Top 5 Cabinet Paints for a Durable, Long-Lasting Finish in 2025

By: Kitchen Cabinet Painting Edmonton

Transforming your kitchen or bathroom with a fresh coat of paint on your cabinets is a budget-friendly way to achieve a professional, modern look. However, cabinetsa are high-traffic surfaces that endure daily wear, grease, and cleaning, so choosing a durable, long-lasting paint is crucial. In 2025, the best cabinet paints combine toughness, smooth application, and easy maintenance. After researching top brands and expert reviews, here are the top five cabinet paints for a flawless, enduring finish.

1. Benjamin Moore Advance Waterborne Alkyd

Why It Stands Out: Benjamin Moore Advance is a favorite among DIYers and professionals for its furniture-grade, hard-curing finish that rivals oil-based paints. This waterborne alkyd paint offers exceptional durability, resisting scratches, stains, and fading even in busy kitchens. Its low-VOC formula ensures safer indoor use, and it cleans up easily with water.

Key Features:

• Finish: Available in satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss for versatile aesthetics.

• Durability: Cures to a tough, scrub-resistant surface that withstands heavy use.

• Application: Self-leveling to minimize brush marks, though it requires a 16-hour recoat time and a 2–3 week curing period for maximum hardness.

• Pro Tip: Pair with Benjamin Moore Stix Waterborne Bonding Primer for superior adhesion, especially on previously painted or glossy surfaces.

Best For: Homeowners seeking a professional, factory-smooth finish that lasts for years.

2. Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel

Why It Stands Out: Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is a water-based, urethane-modified acrylic paint designed for high-touch surfaces like cabinets. It delivers outstanding durability, resisting chips, scratches, and stains while offering excellent washability. Its smooth flow and leveling properties ensure a polished look.

Key Features:

• Finish: Available in satin, semi-gloss, and gloss; semi-gloss is ideal for kitchens.

• Durability: Combines the toughness of urethane with the ease of water-based cleanup.

• Application: Applies evenly with a brush, roller, or sprayer; fast-drying but requires careful application to avoid flashing (uneven sheen).

• Pro Tip: Test a sample in different sheens to see how light reflects in your kitchen before committing.

Best For: Those prioritizing durability and easy maintenance in high-traffic kitchens.

3. Behr Urethane Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel

Why It Stands Out: Behr’s Urethane Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel is a budget-friendly hybrid paint that delivers many of the same benefits as pricier options. It offers a hard, durable finish that resists wear and tear, with excellent flow and leveling for a smooth, brush-mark-free result. Available at Home Depot, it’s a convenient choice for DIYers.

Key Features:

• Finish: Semi-gloss provides a vibrant, cleanable surface.

• Durability: Comparable to high-end alkyd enamels, standing up to kitchen messes.

• Application: Water-based cleanup simplifies the process; order ahead as it’s a specialty finish.

• Pro Tip: Use a high-quality foam roller for the smoothest application, and allow 24 hours between coats.

Best For: Budget-conscious DIYers who don’t want to compromise on quality.

4. Clare Interior Paint

Why It Stands Out: Clare is a direct-to-consumer paint brand that’s gained traction for its curated color selection and durable, smooth finish. A 2023 Good Housekeeping Home Reno Award winner, Clare’s paint provides excellent coverage and a tough, cleanable surface ideal for kitchen cabinets. Its online color tools make choosing shades a breeze.

Key Features:

• Finish: Satin and semi-gloss options balance durability and aesthetics.

• Durability: Holds up well to scrubbing and resists stains, perfect for high-use areas.

• Application: Applies smoothly with minimal prep; low-VOC for safer indoor painting.

• Pro Tip: Order peel-and-stick samples from Clare’s website to test colors in your kitchen’s lighting.

Best For: Trend-focused homeowners who want a modern, curated color palette.

5. INSL-X Cabinet Coat

Why It Stands Out: INSL-X Cabinet Coat is a latex-based enamel paint that offers a near-oil-based finish with the convenience of water-based cleanup. It’s highly durable, resists humidity, and provides a smooth, professional look, making it a great choice for kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

Key Features:

• Finish: Satin finish hides imperfections while remaining easy to clean.

• Durability: Resists chipping, scuffing, and moisture, ideal for high-humidity environments.

• Application: Applies well with a brush or sprayer; requires proper priming for best adhesion.

• Pro Tip: Lightly sand between coats for an ultra-smooth finish, and allow full curing time (up to 7 days) before heavy use.

Best For: DIYers looking for a durable latex option with easy application.

Tips for a Long-Lasting Cabinet Paint Job

• Prep is Key: Clean cabinets thoroughly with a degreaser, sand lightly (220-grit sandpaper), and use a high-quality bonding primer to ensure adhesion.

• Choose the Right Sheen: Semi-gloss or satin finishes are best for kitchens due to their durability and cleanability. High-gloss is ideal for modern looks but shows imperfections more readily.

• Be Patient: Allow proper drying (24 hours between coats) and curing times (2–3 weeks) to achieve maximum hardness. Rushing this step leads to chipping or peeling.

• Application Method: For the smoothest finish, use a paint sprayer or a high-quality foam roller. Brushes work well for detailed areas but may leave marks if not applied carefully.

Conclusion

Selecting the right paint for your cabinets can make or break your DIY project. In 2025, Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel lead the pack for their unmatched durability and professional finish. For budget-friendly options, Behr Urethane Alkyd and INSL-X Cabinet Coat deliver impressive results, while Clare offers a trendy, user-friendly choice. Pair your chosen paint with proper prep and application techniques, and your cabinets will boast a durable, long-lasting finish that elevates your space for years to come.