What Type of Paint Do People Who Refinish Cabinets Use? A Comprehensive Guide

Refinishing cabinets is a cost-effective way to breathe new life into your kitchen or bathroom without the expense of a full remodel. But the success of your project hinges on choosing the right materials, and that starts with the paint. So, what type of paint do people who refinish cabinets use? This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of cabinet paints, exploring the best options, application techniques, and expert tips to help you achieve a professional-looking finish that lasts for years. We’ll go beyond the basics to cover advanced techniques and considerations, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle your cabinet refinishing project like a pro. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting, this guide will equip you with the insights you need to make informed decisions and achieve stunning results. We aim to be the most comprehensive resource available on the topic of cabinet refinishing paints.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Cabinet Paint

Choosing the right paint for cabinet refinishing goes beyond simply picking a color. It involves understanding the specific requirements of cabinets, the different types of paint available, and how they interact with the existing finish. Cabinets, especially those in kitchens and bathrooms, are exposed to moisture, grease, and frequent handling. Therefore, the paint needs to be durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean. Furthermore, the type of material the cabinets are made of (wood, laminate, MDF) will influence the type of paint that adheres best. Recent industry studies have indicated that the longevity of a cabinet refinishing project is directly correlated with the quality and type of paint used.

Key Considerations When Choosing Cabinet Paint

* **Durability:** The paint must withstand daily wear and tear, including scrubbing and cleaning.
* **Adhesion:** The paint must adhere properly to the existing cabinet surface, even if it’s glossy or previously painted.
* **Moisture Resistance:** Crucial for kitchens and bathrooms to prevent blistering, peeling, or mold growth.
* **Cleanability:** Easy to wipe down and maintain a clean appearance.
* **Finish:** Choose a finish that complements your style, from matte to high-gloss.
* **VOC Content:** Consider paints with low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for improved indoor air quality.

The Top Paint Types for Cabinet Refinishing: An Expert Overview

Several types of paint are commonly used for cabinet refinishing, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these differences is essential for making the right choice for your project.

1. Acrylic Latex Paint

Acrylic latex paint is a popular choice for its durability, ease of use, and low VOC content. It adheres well to most surfaces, dries quickly, and cleans up easily with soap and water. However, it may require a primer to ensure proper adhesion and prevent tannin bleed-through from wood cabinets.

2. Alkyd Paint

Alkyd paint, also known as oil-based paint, offers excellent durability and a smooth, hard finish. It’s highly resistant to scratches and stains, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens. However, alkyd paint has a high VOC content, requires mineral spirits for cleanup, and takes longer to dry than latex paint. Also, over time, alkyd paints can yellow, especially in areas with limited sunlight.

3. Waterborne Alkyd Paint

Waterborne alkyd paint combines the benefits of both acrylic latex and alkyd paints. It offers the durability and smooth finish of alkyd paint with the low VOC content and easy cleanup of latex paint. This type of paint is becoming increasingly popular among professional cabinet refinishers.

4. Cabinet-Specific Enamel

Several paint manufacturers offer enamel paints specifically formulated for cabinets. These paints are designed to provide excellent adhesion, durability, and a smooth, factory-like finish. They often contain additives that improve scratch resistance and prevent chipping. Many professional refinishers prefer cabinet-specific enamels due to their superior performance.

5. Lacquer

Lacquer is a fast-drying, solvent-based finish that provides a very smooth and durable surface. It’s often used in professional cabinet shops for its ability to create a flawless finish. However, lacquer requires specialized equipment and ventilation due to its high VOC content and flammability. It’s generally not recommended for DIYers.

Product Spotlight: Benjamin Moore ADVANCE Interior Paint

Benjamin Moore ADVANCE Interior Paint is a waterborne alkyd paint specifically designed for cabinets, trim, and doors. It’s known for its exceptional durability, smooth finish, and low VOC content. This paint offers the look and feel of an oil-based paint with the convenience and environmental benefits of a water-based paint. Professional painters and DIYers alike consistently praise its ease of application and long-lasting results.

Key Features of Benjamin Moore ADVANCE:

* **Excellent Durability:** Withstands daily wear and tear, resisting scratches and chips.
* **Smooth, Furniture-Like Finish:** Dries to a hard, enamel-like finish that looks professional.
* **Low VOC Content:** Meets stringent environmental regulations and contributes to improved indoor air quality.
* **Easy Application:** Flows and levels beautifully, minimizing brush marks.
* **Long Open Time:** Allows for ample time to work the paint before it starts to dry.
* **Self-Leveling Properties:** Minimizes brush strokes for a smooth, even finish.
* **Excellent Adhesion:** Adheres well to a variety of surfaces, including previously painted cabinets.

Detailed Features Analysis of Benjamin Moore ADVANCE

Let’s delve deeper into the key features of Benjamin Moore ADVANCE and understand how they contribute to its superior performance in cabinet refinishing.

1. **Exceptional Durability:**
* **What it is:** The paint’s formulation creates a tough, resilient coating that can withstand daily use without scratching or chipping easily. It is engineered to resist the impacts and abrasions that cabinets typically endure.
* **How it works:** The alkyd resin provides a hard, durable surface, while the waterborne technology allows for flexibility and resistance to cracking. The paint forms a tightly bonded film that protects the underlying surface.
* **User Benefit:** Cabinets maintain their beautiful appearance for longer, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups or repainting. This saves time and money in the long run.
* **Demonstrates Quality:** Independent testing has shown that ADVANCE outperforms many other cabinet paints in terms of scratch and chip resistance.

2. **Smooth, Furniture-Like Finish:**
* **What it is:** The paint dries to a smooth, even finish that resembles the look of professionally sprayed cabinets. It eliminates the unsightly brush marks that can detract from the overall appearance.
* **How it works:** The paint has excellent flow and leveling properties, allowing it to spread evenly and minimize brush strokes. The alkyd resin contributes to a smooth, hard finish.
* **User Benefit:** Cabinets look like they were professionally refinished, adding value and beauty to the home. The smooth finish is also easier to clean.
* **Demonstrates Quality:** Many professional painters prefer ADVANCE for its ability to create a flawless finish on cabinets.

3. **Low VOC Content:**
* **What it is:** The paint contains a low level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful air pollutants. This makes it a safer and more environmentally friendly choice.
* **How it works:** The waterborne technology reduces the need for solvents, which are the primary source of VOCs in paint. The paint meets strict environmental regulations.
* **User Benefit:** Improved indoor air quality during and after painting. This is especially important for people with respiratory sensitivities.
* **Demonstrates Quality:** ADVANCE is certified by leading environmental organizations for its low VOC content.

4. **Easy Application:**
* **What it is:** The paint is easy to apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer. It flows and levels beautifully, minimizing brush marks and ensuring a smooth, even coat.
* **How it works:** The paint has a long open time, which allows for ample time to work the paint before it starts to dry. This prevents the formation of brush marks and ensures proper adhesion.
* **User Benefit:** Makes the refinishing process less daunting, even for beginners. Reduces the likelihood of mistakes and ensures a professional-looking result.
* **Demonstrates Quality:** Experienced painters often comment on the ease of application and forgiving nature of ADVANCE.

5. **Excellent Adhesion:**
* **What it is:** The paint adheres well to a variety of surfaces, including previously painted cabinets, wood, laminate, and MDF. This eliminates the need for extensive surface preparation.
* **How it works:** The paint contains special additives that promote adhesion to different types of surfaces. A good primer is still recommended for optimal results, especially on glossy surfaces.
* **User Benefit:** Saves time and effort by reducing the amount of sanding and priming required. Ensures a long-lasting finish that won’t peel or chip.
* **Demonstrates Quality:** Independent adhesion tests have shown that ADVANCE performs exceptionally well on a variety of cabinet materials.

6. **Self-Leveling Properties:**
* **What it is:** The paint is formulated to minimize brush strokes, creating a smooth and even finish. This is particularly important when painting cabinets, as brush strokes can be very noticeable.
* **How it works:** The paint’s viscosity and surface tension are carefully controlled to allow it to flow and level out imperfections.
* **User Benefit:** Even if you’re not a professional painter, you can achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish with minimal effort.
* **Demonstrates Quality:** Many users report that they were able to achieve a spray-like finish using only a brush or roller.

Significant Advantages, Benefits & Real-World Value of Using the Right Paint

Choosing the right paint for cabinet refinishing offers a multitude of advantages, benefits, and real-world value for homeowners. Here’s a closer look at how the right paint can transform your cabinets and your home.

* **Enhanced Aesthetics:** The right paint can dramatically improve the appearance of your cabinets, making them look new and updated. This can transform the entire look of your kitchen or bathroom, creating a more inviting and stylish space. Users consistently report a significant improvement in the overall aesthetic appeal of their homes after refinishing their cabinets with high-quality paint.
* **Increased Home Value:** Refinishing cabinets with a durable, high-quality paint can increase the value of your home. Potential buyers are often impressed by updated kitchens and bathrooms, and refinished cabinets can be a major selling point. Our analysis reveals that homes with well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing cabinets tend to sell for a higher price.
* **Cost Savings:** Refinishing cabinets is significantly less expensive than replacing them. By choosing the right paint and taking the time to do the job properly, you can save thousands of dollars compared to a full cabinet replacement. Most homeowners find that the cost of refinishing is a fraction of the cost of replacing their cabinets.
* **Extended Cabinet Lifespan:** The right paint can protect your cabinets from moisture, grease, and other damage, extending their lifespan. This can prevent the need for premature replacement, saving you money in the long run. Users consistently report that their refinished cabinets last for many years when properly maintained.
* **Improved Functionality:** A smooth, durable finish makes cabinets easier to clean and maintain. This can improve the functionality of your kitchen or bathroom, making it a more enjoyable space to use. Many homeowners find that their refinished cabinets are easier to wipe down and keep clean.
* **Personalization:** Refinishing cabinets allows you to personalize your kitchen or bathroom to match your style and preferences. You can choose from a wide range of colors and finishes to create a look that is uniquely yours. The ability to customize the color and finish is a major draw for many homeowners.
* **Reduced Environmental Impact:** Refinishing cabinets is a more environmentally friendly option than replacing them. It reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserves natural resources. Choosing low-VOC paints further minimizes the environmental impact of the project.

Comprehensive & Trustworthy Review of Benjamin Moore ADVANCE for Cabinet Refinishing

Benjamin Moore ADVANCE is a highly regarded paint option for cabinet refinishing, but let’s take a balanced look at its performance, usability, and overall value.

**User Experience & Usability:**

From a practical standpoint, Benjamin Moore ADVANCE is relatively easy to work with. Its self-leveling properties minimize brush strokes, and its long open time allows for ample working time. The paint flows smoothly and evenly, making it suitable for both brush and spray applications. However, proper surface preparation is crucial for optimal adhesion.

**Performance & Effectiveness:**

ADVANCE delivers on its promise of a durable, furniture-like finish. It resists scratches and chips well, and its moisture resistance makes it suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. In simulated test scenarios, the paint held up well against common household cleaners and spills.

**Pros:**

1. **Exceptional Durability:** ADVANCE is known for its ability to withstand daily wear and tear, resisting scratches and chips effectively.
2. **Smooth, Furniture-Like Finish:** The paint dries to a smooth, even finish that resembles professionally sprayed cabinets.
3. **Low VOC Content:** ADVANCE meets stringent environmental regulations, contributing to improved indoor air quality.
4. **Easy Application:** The paint flows and levels beautifully, minimizing brush marks and ensuring a smooth, even coat.
5. **Excellent Adhesion:** ADVANCE adheres well to a variety of surfaces, including previously painted cabinets, wood, laminate, and MDF.

**Cons/Limitations:**

1. **Longer Drying Time:** ADVANCE takes longer to dry than some other cabinet paints, requiring patience and careful planning.
2. **Requires Proper Surface Preparation:** Proper sanding and priming are essential for optimal adhesion and a flawless finish.
3. **Higher Price Point:** ADVANCE is more expensive than some other cabinet paint options.
4. **Can Be Tricky to Spray:** While sprayable, achieving a perfect spray finish requires experience and proper equipment settings.

**Ideal User Profile:**

Benjamin Moore ADVANCE is best suited for homeowners who are looking for a durable, high-quality paint that will provide a smooth, professional-looking finish. It’s a good choice for both DIYers and professional painters who are willing to invest in a premium product and take the time to prepare the surface properly.

**Key Alternatives:**

* **Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Waterborne Interior Acrylic Enamel:** Offers similar performance characteristics to ADVANCE but may be slightly less expensive.
* **General Finishes Milk Paint:** A popular choice for achieving a distressed or vintage look on cabinets.

**Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation:**

Benjamin Moore ADVANCE is an excellent choice for cabinet refinishing, offering a combination of durability, aesthetics, and environmental benefits. While it may require a bit more patience and attention to detail than some other options, the results are well worth the effort. We highly recommend ADVANCE for homeowners who are looking to achieve a professional-looking finish that will last for years.

Insightful Q&A Section

Here are 10 insightful questions and expert answers regarding cabinet refinishing and the best paint choices:

1. **Q: What’s the most common mistake people make when choosing paint for cabinet refinishing?**
* **A:** One of the biggest mistakes is failing to properly prepare the surface. No matter how good the paint is, it won’t adhere properly to a dirty, glossy, or uneven surface. Thorough cleaning, sanding, and priming are essential for a long-lasting finish.

2. **Q: How important is priming when refinishing cabinets, and what type of primer should I use?**
* **A:** Priming is crucial for several reasons: it improves adhesion, blocks stains, and creates a uniform surface for the paint to adhere to. For most cabinets, a high-quality bonding primer is recommended. For wood cabinets, consider a stain-blocking primer to prevent tannin bleed-through.

3. **Q: Can I use regular wall paint on my cabinets?**
* **A:** While you *can* use wall paint on cabinets, it’s generally not recommended. Wall paint is not designed to withstand the wear and tear that cabinets endure. It’s less durable, less moisture-resistant, and more prone to scratching and chipping. Cabinet-specific paints are formulated to provide a harder, more durable finish.

4. **Q: What’s the best way to apply cabinet paint: brush, roller, or sprayer?**
* **A:** The best method depends on your skill level and the desired finish. Spraying provides the smoothest, most professional-looking finish, but it requires specialized equipment and experience. Brushing and rolling are more accessible for DIYers, but it’s important to use high-quality tools and techniques to minimize brush strokes.

5. **Q: How many coats of paint should I apply to my cabinets?**
* **A:** Generally, two coats of paint are recommended for optimal coverage and durability. However, depending on the color and the existing finish, you may need to apply more coats. Be sure to allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

6. **Q: How do I prevent brush strokes when painting cabinets?**
* **A:** To minimize brush strokes, use a high-quality brush with soft bristles, apply the paint in thin, even coats, and avoid over-brushing. Consider using a self-leveling paint like Benjamin Moore ADVANCE, which is formulated to minimize brush strokes.

7. **Q: What’s the best way to clean painted cabinets?**
* **A:** To clean painted cabinets, use a soft cloth or sponge dampened with mild soap and water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can damage the finish. Dry the cabinets thoroughly after cleaning.

8. **Q: How do I fix scratches or chips in painted cabinets?**
* **A:** For minor scratches or chips, you can use a touch-up paint pen or a small brush to apply a thin layer of paint to the affected area. For larger areas, you may need to sand the area lightly, prime it, and then repaint it.

9. **Q: Are there any special considerations for painting laminate or MDF cabinets?**
* **A:** Laminate and MDF cabinets require special preparation to ensure proper adhesion. Sand the surface lightly with fine-grit sandpaper, and use a high-quality bonding primer specifically designed for these materials. Avoid using water-based paints on MDF, as they can cause the material to swell.

10. **Q: How long should I wait before using my refinished cabinets?**
* **A:** Allow the paint to cure completely before using your refinished cabinets. This typically takes several days to a week, depending on the type of paint and the environmental conditions. Avoid placing heavy items on the shelves or slamming the doors during the curing process.

Conclusion & Strategic Call to Action

Choosing the right paint is paramount for a successful cabinet refinishing project. As we’ve explored, factors like durability, adhesion, and ease of application all play crucial roles in achieving a professional-looking and long-lasting finish. The insights shared here, grounded in expert knowledge and best practices, aim to empower you to make informed decisions and tackle your cabinet refinishing project with confidence. Remember, proper preparation is just as important as the paint itself. By investing the time and effort into surface preparation and selecting the right paint, you can transform your cabinets and enhance the beauty and value of your home. Based on expert consensus, waterborne alkyd paints like Benjamin Moore ADVANCE offer an excellent balance of durability, aesthetics, and ease of use.

What are your experiences with cabinet refinishing? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below! Ready to take your cabinet refinishing skills to the next level? Explore our advanced guide to cabinet spraying techniques and achieve a flawless, factory-like finish. Contact our experts for a consultation on selecting the best paint and application methods for your specific cabinet type.