use mineral spirits as a solvent, while latex paint manufacturers use water. The main difference lies in the binding resins used in interior paint. Exterior paint is softer, better able to resist fading, peeling, and chipping, while interior paint is more rigid, reducing smearing and scuffing. Interior paints offer a variety of finishes, from matte to high gloss, and can enhance natural light, making spaces appear larger and more welcoming.

They are more delicate but have their own volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Indoor paint typically has lower VOC concentrations, and some paints, like Real Milk Paint, have no VOCs. Water-soluble interior paints offer a more comprehensive selection of finishes than exterior paints.

How do you weatherproof outdoor cabinets?

To maintain your cabinets, use sealant or varnish to withstand storms and UV rays, keeping them looking fresh for longer. Waterproof cabinets can prevent rust, corrosion, stains, and damage all year round. Choose from a wide range of cabinet models to suit your style. Invest in weatherproof flooring and lighting to avoid costly replacements. Wood is an excellent alternative to tile, as it reacts differently to moisture. Additionally, consider the placement of lights to avoid short circuits. Use outdoor fixtures and ensure none of the wires can be affected by the elements.

What happens if you use regular paint on cabinets?

The same paint cannot be used for walls and cabinets. Walls need a flat or matte finish to prevent glossyness, while cabinets require semi-gloss or high gloss finishes for durability and easy cleaning. Different paints may be needed for different surfaces like wood, drywall, and concrete. Selecting the right paint for each task is crucial for a polished look and enduring results. Cabinet paints offer superior durability, while regular paints offer a wide range of color options. Ultimately, choosing the right paint depends on factors such as budget, desired finish, and usage requirements.

Do kitchen cabinets require special paint?

Choose high-quality acrylic latex-based paint for a durable and easy-to-clean finish on cabinet doors. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on cure time for latex paints. Consider the desired finish, such as matte for a flatter, low-gloss look, high-gloss for a high-sheen, highly reflective surface, or satin for a flatter, low-gloss look. Remember these tips to ensure a professional-looking job.

Do you use special paint for kitchen cabinets?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Do you use special paint for kitchen cabinets?

Choose high-quality acrylic latex-based paint for a durable and easy-to-clean finish on cabinet doors. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on cure time for latex paints. Consider the desired finish, such as matte for a flatter, low-gloss look, high-gloss for a high-sheen, highly reflective surface, or satin for a flatter, low-gloss look. Remember these tips to ensure a professional-looking job.


📹 Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Review | Trim and Cabinet Paint


Which Paint Is Best For Outside Kitchen Cabinets?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Rafaela Priori Gutler

Hi, I’m Rafaela Priori Gutler, a passionate interior designer and DIY enthusiast. I love transforming spaces into beautiful, functional havens through creative decor and practical advice. Whether it’s a small DIY project or a full home makeover, I’m here to share my tips, tricks, and inspiration to help you design the space of your dreams. Let’s make your home as unique as you are!

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

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19 comments

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  • DIYer here. Painted some in-place melamine cabinet boxes yesterday with a coat of SW primer and then SW Emerald. The result was as close to a factory finish as I’ve ever been able to achieve. One additional factor is the roller that the SW store employee suggested – mohair. That’s what I’ll be using from now on. Two coats of finish paint is still needed, but this was also as close I’ve come to stopping after one coat. We painted the cabinets in our old house using Behr Marquee – there’s no comparison. SW is light years ahead.

  • This paint is awesome! Purchased it last year to paint cabinets and still had some left over to do some trim work. Such a great product, very smooth, cleans well and shines. I highly recommend for your cabinets, doors, and trim. Don’t think you’ll be upset spending a bit more for a better product. Sherwin Williams is the only paint I buy anymore.

  • I’ve used this paint on multiple projects and the 70+ cabinet doors in my house was the last one I did. It was AHMAZING! Yes, 30 day cure for max durability but wow, does it level out nicely when brushing on the boxes and the trim. (I used a sprayer for the doors, 3 light coats, semi gloss which looks like satin). I prep SUPER well by degloss if only (no sanding) and then the trick is that I use KILZ ADHESION as the primer and waited a full 24 hrs before topcoating. Again, I didn’t have to sand (except a very light 300+ grit in between coats to knock down and lint burs) and I have factory finish cabinets that have never chipped once in over a year. That is what I call an amazing product.

  • I’ve used this and I’ve used BEHR cabinet paint. BEHR spreads and applies easier. But EMERALD is stronger. BEHR resulted in smoother finish. With BEHR I used brush for corners and foam roller for rest. Foam roller left side streaks with EMERALD, which is a thicker paint and doesn’t apply easily. So I used a short nap roller. I’m pretty sure that using a spray gun with EMERALD would make a superb finish!

  • Thanks for this article. I’ve been telling people about this paint for a long time. Water clean up, but brushes on like oil, with the ability to keep a good wet edge to work into, and also ends up laying out like oil, with no brush marks. I use it on crown, trim, cabinets and the like. Real trick is a good brush. I you’re painting trim with a $2.95 brush, stop and call a plumber. He’ll do a much better job of painting your trim.

  • My experience with Emerald Urethane as a painter is that is really does have one of the nicest self-levelling finishes around – preferable to Advance IMO. The one downside is overall very slow curing times.(not repaint times) Surfaces while dry to the touch – actually remain “tacky” feeling for days after painting. This may depend partly on the base, and darkness of color. Certainly if you are painting doors and frames, the doors will stick to the frames if not given adequate curing time. I’m talking like a week minimum before paint on paint contact.

  • I used it in my kitchen, still looks good 4 years later. Love Sherwin Williams products. Painting a metal car lift soon with DTM and Alkyd water base urethane. Did a test piece straight to metal and super strong. I used their super paint exterior on my house 4 years ago and any touch up I do is an exact match from the original color. Amazing, no fade over 4 years? Wow.

  • Used this to paint our kitchen cabinets and they look wonderful. We followed directions and it worked well and we definitely recommend it 🙂 Always depends on what cabinets and the environment of course so one opinion/experience doesnt work for everyone. We were wondering how long we had to wait before we used our stove. We arent touching the cabinets, are not putting doors back on or drawers back in, just giving it time and being careful. But wondering about our stove insert being against the cabinets and while it doesnt get hot, there is still heat around. So should we wait for a couple days? A week? Or more? Thank you 🙂

  • BEWARE of the Dark colors- I had a very dark color mixed in this formula. I was painting kitchen cabinets and wood work around windows in the same room. I tested this on a clean, dry, prepped surface – tested in two areas due to different wood types. The paint was applied with recommended brushes and a thin layer. It was still sticky two weeks later!!!! I returned the paint – the person at Sherwin Williams was not the same sales person I had. They explained to me that due to the dark colors having so much pigment that it will dry much slower. I was able to exchange for an oil based satin paint. I love the idea of this paint but in reality I need to use and clean my kitchen and the paint needs to be tough! I would say it might be ok on trim but If you have a busy home and love the darker colors avoid this paint.

  • I had MAJOR issues with the high hide white base in satin. Not a bad lot because it was 2 different stores and purchased 3 months apart. Applied really nice (mostly over double primed FJP or MDF which had been more that adequately prepped) and had a subtle sheen you’d expect from satin but to the touch it felt like chalk paint – literally rough and chalky. Worse than if I’d used a flat latex. To rule out user/compatability error I experimented with a brush, roller and my minimite 5 over different primers and all the same results. Something with the HHW base and maybe just in that sheen as I have no issues with the deep tint base – beautiful results. Also noticed that it separates in the can very, very quickly. I’m typically an Advance user but wanted to try something that had a little better hang for brush and roller jobs or projects where I had a lot of edges and corners (ex 6 panel doors in a remodel where the customer doesn’t want me spraying) where Advance can be a challenge. Not touching this stuff again until SW acknowledges it and fixes it…..which in their world means releasing the fixed product as a “new” product and upping the price 20%…..

  • Can I really use this directly over oil paint? I have almost a full gallon left over from professional painters at my house. I want to paint my laundry room cabinets myself but they were previously painted with oil based paint. SW employees said I could use it over oil with no primer, but the SW 800 number said you must use a primer with this before painting over oil. I’m confused.

  • What are your thoughts for using this on a table top? Not sure this was a good choice, but I had the paint left over from a cabinet remodel. I sanded the table, then applied 2 coats of Bin Shelac based Primer, sanding between cots. Then applied 3 coats of the Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, again lightly sanding between coats. I applied the paint with a Fuji Mini Mite 4 HVLP sprayer. This is where I think I might be going down a bad path. To get it to spray decent I thinned it as follows: Paint 62%. Floetrol 20%, Water 17%. Now I am doubting whether this was a good idea.

  • I’m disappointed in how gritty the High Hide White Urethane satin feels after it’s been sprayed on. When I mentioned this to the manager at the SW store, I could tell he thought I was imagining it. It’s a very disappointing product. I haven’t used the semi-gloss yet, but I’m looking forward to trying it someday and seeing if it’s any better (even though I prefer the look of a satin).

  • Thanks so much for this info! It’s super helpful. We’re currently doing kitchen renovations and are painting in 2 days! Yay. With the typical oil based paints used for cabinets, we planned on moving out while they paint BUT when I spoke with Sherwin William’s they said this paint would be more tolerable for still living in the home. You mentioned however that the smell is different and not really enjoyable. Would you live in your home for 6 days while they paint or get a hotel? Your advice is greatly appreciate.

  • I started my project and need more in a deep base. Waiting almost a year and they still don’t have it. I liked the results but going to have to use and re do with another product. I can’t wait forever. I was thinking BM Advancc might be comparable or is there anything else? Kind of disappointing I can’t get this product when I debated the price and went for it to just get burned.

  • Hey folks… A quick couple of questions. I am using the Emerald product on two sets of bedroom furniture, both are stained with a top coat….. 1. Any recommendations on the need or suggestion of a primer? 2. I will be spraying this. I spray anything I can!!! Can this product be sprayed through an HVLP automobile type sprayer w/ compressor. I also have a graco truecoat pro 2 handheld or a commercial grade graco 5 gallon sprayer… I prefer the handheld units. So suggestions on which tip to use? 3. Does this spray like a latex paint, oil, or urethane top coat? That would narrow my issues down quickly!!! Thank you in advance, Wes

  • Well, I made my decision on a paint color for my kitchen cabinets and I chose to go with the Emerald. I get to my local Sherwin Williams and they say “We can Only do very light shades of Green if you want a Satin finish.” Umm, No..I searched for months on my exact color of Green in satin finish and They Can’t do it. Ridiculous!! Now I have no choice but to drive 40 minutes to my closest Ace Hardware for the Number One Choice Benjamin Moores Advance..because I CAN GET ANY COLOR & FINISH I WANT 😊

  • I’ve been in the process of remodeling my garage. It’s coming up on 60 yrs of age and it showed. I’ve done my best with drywall repair, new window, spray foam insulation around doors, and 3 coats of kilz primer on the walls. This will be a functional workspace when finished, wood working projects, auto maintenance, etc. With SW having a 30% off sale this weekend would you recommend this for wall paint over anything else? Thanks.

  • My son and I are painters and we have been doing kitchens and trim/casing and doors for years. At the behest of our SW rep we did two large cabinet and shiplap jobs with the emerald. The white Swiss coffee worked well and had a beautiful finish…the dark colors(the new look in kitchen undercabinets) are terrible…cure time is extensive..weeks before fully hardened. SW knows this. Last week with SW reps on hand at the shop we tested out the water based lacquer black undercabinets…did not go well. SW said the black formula was off and we will shoot the cabinets again…. if going with water based we have had years of good results with Pro Classic….both the latex and oil., B Moore Advance and IMPERVO. Airless we use a 312 tip for most production. On the lower price scale we have been using Pittsburgh paramount one coat and the results are phenomenal. PARAMOUNT is truly a near One Coat product, especially if you have to brush or role you cabinets and trim.

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