In 2025, painting cabinets has become one of the most affordable, stylish, and effective ways to transform your home. Whether you want to refresh your kitchen cabinets, upgrade your bathroom vanity, or modernize your built-in storage, the right paint can make a dramatic difference.
Instead of spending thousands on new cabinetry, homeowners now turn to cabinet paint projects for a professional look at a fraction of the cost. But there’s one critical decision that determines whether your cabinets will look stunning or streaky — choosing the best paint for cabinets.
Let’s explore everything you need to know before picking that perfect can of paint.
Why Choosing the Right Cabinet Paint Matters
Cabinets are high-traffic areas. Unlike walls, they are opened, touched, and cleaned constantly, which means they require strong, durable, and washable finishes.
Regular wall paint can easily chip, peel, or stain. That’s why cabinet paint must be:
- Durable and resistant to scratches
- Moisture and grease resistant
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Smooth and streak-free
- Adhesive on multiple surfaces (wood, laminate, MDF, etc.)
The best cabinet paints provide a long-lasting finish that can handle years of daily use — and still look brand new.
Types of Paint for Cabinets
Before choosing the brand, you need to decide which type of paint suits your project best. The three most popular types are latex, alkyd (oil-based), and hybrid enamel paints.
1. Latex Paint (Water-Based)
Pros:
- Low odor and low VOCs (eco-friendly)
- Quick drying
- Easy cleanup with soap and water
- Smooth finish with modern formulas
Cons:
- Slightly less durable than oil-based
- May need multiple coats
Best for: DIY painters who want an easy, low-odor solution for wood or MDF cabinets.
Top pick: Benjamin Moore Advance Waterborne Alkyd Paint — combines latex convenience with oil-like durability.
2. Alkyd (Oil-Based) Paint
Pros:
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Perfect for heavy-use cabinets
- Smooth, professional finish
Cons:
- Strong odor and high VOCs
- Requires mineral spirits for cleanup
- Longer drying times
Best for: Professional painters and high-use kitchens or bathrooms.
Top pick: Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Alkyd Enamel — delivers unmatched hardness and a factory-like finish.
3. Hybrid Enamel Paint (Waterborne Alkyd)
This type combines the best of both worlds — the durability of oil and the easy cleanup of water-based paint.
Pros:
- Hard, smooth finish
- Fast drying
- Washable and stain-resistant
- Ideal for both pros and DIYers
Best for: Anyone wanting a premium, long-lasting finish without harsh fumes.
Top pick: Behr Urethane Alkyd Enamel or Benjamin Moore Advance.
Top 10 Best Paints for Cabinets in 2025
After analyzing expert reviews, DIY experiences, and long-term durability, here are the top-rated paints for cabinets this year:
| Rank | Paint Brand & Type | Finish Options | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Benjamin Moore Advance | Satin, Semi-Gloss | Smooth, durable, waterborne alkyd |
| 2 | Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel | Satin, Gloss | Professional-grade, tough finish |
| 3 | Behr Urethane Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel | Semi-Gloss | Easy to use, budget-friendly |
| 4 | Farrow & Ball Modern Eggshell | Satin | Premium designer finish |
| 5 | Valspar Cabinet Enamel | Satin | Excellent adhesion, fast dry |
| 6 | Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations Kit | Satin | Includes cleaner, paint, and topcoat |
| 7 | INSL-X Cabinet Coat | Satin, Semi-Gloss | Self-leveling, ultra-smooth |
| 8 | KILZ Tribute Interior Paint + Primer | Satin | Great coverage for older cabinets |
| 9 | Dulux Trade Diamond Satinwood | Satin | Professional-level durability |
| 10 | Annie Sloan Chalk Paint | Matte | Great for vintage or rustic styles |
Best Finish for Cabinets: Satin vs. Semi-Gloss vs. Gloss
Choosing the right finish is as important as choosing the paint type.
Satin Finish
- Subtle sheen, modern look
- Hides imperfections well
- Best for light-use areas
Semi-Gloss Finish
- Most popular for cabinets
- Reflects light beautifully
- Easy to wipe and clean
- Durable for kitchens and bathrooms
High Gloss Finish
- Very shiny and reflective
- Ultra-modern look
- Hardest to apply evenly
- Shows every brush mark
✅ Pro Tip: Most professionals recommend semi-gloss or satin finishes for cabinets — they’re easy to maintain and look elegant.
How to Prepare Cabinets Before Painting
Preparation is key to achieving that professional, smooth finish. Follow these essential steps:
1. Remove Doors and Hardware
Take off all doors, drawers, and handles. Label each one for reassembly.
2. Clean Thoroughly
Use a degreaser like TSP (trisodium phosphate) to remove grease and residue.
Dirty cabinets prevent paint from adhering properly.
3. Sand the Surface
Lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper to remove shine and roughen the surface for better adhesion.
4. Repair Any Damage
Fill holes or dents with wood filler, then sand again until smooth.
5. Prime the Cabinets
Apply a bonding primer — it ensures paint sticks to surfaces like laminate or old finishes.
6. Let It Dry Completely
Never rush drying. Humidity and temperature matter — always follow manufacturer instructions.
Primers That Work Best for Cabinets
A high-quality primer ensures the paint adheres strongly and lasts for years.
Best Cabinet Primers:
- Zinsser B-I-N Shellac Primer – Perfect for blocking stains and sealing wood.
- KILZ Adhesion Primer – Excellent for slick surfaces like laminate.
- Benjamin Moore STIX Primer – Bonds to nearly any surface, including plastic and metal.
A good primer prevents peeling and guarantees professional results.
Application Methods: Brush, Roller, or Sprayer?
Each method has its pros and cons:
1. Brush
- Great for corners and details
- Use a high-quality synthetic brush
- May leave brush marks if not careful
2. Roller
- Best for flat cabinet surfaces
- Use a foam roller for smooth finish
- Works well with latex or hybrid paints
3. Paint Sprayer
- Produces a factory-level finish
- Requires masking and ventilation
- Best for large projects or professionals
✅ Tip: Many pros use a combination — brushing for edges and spraying for doors.
Step-by-Step Cabinet Painting Guide
- Clean and Degrease all cabinet surfaces.
- Sand lightly to remove sheen.
- Prime all surfaces with bonding primer.
- Sand again after primer dries.
- Apply first coat of paint evenly.
- Allow proper drying time.
- Lightly sand between coats for smoothness.
- Apply final coat for perfect finish.
- Reinstall doors and hardware after 24–48 hours.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping primer
- Using wall paint instead of cabinet-grade paint
- Not cleaning surfaces thoroughly
- Painting in high humidity
- Rushing drying times
- Ignoring proper ventilation
Avoiding these mistakes ensures your project lasts for years.
Best Paint Colors for Cabinets in 2025
Modern trends in 2025 blend neutral sophistication with bold statement shades.
Top Trending Colors:
- Soft Whites – Timeless and clean (Benjamin Moore “Chantilly Lace”)
- Greige (Gray + Beige) – Elegant and versatile
- Deep Navy Blue – Bold, luxurious touch
- Forest Green – Natural, earthy feel
- Charcoal Gray – Modern and stylish
- Black – Ultra-chic and dramatic
- Sage Green – Calming and contemporary
Choosing the right color can redefine your entire kitchen or bathroom aesthetic.
Budget Breakdown for Painting Cabinets
| Item | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Paint (1 gallon) | $45–$90 |
| Primer | $30–$50 |
| Brushes/Rollers | $15–$30 |
| Sandpaper | $10 |
| Degreaser | $10 |
| Misc. Supplies | $20 |
| Total | $130–$200 |
This is far cheaper than replacing cabinets, which can cost $3,000–$10,000+.
Professional vs. DIY: Which Is Better?
| Aspect | DIY Painting | Professional Painting |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $150–$300 | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Time | 3–7 days | 2–4 days |
| Finish | Good (with patience) | Flawless and durable |
| Tools Needed | Basic | Sprayer, filters, pro equipment |
If you have time and patience, DIY painting is rewarding.
For luxury kitchens or rental properties, professional painters are worth the investment.
Maintenance Tips for Painted Cabinets
- Clean monthly with a mild soap solution.
- Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Use soft cloths, not abrasive sponges.
- Touch up chips immediately.
- Keep humidity low in kitchens and bathrooms.
Proper care keeps cabinets vibrant for 5–10 years.
Eco-Friendly and Low-VOC Paint Options
In 2025, sustainable choices are more important than ever.
Look for low-VOC or zero-VOC paints, which emit fewer chemicals and odors.
Top Eco-Friendly Paints:
- Benjamin Moore Natura
- Clare Cabinet Paint
- ECOS Paints
- Behr Premium Plus Low-VOC
These paints are better for your health and the planet.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Paint for Cabinets in 2025
The best paint for cabinets depends on your needs, skill level, and style.
For most homeowners, Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane offer the perfect balance of durability, beauty, and easy application.
Whether you prefer a modern satin finish or a bold semi-gloss look, your cabinets can go from outdated to extraordinary with the right paint and preparation.
Painting your cabinets is more than a renovation project — it’s a creative transformation.
With the proper materials and care, your painted cabinets will look elegant and last for years to come.
