The Best Paint for Cabinets (24 Brands Blind Tested & Reviewed)

The type of paint you use will make or break your DIY cabinet makeover. After blind testing and reviewing twenty-four top brands, here is the ultimate guide on the best paint for cabinets.
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Be sure to check out my full tutorial on How To Paint Cabinets Like A Pro and also download my free step-by-step checklist here:
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Want your kitchen cabinet makeover to be quick and easy? You want a paint that covers well, goes on smoothly and can handle daily wear and tear. But did you know the most expensive paint is not the best paint for kitchen or bathroom cabinets? Whether you love a super smooth finish or a chalk painted look, here are the best options for painted kitchen cabinets. Included are the best whites and grays for painting kitchen cabinets.

[@jeffledp]

This has got to be the most thorough cabinet paint review on youtube.

[@annamcg928]

I agree

[@thebaxters1375]

I watched SEVERAL videos to find out which paint would be the best option for my kitchen cabinets (because I went with the cheapest option the first time) and this video was by far THE MOST HELPFUL video out there! You put in so much time and thought into this! Thank you so much for putting in the hard work so that other viewers could enjoy not having to put in the effort of finding out themselves! So again thank you so much!!!

[@joseecampion7098]

i agree

[@martinwashington6543]

This is THE greatest most thorough most real life cabinet paint video ever made. God would watch this to know which paint to use on his cabinets. THANK YOU!

[@RenovatedFaith]

Your comment actually made me laugh out loud. Thank you so much Martin!

[@chinararora5149]

Thank you for putting so much effort into this video and testing different paints. This makes my decision really easy!

[@cherylgenova7153]

Thank you so much for blind testing all these paints. Your video is so helpful. I’ve been so intimidated to paint my kitchen cabinets until I came across your video. I chose the Behr cabinet and trim paint and couldn’t believe how easy the paint flowed. Love it!

[@devonretherford3503]

Awesome review. Your top paint and third paint choice I have seen as number one on other sites too. It's great to see them tested out. Thank you!!

[@RenovatedFaith]

That's awesome! Thank you so much for sharing that.

[@sarahmckenzie7989]

Thank you so much for your testing and tips! Just what I have been looking for!

[@RenovatedFaith]

You are so welcome!

[@darlenemcgary4312]

Very detailed review! So helpful! Thanks

[@BLTtogo]

Thank you for such your thorough test. That was exactly what I needed! Awesome job!

[@wendyward3273]

This is awesome! I'm using behr cabinet paint right now and I'm glad I picked a decent budget friendly paint. Thank you!

[@MMkail820]

I’m honestly so impressed with this video. This is hands down the best test video ever made. Well done!

[@RenovatedFaith]

What a huge compliment! Thank you so much for that!!!

[@nilnil7325]

@@RenovatedFaith Thank you so much for taking the time to do such a thorough review. Do you feel that the Benjamin Moore Advance or the Sherwin Williams cabinet paint needs a primer first?

[@lynnwalker]

Wow, thank you for your attention to so many details in evaluating all these paints!! Getting ready to paint my kitchen cabinets and this was very helpful!

[@deborahpattie4570]

I love the thoroughness of your research!

[@austincasby5547]

EXTREMELY helpful video. !!! Thank you for your time you put into this ! Onto painting !!!! 🏃🏼‍♀️

[@RenovatedFaith]

Thank you for your sweet comment! You are so welcome!

[@aiva8001]

Amazing tests, thanks a lot for the work you have done!

[@alexandriakeller8953]

This analysis is incredible. Most underrated video on KZbin.

[@macaroniking1]

THANK YOU! This was so helpful.

[@Bess9779]

This should go viral! Best video ever!!

[@wesmeyers8190]

Great job with your review!

[@mrs.comeans6407]

I subbed to your channel and a big ol thank you for saving me a lot of time testing paint myself! You rock.

[@RenovatedFaith]

Aww, thank you so much for that! Have a great day!

[@1987Rlee]

Dang girl. You really knocked this out of the ballpark. Thank you!!

[@CarrieSmithOriginal]

Thank you so much!! Getting ready to paint cabinets and this was so helpful!!! You rock!

[@RenovatedFaith]

You are so welcome Carrie. Thank you for making my day!

[@deegualtieri724]

Thank you for this thorough review. I only wish I would have viewed this before I began the kitchen cabinet redo. I, too, bought paint at the box store you mentioned and ended up doing many/multiple coats. Thank goodness I started the project in an area that doesn’t get as much use. I immediately did research and went with the Benjamin Moore paint you indicated was number 1. What a difference when you have the right tools!

[@RenovatedFaith]

You are so welcome! YES, it's amazing how the paint brand can make ALL the difference is the ease of the process and the results. Thanks Dee!

[@sandrawinchester1138]

I posted you on my FB! The research you have done is Priceless for folks like me ( I know nothing!) 😊 Thank you thank you 🙏 thank you

[@sandrawinchester1138]

Thank you thank you thank you. I’m going to paint a dresser to use as a vanity in a bathroom. I started researching last night. After 45 minutes of reading about 3 products and never coming to a sound decision I knew the research may take longer than the project. 😮However, I’m looking on KZbin for Bathroom/Kitchen paint and Praise God there you are. I now have hope I can complete this project knowing the dresser will endure the moisture in a bathroom . Any suggestions you may have will be greatly appreciated. Again, thank you for your hard work .

[@susanc1179]

This was a very thorough, helpful review. Thank you!

[@RenovatedFaith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@timfoster5043]

I almost skipped the video because it looked like a crafting video and not a dirt-under-the-nails robust review. Good thing! Hats off, Karin!! (and I'll be getting the Behr enamel for my book case project)

[@michelleb9301]

Thank you for this video review. I did online research and came to the conclusion that either Behr Cabinet enamel or Benjamin Moore Advanced was the way to go. Now I am confident I can go with one of these. Thanks!

[@RenovatedFaith]

Thank you so much for your kind comment!

[@lisadzierzon562]

This was so helpful! Thank you so so much.

[@jenniferharper6037]

Thank you for this video! I used the Benjamin Moore Advance and it was great for my first time painting cabinets!

[@RenovatedFaith]

It's AMAZING!

[@mattandbarbhartt2860]

This was super helpful! Thank you!

[@christopherpike9907]

Wow Great video , thank you for doing all that work !

[@RenovatedFaith]

My pleasure!

[@amy7494]

THE best comparison I’ve ever seen!

[@christamckee3997]

Hi new to your channel, and website looking forward to learning so much more from you, then I have just today from the blogs and articles I have read so far.

[@aprilk569]

Ohhhh my goodness, you are my hero! Thank you for doing this!!!

[@RenovatedFaith]

You're so welcome!

[@susanray975]

Wow! So detailed- Awesome video...

[@RenovatedFaith]

Glad you liked it!

[@TheSnifmister]

You are my hero for doing this.

[@rini1791]

Thank you so much for this!

[@DebbieJohnson-lq5xx]

Thanks for this very valuable info

[@juliekooiker3408]

Thanks for the video!

[@smokymountainlife]

Excellent and thorough review! I have used BM advanced before on a house I flipped but wasn't sure how it held up since we sold it. I will use it again because I did love the paint.

[@RenovatedFaith]

Thanks for your comment Julia. My cabinets were painted about 6 months ago with it and so far its holding up great!

[@nickthinkpainting1978]

Been a professional painting contractor since 1978. Advance is decent so long as it’s a pastel base.

[@amandawall8249]

The real MVP! I have 2 WILD kids and the last time our cabinets were done was before I was born (1990), so I'm definitely looking for a durable, scrubable, stain resistant paint for our DIY upgrade! 🖤

[@barbarahunt5735]

Very helpful! Many thanks

[@RenovatedFaith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tammypace4865]

This was a great video Thank you! What kind of primer did you use?

[@33sunstar]

I'm about to paint a cabinet that I bought off of Craigslist and have put a lot of time and effort into restoring it and making it a large China cabinet. It was an armoire and redone to fit a TV. I like simple lines and not gaudy furniture. So this had the lines I want. It's primed now and I'll finish the doors tomorrow. Set it aside and let it cure itself while I do a few more things. I redid the top cabinet doors to have more of a farmhouse look. It's challenging bc I live in a senior citizen park plus never having done a project this big. So this helps save me some time as I'm malling over the paint type I would use to cover and level out little flaws. Thanks for taking the time. Very helpful. I did want to do a chalk with a semi top coat. Chalk bc it is thicker and covers well. Not rushing this bc of all the time I'm putting in, I want to impress myself with the results. I do pray for guidance and wisdom and I'm amazed at how it's just flowing to me. After all, Jesus was a carpenter. No better teacher. I do other crafts and busy season is here so I do a little of both each day. Thanks again and God Bless.

[@RenovatedFaith]

Thank you so much for your insights. I have though many times about Jesus being a carpenter and the time he must have put into his projects. Thanks again!

[@faith4390]

I love your comment about Yahsua.

[@christina_bachmann]

Thanks for all that hard work, to save us.. Have you ever painted old countertops? Have you done any blind testing for the clear coat sealants. I have my own sad story.. but would very much like to avoid repeating it.. and I am so impressed with your thorough and impartial testing.

[@Benmeglei1]

This is some myth busters sh*t. Awesome, just awesome. Thank you.

[@RenovatedFaith]

LOL. Thank you so much Ben!

[@tlrmd4you]

Awesome review!!! I love to wash my cupboards alot, because I am messy!! So the durability was important to me. I got an oil based cupboard and trim paint from lowes, to do the insides, HATE IT!!! 2 coats later and forever to dry, was not enough! I am tossing it and going with benjamin moore.

[@JHall-jo9rm]

Valspar cabinet & furniture paint is absolutely the best! Hands down!! Brush on, then roll quickly with foam roller. Do not over work/roll! No brush marks... self leveling... tough as nails finish!!

[@RenovatedFaith]

Really? I’ve heard a lot of negatives

[@KingdomLifeDec]

I see you also had Heirlooms All in one paint there. What you think about that one. I been going back and forth on sample with this one. Only thing that keeps me on going with it is that there is no prepping required besides the deglossing prep. . Thank you I'm advanced

[@1stGood-Girl]

Love that you test to the extreme girl! I’ve already bought 4gallons Evolution eaten trim and cabinet paint by the “Miller Paint Company” for the Pacific Northwest. Their house paint is superb, my neighbor’s have painted twice/three times to my once! Hope their cabinet paint is also at $90 a gallon. It does have a Lifetime Warranty, but I’m 69 lol… Do you suggest priming first? I know I will have to on the trim as it is an old house and has a lacquer or something clear coat on the wood. Probably an oil base as the house I’m renovating is from the 50’s. If you have a hint, let me know please!

[@sunnybhai1904]

Our cabinets were painted with milesi paint. Absolutely incredible finish and durability is off the charts

[@RenovatedFaith]

Yes, that is a great paint!

[@ILruffian]

Milessi 2K is hard to beat. Just beat in mind that you need to spray it for best results. It also contains toxic isocyanates. Be sure to avoid getting it on your skin.

[@reechkeesh7679]

Hi. Great video! Love the objectivity. Have you done something similar with primers? Particularly for cabinets? I couldn't find such on your blog or vids! Please advise, if so; or do one if not!

[@FourJaysFour]

Great idea!

[@josefernandez2722]

Just awesome. Thank you. What did you use as a favorite primer before using the Advance?

[@RenovatedFaith]

I used Zinnswer Cover Stain. It's great for cabinets but the only downside is that it can leave brush marks so you'll have to sand them down a little after the primer dries.

[@Mtl1508]

Cabinet painters here used the advance by Ben Moore and it looks great. After two years the only complaint I have is that it starts to chip very close to the door pulls as fingernails start to take a toll.

[@faith4390]

This is interesting and helpful to know. Thank you for sharing this.

[@luanatedesco113]

did you see a different between the behr cabinet and the behr ALKYD? I noticed you have both out but picked the one without ALKYD.

[@bribri7082]

Have you tried a black or dark color in the BM Advance paint? Some cabinet paints in dark colors (after being fully dried and cured for months) leave a white chalk-like appearance when wiping across them, namely the Valspar cabinet paint. I am going to try the BM Advance paint in a black color next. Thanks for your help 😊

[@linpo2685]

Thank you!

[@joseecampion7098]

the best test i review tanks

[@louish.9414]

They should hire her or send her free products looking Fabulous ❤

[@user-pt1ld2er4h]

Hello, do you recommend spraying, brushing or something else for kitchen cabinets? Thx!

[@briegolding744]

Thank you for the great review! Did you pick a specific white color for each brand or did you just use the base white that they come in? I am trying to find the base color of the Benjamin Moore Advance!

[@RenovatedFaith]

When possible I had them matched to Sherwin Williams Alabaster and that's also what I painted my cabinets in but in the BM Advance!

[@rusticroostfarmstead]

With the Benjamin Moore Advanced paint, what is the best method of prepping cabinets for this paint? Mine are manufactured home not real wood cabinets.

[@ducki3l0v3r]

Which paint did you think was the best leveling? My cabinets have a bead board type of wood inset in the center. Thanks in advance!

[@RenovatedFaith]

I think that Benjamin Moore Advance was best at leveling

[@anhtuanb]

Have you tried Sherwin Williams Urethane trim enamel paint? I heard it is on bar with the BM Advanced but has quicker drying time (4hrs vs 16hrs).

[@RenovatedFaith]

Yes! I tested it.

[@rosebrandao290]

Thank you goodness ✨

[@RenovatedFaith]

You’re welcome Rose 😊

[@mariaangelesvasquez6316]

Amazing

[@katielandis1677]

What would be the best for a grey wash for cabinets?

[@ericmichel3857]

Great review! I only wish you had used Sherwin Williams Emerald paint. I am getting ready to paint my cabinets and from everything I have read it is by far their best paint. On par with, and in many cases preferred over your number one paint BM Advance, only without the super long dry times and they say it sprays better as well.

[@RenovatedFaith]

Great news Eric! I did test it. Check the link in the description.

[@ericmichel3857]

@@RenovatedFaith Hi Karin, thanks for the quick reply. I did check your link but could not see where you covered the Emerald paint, Can you be a bit more specific? Thanks

[@fairamir1]

I use Behr Dynasty. Dries very fast great coveage and very durable.

[@RenovatedFaith]

good to know

[@Sifistus]

You should do a test of PPG Break-through! Awesome paint for cabinets.

[@RenovatedFaith]

Jose, that was actually one of the top ones on my list but they don't sell paint in quarts and I'd already spent too much money on paint so I skipped it. What experience have you had with it?

[@tonibatten6363]

@@RenovatedFaith BreakThrough now comes in quarts.

[@MrWizard36]

Thank you for your efforts great video. Have you tried "Beyond Paint" and if you have what's your opinion...? Thank you in advance..

[@RenovatedFaith]

The reviews I saw weren't great so I decided against testing it because my paint budget was getting pretty tight. :)

[@lightworker303]

Was valspar cabinet and furniture paint in this test?

[@spavliskojr]

im really curious how Insulx and the Behr Urethane Alkyd satin enamel fared. From all the research ive done, they are supposed to be the "go to" types of paint for cabinets for hardness and durability.

[@RenovatedFaith]

Hey Stephen, You can see a chart for comparison in the blog post link in the description. The Behr Urethane Alkyd satin was really close to the top. The Insulx was lower because it brushed on smoothly but didn't roll very well unfortunately.

[@matrix860321]

I've used the behr alkyd on oak trim and it looks great. However, this paint requires a solid coat of primer as it will chip easily. Also, it takes at least a couple weeks to fully harden.

[@marks4470]

@@RenovatedFaith cabinet coat is made for spraying.

[@joanstarkweath5325]

I cant find BM Advanced paint anywhere. I looked in Ace Hardware and they dont carry it.

[@traviscraven5389]

Very thorough review. But you didn’t say anything about the prep. Did you prime or just paint bare wood? And I was disappointed and also very surprised that 13 different paints for cabinets but no mention of aristoshield (Dunn edwards). It would’ve been interesting to see how it compared. I would assume it would’ve fair very well vs those other paints. Thank you, overall, informative

[@EG-hw8re]

She said the others were in her blog post

[@carlostrada24]

Thanks

[@RenovatedFaith]

Thank YOU!

[@kellymcdowell3864]

Did you add a sealer?

[@macmasks]

No sanding, priming or top coating? Just curious. I’m about to do a cabinet paint job for someone and haven’t worked on cabinets before.

[@RenovatedFaith]

Hey Don, I sanded and primed all the samples with Zinnswer Cover Stain before applying paint. My cabinet painting post will be out Tuesday in case it can be of any help!

[@judymiller5154]

@@RenovatedFaith do you focus sanding only on the flat edges and center panels, or do all the details need just as much? I'm about to paint my large kitchen and do not want any do-overs 😁

[@tgwel4839]

I clicked the link in description but it says can't be found. Could you link the top 3 paints please?

[@RenovatedFaith]

The post is live now - renovatedfaith.com/best-paint-for-cabinets/

[@KingdomLifeDec]

How is the prepping times /work for the 2 best you chose.?

[@KingdomLifeDec]

I meant to say,what is the prepping requirements for the BEHR?

[@modchrisL]

Actually we don't have all the sherwin Williams colors in our computers, the computer gives a rough formula and we have to match it from there

[@RenovatedFaith]

Good to know!

[@thomasburr9244]

Sherwin-Williams emerald urethane for the win

[@RenovatedFaith]

It was actually Benjamin Moore Advance :)

[@LordCaim123]

Hi Karin, have you worked with "Beyond Paint"? I don't believe I saw it in this video, wondering if you have any prior experience with it. Debating on using this product to repaint kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanity versus Benjamin Moore Advanced, would appreciate a response!

[@ambergerhelper7852]

It seems the same amount of coats are required for doing primer/ paint or the Beyond Paint or Heirloom. You could get the Zinsser primer and Behr and tint it ANY color, and it would be the same amount of work.

[@chipdouglas9847]

Valspar Cabinet and Furniture was not included for some reason in the test which to me was surprising. However, would like to know this gals opinion on the product and why it was not used?

[@RenovatedFaith]

I wanted to test it but had to cut it off at some point. I couldn't buy it in a quart container and also saw the reviews were not great in a cabinet painter group I'm in. Thanks for your comment!

[@chipdouglas9847]

@@RenovatedFaith I'm a professional painter (retired). I've used EVER kind of coating and stain. I ran a paint department for 15 years as well. I recently used the Valspar C&F. It covered well, but did the usual hybrid running over time in spots that were too heavy. An easy swipe of a brush solved it. No odor until after about a couple hours when it began to cure. Then it smelled like oil base paint...;-) Cleaned pretty easily but I like to give the brushes a quick rinse in lacquer thinner. Really quick. The satin dries pretty flat so if you want sheen, best to use the gloss I think. That's it. Thanks!

[@LiveAndLearnWithMe]

What primer goes well with BM advanced

[@ambergerhelper7852]

She said she used Zinsser Cover Stain primer in another comment.

[@user-sd1sr3kj6y]

can you tell me all brands , thankyou

[@Jade_902]

I’m very surprised you didn’t include Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations! I’ve done my whole house and a rental property and this stuff is amazing!

[@RenovatedFaith]

I saw the reviews weren’t that great. Also I think this is a lot cheaper.

[@haroldlohan8677]

@@RenovatedFaith great research but i noticed you did not use a primer

[@RenovatedFaith]

@@haroldlohan8677 actually I used a primer on the main tests on the long boards but not the leveling test on the cabinet door

[@kimdanes5874]

Also, are u using a primer? If so, what primer do u recommend?

[@RenovatedFaith]

Hey Kim, yes, I am using Zinnser Cover Stain! It is oil-based which you really need for cabinets but fortunately the odor wasn't very strong.

[@ILruffian]

Zissner BIN is the go-to for cabinets. In addition to blocking stains and tannins, it sands beautifully to a powder.

[@sammyelliott5554]

Behr no longer carries the Satin version of this cabinet paint. Many manufacturers are having trouble getting the raw materials to make the satin version. Sherwin williams emerald the same, they also are not able to provide satin in their trim and cabinet paint. Go figure.

[@RenovatedFaith]

Thanks for the heads-up. Hopefully it comes back in stock soon!

[@zenaliacabral893]

Thank you. Do you need a primer?

[@RenovatedFaith]

Yes, I recommend Zinnser Cover Stain. I'm about to post my whole cabinet painting process this coming week!

[@dmjh932]

Sherwin Williams Pro Classic is the best. You must use the appropriate primer and take your time.

[@marks4470]

No it’s not

[@ILruffian]

No, it's definitely not. Not even with the 50% contractor discount.

[@dmjh932]

@@ILruffian It's one of the two best. You must use an acrylic latex paint on cabinets. Anything else is a mistake. If you are painting oak cabinets and want a pro finish the grain must be filled. Period.

[@ILruffian]

@@dmjh932 Agree about filling grain. Aqua coat for the win. But PC is nowhere near the top 5. Renner/Milessi 2Ks, Target Coatings, even Sherwin Emerald. PC was a solid trim paint for its time. But after trying Scuff-X, you won't use it again.

[@RenovatedFaith]

I did use a primer and did take my time. I thought Pro Classic would be one of the top 5 but it was no where close.

[@jaisingh2371]

Do you also plan to compare with Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane?

[@RenovatedFaith]

I did, be sure to check the link. The can isn't in the picture but I did test it. Let me know if you have any questions Jai!

[@jaisingh2371]

@@RenovatedFaith thank you! Will do, this is by far the most extensive review I’ve ever seen. I am sure you would’ve also included Renner!

[@tgwel4839]

Also did you use primer with these?

[@RenovatedFaith]

I did but I didn't test adhesion because that's really the job of the primer. I like Zinnser Cover Stain as a primer for cabinets

[@gman8132]

@@RenovatedFaith Would you recommend a latex or oil base primer for painting cabinets? Also, instead of sanding do you have any recommendations on a good deglosser to use? Thanks in advance.

[@gary24752]

Fine except Cabinet Coat pencil hardness is 2b where Advance is 6b, 2b being a harder finish.

[@kimdanes5874]

How did InSl-X Cabinet Coat do? I’m surprised it wasn’t in the top 3.

[@RenovatedFaith]

It was really durable but it did not roll very well unfortunately. I was glad I tested them with a brush and roller because I would have probably used that one.

[@ILruffian]

It's a winner, but you really have to spray it. Unlike Advance, it will not yellow over time.

[@sladeoriginal]

not sure why INSLX would be more expensive than BM Advance. Its $55 at Home Depot.

[@RenovatedFaith]

It was at the time of making the video but they do fluctuate. Thanks for your comment!

[@DK-pr9ny]

How could you not include Sherwin-Williams Emerald?

[@darrylhumphrey1456]

Not a good "cabinet" paint

[@christinelabrie1430]

Sanding 4 times gives me the hives. I am getting ready to paint an RV and there are sixty, YES 60 cabinets to paint. I will not sanding 4 times. At that rate I will be 90 years old before the RV is painted.

[@jvburnes]

I would think Cabinet Coat would be above Behr.