Choosing the best paint for cabinets can make a big difference in how a kitchen looks and lasts.
The right cabinet paint not only adds color and shine but also helps protect surfaces from scratches, stains, and daily wear.
A smooth, durable finish can turn old, tired cabinets into something that looks brand new. This blog helps readers find paints that offer lasting quality, easy cleaning, and a professional look.
From choosing the right type of finish to picking trusted brands, it gives simple, clear advice for anyone planning to refresh their kitchen with paint that truly stands out.
What to Look for in the Best Paint for Cabinets
When choosing the best paint for a cabinet, focus on quality and performance.
Durability matters because cabinets are constantly used, so a tough, scrubbable paint helps prevent chips and scratches.
The finish type also plays a big role in offering a soft glow, semi-gloss gives a balanced shine, and gloss creates a bright, easy-to-clean surface.
Look for paints with good ease of application, such as self-leveling formulas that reduce brush marks and dry quickly.
Lastly, color retention and stain resistance are key in busy kitchens, where spills and grease are common. The right paint keeps colors vibrant and surfaces looking clean for years, even with daily use.
Types of Cabinet Paint
There are several types of cabinet paints, each offering unique benefits in finish, durability, and ease of use for every project.
- Latex Paint: Quick-drying and low-odor, it’s ideal for DIY projects. It’s easy to clean with water and provides a smooth, modern finish with minimal fumes.
- Oil-Based Paint: Known for its tough, glossy finish, oil-based paint gives cabinets a durable surface. It needs more prep and cleanup, but offers long-lasting protection and a rich look.
- Acrylic-Alkyd Hybrid Paint: Combining the strength of oil-based paint with the easy cleanup of latex, hybrids are durable, smooth, and resistant to yellowing. If you love a buttery-smooth finish, this might be your favorite.
Best Paints for Kitchen Cabinets
Looking for top cabinet paint options? Here are the best cabinet paints for 2025: durable, stylish, and kitchen-ready.
1. Benjamin Moore Advance OC-65 Chantilly Lace
Benjamin Moore Advance is praised for its superior leveling and smooth, factory-quality finish.
It’s a waterborne alkyd paint that combines the durability of oil-based paints with the easy cleanup of water-based ones.
The low VOC formula and minimal brush marks make it ideal for kitchen and bathroom cabinets, providing a long-lasting, professional result with no need for a separate top coat.
2. Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel
This paint is known for its superior durability and beautiful sheen.
It resists fingerprints, moisture, and wear, making it perfect for busy kitchens. The formula self-levels to a flawless surface and withstands scrubbing.
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel gives cabinets a high-end finish that lasts for years, is washable and stain-resistant, and is an excellent choice for both beauty and practicality.
3. Behr Premium Cabinet & Trim Enamel
Behr’s Cabinet & Trim Enamel offers a smooth finish without brush marks, perfect for DIY projects.
It dries quickly, has low odor, and delivers long-lasting protection against scratches and stains.
This budget-friendly option performs like premium paint, giving cabinets a refreshed, professional look without the high price tag. It’s an easy favorite for homeowners looking for good quality.
4. Farrow & Ball Modern Eggshell Hague Blue
Farrow & Ball Modern Eggshell is loved for its luxurious, velvety finish and eco-friendly formula.
It’s tough enough for kitchen use, yet maintains a style and a refined look.
The paint is low in VOCs, easy to wipe clean, and available in a stunning color palette. Perfect for those who want beauty and sustainability in one can.
5. Valspar Cabinet Enamel Semi-Gloss Latex Paint
This paint offers strong adhesion and a smooth, durable finish that resists scuffs and scratches.
It’s ideal for cabinets, trim, and furniture, providing long-lasting color without yellowing.
The semi-gloss sheen brightens up kitchens, and the quick-drying, low-odor formula makes application easy and mess-free. A great pick for busy households.
6. Benjamin Moore INSL-X Cabinet Coat Enamel
INSL-X Cabinet Coat is a professional-grade paint known for its tough, smooth finish.
It adheres beautifully to wood, laminate, and even metal surfaces without priming in most cases.
The self-leveling formula minimizes brush strokes, leaving a sleek, durable coating. It’s an excellent choice for high-traffic kitchens that demand both beauty and strength.
7. Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Cabinet Paint
Created by Joanna Gaines, this cabinet paint combines beauty and quality.
It offers a rich, velvety finish and stands up to everyday use. Perfect for creating a cozy, farmhouse-inspired kitchen.
The paint goes on smoothly and dries evenly, making it easy for beginners to achieve professional results.
8. Dunn-Edwards Aristoshield Enamel
Aristoshield delivers a hard, glossy surface that’s perfect for cabinets. It’s resistant to moisture, grease, and household cleaners.
This paint levels beautifully and provides a sophisticated look that lasts.
With excellent adhesion and fade resistance, it’s ideal for kitchens that see heavy use but still deserve a refined, long-lasting finish.
9. Clare Trim & Cabinet Paint
Clare’s Trim & Cabinet Paint offers designer-approved colors in an eco-friendly, low-VOC formula.
It’s durable, easy to clean, and gives a smooth, semi-gloss finish that brightens cabinet surfaces.
This paint is perfect for those seeking a modern, minimalist kitchen update with high style and low maintenance.
10. PPG Break-Through! Interior/Exterior Paint
PPG Break-Through! dries incredibly fast and provides strong adhesion on multiple surfaces.
It’s highly durable and moisture-resistant, ideal for kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
The finish resists cracking and peeling, even in humid environments. A reliable choice for anyone who needs a quick-drying yet professional-grade paint.
11. General Finishes Milk Paint
General Finishes Milk Paint is a popular choice for those who love a soft, matte finish with a touch of vintage attraction.
It’s easy to apply, fast-drying, and highly durable when sealed. Ideal for cabinets, it offers smooth coverage and rich color depth.
This paint works beautifully for farmhouse or rustic styles, giving kitchen cabinets a warm, handcrafted look that’s both stylish and long-lasting.
How to Keep Your Cabinets Looking Fresh for Years
Keep your kitchen cabinets looking fresh and clean for years with these easy care tips that protect paint and prevent wear.
- Regular Cleaning: Wipe cabinets weekly with a soft cloth and mild soap to remove grease, dust, and fingerprints.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Skip strong cleaners or abrasives that can dull or damage the cabinet paint finish.
- Use Gentle Tools: Clean with microfiber cloths or soft sponges to prevent scratches and keep surfaces smooth.
- Control Moisture: Keep humidity low and avoid water splashes near cabinets to prevent peeling or bubbling paint.
- Recoat When Needed: Refresh paint every few years or when fading, chips, or dull spots start to appear.
Conclusion
Finding the best paint for cabinets depends on what matters most: durability, finish, or ease of use.
With so many reliable options available, anyone can achieve a professional, long-lasting result right at home.
The right cabinet paint not only refreshes a kitchen’s look but also protects it from daily wear, moisture, and stains.
By choosing high-quality products and caring for them properly, cabinets can stay beautiful and strong for years, making every kitchen feel classic and inviting.