If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 8 Best Cabinet Paints That Ensure a Beautiful, Long-Lasting Finish Cabinet paint should be durable and easy to clean. Credit: Courtesy of Home Depot, Lowe's Rather than investing in entirely new cabinets when renovating a kitchen, consider giving your existing cabinetry a new life with a fresh coat of paint. As long as your cabinets are safe to use, painting them and adding new hardware is a simple DIY project that can transform your kitchen. Just as certain types of paint are best suited to your walls, the same considerations apply when painting your cabinets. "What I recommend most often is a product specifically intended for painting cabinets," says Amy Wax, architectural color consultant and creator of the Color911 App. Ahead, we're sharing tips for choosing the best paint for cabinets, and sharing some of the best brands to shop. Amy Wax has served as an interior paint color expert and exterior paint color consultant for homeowners and businesses, has helped with color palette development for several major paint manufacturers, and is the creator of the Color911 App. 11 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers What to Consider When Buying Cabinet Paint In addition to selecting a paint specifically designed for cabinets, you'll also want to consider the paint's base and finish. Paint base Cabinet paints can be oil-based, latex, alkyd, and acrylic. While each base has its pros and cons, some options are preferred over others. Oil-based paint: Oil-based paint is a popular choice for cabinets. "The oil-based paint dries harder, making it more durable for places where there will be more wear and tear and hands-on use," says Wax. Oil-based paint can also self-level, eliminating visible brush strokes and giving you a smoother appearance. One downside to oil-based paint is that it will start to yellow or change to a slightly warmer color over time.Latex paint: Another option for painting cabinetry is latex paint, which dries quickly, has stable colors, and is easy to apply. However, latex paint is a thinner product that doesn't level out. "You will likely see the imperfections on the surface or brush strokes once the product is applied," says Wax.Alkyd paint: Similar to oil-based paint, alkyd paint is durable, dries quickly, and has a smooth finish. The paint won't fade over time, making it a great option for high-touch areas like the kitchen.Acrylic paint: Acrylic paint can withstand high temperatures without cracking, making it ideal if you have cabinets over a stovetop. This paint base will give the cabinets a harder finish, allowing them to maintain their color and durability. Paint Finish Whether you're choosing a paint for your walls or your cabinets, certain finishes are best suited to various projects. "Cabinets need to wear well and wash easily," says Wax. "The best finish for that would be satin or semi-gloss." Satin: The satin or low luster finish has a less reflective sheen but enough of a sheen that the surface is sealed and protected, says Wax. Satin finishes are also easy to clean.Semi-gloss: The higher sheen would be a semi-gloss finish, which makes the finish a bit more reflective, says Wax. Cabinets with this sheen tend to look cleaner. Best Paints for Cabinets With all of these factors in mind, here are the best paints for cabinets. 01 of 08 Benjamin Moore Advance Interior Paint Credit: Courtesy of Benjamin Moore This premium quality waterborne alkyd paint delivers a durable satin finish that can withstand repeated washing. "With a silky-smooth reflective quality, Advance is a waterborne alkyd paint that dries smoothly with a furniture-like finish," says Wax. "Both durable and non-yellowing, it dries hard, wears well, and is available in a variety of gloss finishes." $82 at Benjaminmoore.com 02 of 08 BEHR Hybrid Urethane Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel Paint Credit: Courtesy of Home Depot Available in a range of custom colors, this paint provides the performance and durability of traditional oil-based paint with the ease of use of water-based paint. Offering a professional-quality finish, the product provides expert leveling, minimizing the appearance of brush strokes and imperfections. $47 at The Home Depot 03 of 08 Farrow & Ball Wood Primer & Undercoat Credit: Courtesy of Farrow & Ball If you have wood cabinets you want to spruce up, consider this option from Farrow & Ball. The primer and undercoat are designed for use on bare or previously painted interior and exterior wood. It creates a smooth, protective base and is available in four shades to complement your topcoat for a durable finish. $42 at Farrow-ball.com 04 of 08 Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel Credit: Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams Designed for cabinets, doors, and trim, this enamel paint resists yellowing, unlike traditional oil-based coatings. What's more, it creates a hard, durable finish that withstands wear and tear and frequent cleaning. "This paint is preferable for many because it is a water-based product, giving it the ease of use with the durability of an enamel," says Wax. $120 at Sherwin-williams.com 05 of 08 Beyond Paint All-in-One Refinishing Paint for Cabinets Credit: Courtesy of Amazon Designed specifically for cabinets, this all-in-one paint requires no stripping, sanding, or priming. It has an acrylic base, meaning it can withstand the humidity and temperature fluctuations of kitchens without cracking. Available in more than 12 shades, you're sure to find one that complements your space. $130 at Amazon 06 of 08 Benjamin Moore INSL-X Specialty Coatings Credit: Courtesy of Home Depot The ultimate satin enamel paint finish for cabinets, this product is known for its super smooth finish. "This cabinet coat, with its urethane-acrylic formula, dries hard and is a great product for the high-use cabinetry it is designed for," says Wax. "This product wears well and gives you the durability you need." $64 at Amazon 07 of 08 BEHR Alpenglow Semi-Gloss Enamel Low Odor Interior Paint & Primer Credit: Courtesy of Home Depot Formulated with a finish that resists mildew and stains, this paint and primer has a semi-gloss finish that gives cabinets a reflective sheen. It has a 100 percent acrylic base that is easy to apply and won't diminish over time. $40 at The Home Depot 08 of 08 Valspar Satin Base Cabinet and Furniture Paint Enamel Credit: Courtesy of Lowe's This oil-enriched enamel paint dries to a smooth, factory-like finish. Plus, it is resistant to fading, scratching, and scuffing, providing the durability needed for kitchen cabinets. The oil-based formula means you won't see any brush marks when the paint dries. $60 at Lowes Frequently Asked Questions Which type of paint should I use for cabinets? Whichever type of paint you use for your cabinets, make sure it is a high-quality one to ensure a smooth and durable finish. Do not skimp on the paint you use for cabinets. Should I sand cabinets before painting them? Yes, you should always sand cabinets before painting them, even if the finish is still in good condition. Roughing up the surface with sanding helps new paint adhere better. Should I spray paint my cabinets? You don't need to spray paint cabinets, but this method gives cabinets a very smooth and professional finish. A paint sprayer is also recommended for cabinets with recesses or raised areas that a roller or brush may miss. Explore more: Home Home Design & Decor Cabinets & Shelving