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DIYers Swear By This Type Of Paint For Cabinet Upgrades
By KIM W.S.
A fresh coat of paint can really upgrade the look of your kitchen without costing a fortune. Many DIYers swear by a water-based alkyd because it's durable and has a hard finish.
The two most popular paints that DIYers recommend are Benjamin Williams Advance and Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Enamel Paint, which they say hold up to years of use.
Water-based alkyd paints dry hard, so they’re ideal for kitchen cabinets that see a lot of traffic. They can withstand moisture and frequent cleaning, and are stain-resistant.
Both the Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Williams paints are self-leveling. Go for a high-gloss, semi-gloss, or satin finish, and properly prep your cabinets before painting.
The one type of paint to avoid is oil paint. It takes a very long time to dry, releases strong fumes and volatile organic compounds, and tends to yellow over time.
Li Wang, head of paint testing at Consumer Reports, says, "As the quality of water-based paints has improved a lot, oil-based paints have lost their position in the marketplace."