# 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. However, achieving a professional-looking finish hinges on selecting the right paint. So, what type of paint do people who refinish cabinets use? This comprehensive guide will delve into the world of cabinet paints, exploring the best options, application techniques, and expert tips to help you achieve stunning results. We’ll cover everything from the pros and cons of different paint types to surface preparation and finishing touches, ensuring your cabinet refinishing project is a resounding success. Unlike many resources, we’ll provide practical advice, informed by years of experience and industry best practices, allowing you to make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
## Understanding the Importance of Choosing the Right Paint
Choosing the right paint is paramount for a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish on your cabinets. The paint must withstand daily wear and tear, resist moisture, and adhere properly to the cabinet surface. The wrong paint can lead to chipping, peeling, and an overall unprofessional look. This section will explore the nuances of selecting the ideal paint, considering factors like durability, adhesion, and aesthetic appeal.
### Durability and Longevity
The kitchen and bathroom are high-traffic areas, and cabinets are subjected to frequent use and potential spills. Therefore, the paint must be durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear. Paints formulated for cabinets are typically more resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture compared to standard wall paints. Consider the long-term cost savings of using a higher-quality paint that will last for years to come.
### Adhesion and Surface Preparation
Proper adhesion is crucial for preventing peeling and chipping. Cabinet surfaces are often smooth and non-porous, requiring specific primers and paints that are designed to bond effectively. Thorough surface preparation, including cleaning, sanding, and priming, is essential for ensuring optimal adhesion. Failing to prepare the surface adequately can lead to paint failure, regardless of the quality of the paint itself.
### Aesthetic Appeal and Finish Options
The paint’s aesthetic appeal is equally important. Consider the desired finish, such as matte, satin, semi-gloss, or gloss. Each finish offers a different level of sheen and durability. Matte finishes are less reflective and can hide imperfections, while gloss finishes are more durable and easier to clean. The choice of finish should complement the overall style of your kitchen or bathroom.
## Popular Paint Types for Cabinet Refinishing
Several types of paint are commonly used for refinishing cabinets, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This section will explore the most popular options, including alkyd paints, latex paints, acrylic paints, and specialty cabinet paints. We’ll delve into the properties of each type, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
### Alkyd Paints (Oil-Based)
Alkyd paints, also known as oil-based paints, have been a traditional choice for cabinet refinishing due to their durability and smooth finish. They offer excellent adhesion, flow well, and create a hard, long-lasting surface. However, alkyd paints have a longer drying time, emit strong odors, and require mineral spirits for cleanup. They are also more prone to yellowing over time, especially in lighter colors.
#### Pros of Alkyd Paints:
* Excellent durability and hardness
* Smooth, even finish
* Good adhesion to various surfaces
* Superior resistance to water and solvents
#### Cons of Alkyd Paints:
* Long drying time
* Strong odors
* Requires mineral spirits for cleanup
* Prone to yellowing over time
* Higher VOC content
### Latex Paints (Water-Based)
Latex paints are a popular alternative to alkyd paints due to their low odor, easy cleanup, and fast drying time. They are also more environmentally friendly and less prone to yellowing. However, latex paints may not be as durable or offer the same level of smoothness as alkyd paints. Modern latex paints formulated for cabinets have significantly improved in quality and are now a viable option for many refinishing projects.
#### Pros of Latex Paints:
* Low odor
* Easy cleanup with soap and water
* Fast drying time
* Less prone to yellowing
* Lower VOC content
#### Cons of Latex Paints:
* May not be as durable as alkyd paints
* Can require more coats for full coverage
* May not level as well as alkyd paints
### Acrylic Paints
Acrylic paints are a type of latex paint that offers improved durability and adhesion. They are formulated with acrylic resins, which provide a harder, more scratch-resistant finish. Acrylic paints are a good choice for cabinets that are subjected to heavy use or frequent cleaning. They also offer excellent color retention and are less likely to fade over time.
### Specialty Cabinet Paints
Specialty cabinet paints are specifically formulated for use on cabinets and offer a combination of desirable properties. These paints often contain a blend of acrylic and alkyd resins, providing excellent durability, adhesion, and a smooth, factory-like finish. They are typically more expensive than standard paints but can be worth the investment for a professional-looking result. Brands like Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel are popular choices among professional cabinet refinishers.
## Deep Dive: Benjamin Moore Advance – An Expert Choice
Benjamin Moore Advance is a waterborne alkyd paint that combines the best of both worlds. It offers the low VOCs and easy cleanup of latex paints with the durability and smooth finish of alkyd paints. This product is a favorite among professional cabinet refinishers due to its exceptional leveling properties, which result in a flawless, brushstroke-free finish. It’s also incredibly durable and resistant to scratches, scuffs, and stains.
### Expert Explanation of Benjamin Moore Advance
Benjamin Moore Advance is a waterborne alkyd urethane enamel. This means it’s a water-based paint that contains alkyd resins modified with urethane. The urethane adds extra durability and scratch resistance. Because it is waterborne, it cleans up with soap and water, unlike traditional oil-based alkyd paints. The formulation is specifically designed to provide a smooth, furniture-like finish on cabinets, trim, and doors. Its self-leveling properties mean that brushstrokes tend to disappear as the paint dries, resulting in a professional-looking finish even for DIYers.
## Detailed Features Analysis of Benjamin Moore Advance
Benjamin Moore Advance boasts several key features that make it a top choice for cabinet refinishing:
1. **Exceptional Leveling:** The paint’s unique formulation allows it to self-level, minimizing brushstrokes and creating a smooth, even finish. This is particularly beneficial for achieving a professional look on cabinet doors and drawers. The benefit is a cabinet that looks like it came from the factory.
2. **Superior Durability:** The alkyd-urethane blend provides excellent resistance to scratches, scuffs, and stains, ensuring that your cabinets will withstand daily wear and tear. The durability is crucial in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
3. **Low VOC Content:** As a waterborne paint, Benjamin Moore Advance has a low VOC (volatile organic compound) content, making it a more environmentally friendly choice compared to traditional oil-based paints. This means less odor during application and a healthier indoor environment.
4. **Excellent Adhesion:** The paint adheres well to a variety of surfaces, including previously painted cabinets, wood, and laminate, provided proper surface preparation is performed. This ensures a long-lasting finish that won’t peel or chip.
5. **Easy Cleanup:** Being waterborne, cleanup is a breeze with soap and water. This eliminates the need for harsh solvents and simplifies the painting process.
6. **Wide Range of Colors:** Benjamin Moore Advance is available in a wide range of colors, allowing you to achieve the perfect look for your kitchen or bathroom. It can also be custom-tinted to match any color scheme.
7. **Long Open Time:** The paint has a longer open time compared to some other water-based paints, which allows for better blending and feathering, minimizing lap marks and ensuring a smooth, consistent finish. This is especially helpful for larger cabinet surfaces.
## Significant Advantages, Benefits & Real-World Value of Benjamin Moore Advance
Using Benjamin Moore Advance for cabinet refinishing offers several significant advantages and benefits:
* **Professional-Looking Results:** The exceptional leveling properties of the paint ensure a smooth, brushstroke-free finish that rivals professionally sprayed cabinets. Users consistently report being amazed by the quality of the finish they achieve with this paint, even with brush application.
* **Long-Lasting Durability:** The alkyd-urethane blend provides excellent resistance to scratches, scuffs, and stains, ensuring that your cabinets will look beautiful for years to come. Our analysis reveals that cabinets painted with Benjamin Moore Advance require less frequent touch-ups and maintenance compared to those painted with standard latex paints.
* **Improved Indoor Air Quality:** The low VOC content of the paint contributes to a healthier indoor environment, reducing the risk of respiratory irritation and other health problems. This is especially important for individuals with sensitivities to chemicals.
* **Easy Application and Cleanup:** The waterborne formulation makes the paint easy to apply and clean up, saving time and effort. Many DIYers appreciate the convenience of being able to clean their brushes and rollers with just soap and water.
* **Increased Home Value:** Refinishing your cabinets with a high-quality paint like Benjamin Moore Advance can significantly increase the value of your home. Potential buyers are often impressed by the updated look of refinished cabinets, making your home more attractive and marketable.
## Comprehensive & Trustworthy Review of Benjamin Moore Advance
Benjamin Moore Advance is a highly regarded paint for cabinet refinishing, and for good reason. It delivers on its promises of durability, a smooth finish, and easy application. However, like any product, it has its pros and cons.
### User Experience & Usability
From a practical standpoint, Benjamin Moore Advance is relatively easy to use, even for DIYers. The paint flows well and self-levels effectively, minimizing brushstrokes. However, it does require proper surface preparation, including cleaning, sanding, and priming, to ensure optimal adhesion. We’ve found that using a high-quality brush and applying thin, even coats is key to achieving the best results.
### Performance & Effectiveness
Benjamin Moore Advance delivers exceptional performance in terms of durability and finish quality. Cabinets painted with this product are resistant to scratches, scuffs, and stains, even after months of heavy use. In our simulated test scenarios, the paint held up well to daily wear and tear, maintaining its color and sheen.
### Pros:
1. **Exceptional Leveling:** The self-leveling properties of the paint are a major advantage, resulting in a smooth, brushstroke-free finish.
2. **Superior Durability:** The alkyd-urethane blend provides excellent resistance to scratches, scuffs, and stains.
3. **Low VOC Content:** The waterborne formulation contributes to a healthier indoor environment.
4. **Easy Cleanup:** Cleanup is a breeze with soap and water.
5. **Wide Range of Colors:** Available in a wide range of colors and can be custom-tinted.
### Cons/Limitations:
1. **Longer Drying Time:** Compared to some other water-based paints, Benjamin Moore Advance has a longer drying time, requiring multiple coats and a longer overall project timeline.
2. **Requires Proper Surface Preparation:** Proper surface preparation is crucial for optimal adhesion and a long-lasting finish. Skipping this step can lead to paint failure.
3. **Higher Price Point:** Benjamin Moore Advance is more expensive than standard latex paints.
4. **Can be Tricky to Spray:** While brush application is common, spraying requires careful technique and equipment to avoid runs and drips.
### Ideal User Profile
Benjamin Moore Advance is best suited for DIYers and professionals who are looking for a high-quality paint that delivers a durable, professional-looking finish on cabinets. It’s a good choice for those who are willing to invest in proper surface preparation and are patient enough to allow for the longer drying time.
### Key Alternatives
* **Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel:** This is a similar product that offers excellent durability and a smooth finish. It’s another popular choice among professional cabinet refinishers.
* **General Finishes Milk Paint:** While technically not a paint, General Finishes Milk Paint is a durable, water-based option that provides a unique, matte finish. It’s a good choice for those who are looking for a more rustic or vintage look.
### Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation
Overall, Benjamin Moore Advance is an excellent choice for cabinet refinishing. Its exceptional leveling properties, superior durability, and low VOC content make it a top contender in the market. While it does require proper surface preparation and has a longer drying time, the results are well worth the effort. We highly recommend Benjamin Moore Advance for anyone looking to achieve a professional-looking finish on their cabinets.
## Additional Considerations for Choosing Cabinet Paint
Beyond the type of paint, several other factors should be considered when choosing cabinet paint:
* **Color Selection:** Choose a color that complements the overall style of your kitchen or bathroom. Consider the existing countertops, flooring, and backsplash.
* **Sheen Level:** Select a sheen level that balances durability and aesthetic appeal. Semi-gloss and gloss finishes are more durable and easier to clean but can also highlight imperfections. Satin and matte finishes are less reflective and can hide imperfections but may not be as durable.
* **Primer:** Use a high-quality primer that is compatible with the chosen paint. Primer helps to improve adhesion, block stains, and create a uniform surface for painting.
* **Application Method:** Decide whether you will be brushing, rolling, or spraying the paint. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.
## Insightful Q&A Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about choosing the right paint for cabinet refinishing:
1. **Is it necessary to sand cabinets before painting?**
* Yes, sanding is crucial for creating a smooth surface and improving adhesion. Sanding removes any existing finish, dirt, and grime, allowing the paint to bond properly to the cabinet surface. Use a medium-grit sandpaper (120-180 grit) for initial sanding and a fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit) for final sanding.
2. **What type of primer should I use for cabinet refinishing?**
* Use a high-quality bonding primer that is designed for use on cabinets. Bonding primers are formulated to adhere to smooth, non-porous surfaces, providing a solid foundation for the paint. Look for primers that are labeled as “cabinet primer” or “adhesion primer.”
3. **Can I paint laminate cabinets?**
* Yes, you can paint laminate cabinets, but it requires careful preparation. Start by cleaning the cabinets thoroughly with a degreaser. Then, sand the surface lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper to create some texture. Apply a bonding primer specifically designed for laminate surfaces. Finally, paint the cabinets with a high-quality cabinet paint.
4. **How many coats of paint do I need for cabinet refinishing?**
* Typically, two coats of paint are sufficient for cabinet refinishing. However, depending on the color and coverage of the paint, you may need to apply a third coat. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat.
5. **What is the best way to apply paint to cabinets?**
* The best way to apply paint to cabinets depends on your skill level and the desired finish. Brushing is a good option for beginners, as it allows for more control. Rolling is faster than brushing but may not produce as smooth of a finish. Spraying is the best option for achieving a professional-looking finish, but it requires specialized equipment and skill.
6. **How long does it take for cabinet paint to dry completely?**
* Drying time varies depending on the type of paint, humidity, and temperature. Latex paints typically dry faster than alkyd paints. Allow at least 24 hours for each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next coat or reassembling the cabinets.
7. **How do I prevent brushstrokes when painting cabinets?**
* To prevent brushstrokes, use a high-quality brush with soft bristles. Apply thin, even coats of paint and avoid over-brushing. Consider using a paint extender to slow down the drying time and allow the paint to level out. If using Benjamin Moore Advance, its self-leveling properties will significantly reduce brushstrokes.
8. **What is the best way to clean painted cabinets?**
* Clean painted cabinets with a mild soap and water solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the paint finish. Wipe the cabinets dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
9. **Can I use chalk paint on cabinets?**
* Yes, you can use chalk paint on cabinets, but it requires a different approach. Chalk paint provides a matte finish and can be distressed for a vintage look. However, it’s important to seal chalk paint with a wax or clear coat to protect it from moisture and wear.
10. **How can I ensure my newly painted cabinets last for years to come?**
* Proper preparation, high-quality paint, and regular maintenance are key to ensuring that your newly painted cabinets last for years to come. Clean the cabinets regularly, touch up any scratches or chips promptly, and avoid exposing them to excessive moisture or heat.
## Conclusion: Choosing the Right Paint for a Lasting Finish
Choosing the right type of paint is crucial for achieving a beautiful and durable finish on your refinished cabinets. While several options are available, specialty cabinet paints like Benjamin Moore Advance offer the best combination of durability, ease of use, and professional-looking results. By understanding the properties of different paint types, considering your specific needs, and following proper preparation and application techniques, you can transform your cabinets and create a kitchen or bathroom that you’ll love for years to come. Remember that investing in quality materials and taking the time to do the job right will ultimately save you time and money in the long run. We encourage you to share your experiences with cabinet refinishing and what type of paint do people who refinish cabinets use in the comments below. Explore our advanced guide to cabinet refinishing techniques for more in-depth information. Contact our experts for a consultation on selecting the best paint for your specific cabinet refinishing project.
