Best Benjamin Moore Paint For Cabinets: A Guide

Benjamin Moore's ADVANCE® paint is a popular choice for painting cabinets. It is a waterborne alkyd enamel that provides a furniture-grade finish and is available in more than 3,500 colours and three paint sheens: satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss. The paint is easy to apply, with a smooth, long-lasting finish that is resistant to chipping and damage. ADVANCE® paint is also suitable for a range of surfaces, including laminate, urethane, MDF, and engineered wood cabinetry. However, it has a long dry time of 16 hours between coats and takes 30 days to fully cure. For a faster-drying alternative, Corotech Command paint, also by Benjamin Moore, is a durable and water-resistant option that dries quickly and can be used right away without waiting for the paint to cure.

Benjamin Moore's ADVANCE Interior Paint

Benjamin Moore's ADVANCE® Interior Paint is a premium-quality, waterborne alkyd paint that offers a range of durable, high-end finishes ideal for doors, trim, and cabinetry. It is available in three different sheens: satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss.

The ADVANCE® Interior Paint provides an exceptional application and feel, with outstanding coverage and hide. It cures to a hard, furniture-quality finish and is tinted with Benjamin Moore's proprietary waterborne colorants. One of the key benefits of this paint is that it has low VOC even after tinting. This means that it has low levels of volatile organic compounds, which are often found in paint and can be harmful to the environment and human health. ADVANCE® Interior Paint is available in over 3,500 colours, so you can find the perfect shade for your project.

The paint provides the superior levelling of traditional oil-based paint but in a waterborne alkyd enamel. This creates a furniture-grade finish, making it a great choice for home improvement projects. ADVANCE® Interior Paint is also known for its excellent flow and levelling, which is a paint's ability to fill in tiny imperfections and create a smooth, consistent surface. This is particularly important in areas like kitchens and bathrooms, where cabinets are typically painted with a combination of brushing and spraying techniques. With ADVANCE® Interior Paint, you won't be able to see any difference between sprayed and brushed areas, resulting in a uniform surface free from brush marks.

In addition to its exceptional levelling properties, ADVANCE® Interior Paint also stands out for its high percentage of volume solids. This means that a larger proportion of the paint will remain on your cabinets after drying, resulting in richer colour and a more durable surface that can resist scuffs. The paint also provides exceptional coverage, so you can achieve your desired results with fewer coats.

ADVANCE® Interior Paint is easy to apply and can be used with a brush, roller, or airless or HVLP sprayer. It is also suitable for a variety of surfaces, including drywall, plaster, wood, masonry, and metal. Whether you're a professional painter or a DIY enthusiast, ADVANCE® Interior Paint is a great choice for achieving a smooth, long-lasting finish on your cabinets.

Pros and cons of Benjamin Moore Advance

Benjamin Moore Advance is a waterborne alkyd paint, which means it has the durability of an oil-based paint but with the ease of soap and water clean-up. It is a popular paint for kitchen cabinets as it provides a smooth, factory-like finish that resists chipping and damage. It is available in over 3,500 colours and three paint sheens: satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss.

Pros

• Benjamin Moore Advance has excellent coverage, meaning fewer coats of paint are needed.
• It has superior levelling, meaning it fills in tiny imperfections and flows into a smooth, consistent surface.
• It is dry to the touch within 6-8 hours.
• It is available in a wide range of colours.
• It is easy to clean up with just soap and water.
• It is durable and resistant to chipping and damage.

Cons

• The paint has a long recoat time of 16 hours.
• It takes 30 days to fully cure and harden.
• It is prone to dripping when brushing trim and pools up in corners on doors.
• It is not suitable for surfaces that see high traffic as it is not fully cured for 30 days.
• It is not suitable for dark colours as the dry and cure time seems to be longer.

Best primer for Benjamin Moore Advance

When it comes to painting cabinets, the right primer is essential to achieving a smooth, durable, and long-lasting finish. Benjamin Moore's ADVANCE® paint is a popular choice for cabinet painting projects, and selecting the best primer will ensure optimal results. Here are some recommendations and considerations for choosing the best primer for Benjamin Moore ADVANCE:

Benjamin Moore's Own Primers:

Benjamin Moore offers a range of primers that are designed to work seamlessly with their ADVANCE paint. Here are a few options:

• Fresh Start High-Hiding All-Purpose Primer: This acrylic primer is recommended by professional painters. It offers maximum hide, seals surfaces, suppresses stains, and provides a mildew-resistant coating—ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. It is also suitable for drastic colour changes.
• Fresh Start All-Purpose Primer: This is an alkyd, oil-based primer offering excellent adhesion, hide, and tannin-blocking properties. It is a premium-quality, low-VOC option with a quick recoat time of 4 hours. However, it may not be available in all areas due to VOC regulations.
• Undercoater & Primer/Sealer: This alkyd, oil-based primer is suitable for interior wood projects, previously painted surfaces, and drywall. It provides excellent adhesion, can be sanded or recoated within 2 hours, and ensures a smooth, uniform top coat. Like the previous primer, its availability may vary due to VOC regulations.
• Fresh Start Deck & Siding Primer: Specifically designed for tannin-rich woods and weathered or chalky surfaces, this alkyd, oil-based primer suppresses stains and blocks tannin bleeding. It penetrates wood surfaces for maximum adhesion, resulting in a durable finish. However, it may not be available in all areas.

Specialty Primers:

For certain substrates or specific needs, you may require a specialty primer. Here are a few options:

• STIX® Waterborne Bonding Primer: Recommended for any hard-to-coat surfaces, such as glazed ceramic wall tiles, glass, high-gloss coatings, or PVC exterior surfaces. It is also suitable for non-porous surfaces where sanding is not possible.
• Ultra Spec® HP Acrylic Metal Primer: Specifically designed for metal surfaces with rust.

Other Recommended Primers:

In addition to Benjamin Moore's own primers, there are other primers on the market that have been successfully used in conjunction with Benjamin Moore ADVANCE paint:

• Zinsser BIN Primer: This primer has been recommended by users and provides a smooth and durable finish. It is a shellac-based primer that offers strong adhesion and stain-blocking properties.
• Zinsser Smart Prime: A water-based primer that is known for its ease of application and low odour. However, it contains ceramic beads that can clog sprayers, so it may not be ideal if you plan to spray the primer.

General Considerations:

When choosing a primer, there are a few general considerations to keep in mind:

• Acrylic vs. Alkyd (Oil-Based) Primers: Acrylic primers offer easier application, water clean-up, and are suitable for most surfaces. Alkyd primers, on the other hand, provide superior stain-blocking properties and are ideal for bare wood substrates, penetrating their porous surfaces for long-lasting adhesion.
• Surface Condition: Determine whether the cabinets have been previously painted and are in good condition. If so, priming may not be necessary as many Benjamin Moore paint products are self-priming. However, if the cabinets have stains, have been sanded down, or you're making a dramatic colour change, priming is highly recommended.
• Substrate Material: Consider the material of the cabinets. For laminate or engineered wood cabinetry, a high-quality primer that adheres well to these surfaces is essential.
• Moisture Resistance: If you're painting bathroom cabinets, ensure the primer has moisture-resistant properties to withstand the humid environment and prevent blistering, peeling, or bubbling.
• Sanding: Some primers require light sanding after application to create a smooth, even finish. Others may require sanding prior to application to create a suitable surface for the primer to adhere to.
• Drying Time: Pay attention to the drying times of the primers. Some primers require at least 24 hours to dry before you can proceed to the next step.

How to paint cabinets

Painting your cabinets is a great way to update your home. It can be a DIY project, but it requires some preparation and the right tools. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to paint cabinets:

Step 1: Prepare a Flat Surface and Space to Dry

Remove all drawers, doors, and hardware from the cabinets. Find a flat, clean surface, such as a drop cloth in your garage, to lay the drawers and doors. Ensure you have enough space to work and allow everything to dry for extended periods.

Step 2: Clean and Prep the Surfaces

Use a gentle grease remover and a damp sponge to wipe the cabinets clean. Let them dry thoroughly. After cleaning, use medium sandpaper (100- to 150-grit) to roughen the surfaces slightly. This will help the primer and paint adhere better. Wipe away any dust with a slightly damp cloth and let it dry.

Step 3: Protect Your Surroundings

Cover the countertops and surrounding work area with a drop cloth or another protector. This will help prevent any paint splatters or spills from damaging these surfaces.

Step 4: Prime the Cabinets

Apply a high-quality primer, such as Benjamin Moore's Fresh Start High-Hiding All-Purpose Primer, to the cabinets. This will help hide the previous stain or paint and provide a smooth base for the paint. Let the primer dry for at least 24 hours.

Step 5: Sand the Primed Surface

Once the primer is completely dry, use fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit) to lightly sand all surfaces. This will help create a smooth, even finish for the paint. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth and let it dry.

Step 6: Paint the First Coat

Using a premium Benjamin Moore nylon/polyester brush or a foam/microfiber paint roller, apply the first coat of Benjamin Moore ADVANCE® paint. This paint is specifically designed for cabinets and provides a durable, furniture-like finish. Let the first coat dry completely before moving on.

Step 7: Sand the First Coat

Lightly sand the first coat of paint with 220-grit sandpaper. This will help eliminate brush marks and imperfections, creating a smoother finish.

Step 8: Paint the Second Coat

Apply a second coat of ADVANCE® paint. This will ensure complete coverage and allow the finish to cure evenly.

Step 9: Let It Dry

Let the paint dry for at least 24 hours, but ideally two to three days, in a well-ventilated area. The longer it dries, the more durable the finish will be, and the less likely it will stick during reinstallation.

Additional Tips:

• When choosing a paint colour, consider your individual style and the atmosphere you want to create. Light colours, such as white or sage green, can brighten up a space, while deeper shades like navy blue or grey can add a moody vibe.
• Benjamin Moore ADVANCE® paint is available in over 3,500 colours and three different sheens (satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss). Choose the sheen that best suits your desired level of shine and washability.

Comparison with other paints

When it comes to painting cabinets, you want a paint that is durable, easy to clean, and moisture-resistant. Benjamin Moore's ADVANCE Interior Paint is a popular choice for cabinets as it provides a smooth, furniture-like finish that is resistant to chipping and damage. It is also available in a wide range of colours and sheens.

Benjamin Moore paints are often compared to other popular paint brands such as Sherwin-Williams and Valspar. Here is how they stack up against each other:

Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams is regarded by many as one of the top paint brands, and it has been established for over 150 years. They offer a wide array of paint shades and are known for their premium, thick, and pigmented paints. Sherwin-Williams paints typically come at a premium price and are mostly sold through their company-operated stores. They have earned a great reputation for customer satisfaction and their paints are often chosen by professionals and homeowners alike.

Benjamin Moore, on the other hand, offers a more extensive range of products, especially in specialty paints intended for specific applications. Their ADVANCE Interior Paint, for example, provides a durable finish and is specifically formulated for cabinets and millwork. Benjamin Moore paints are available at Ace Hardware and other specialty paint retailers.

While Sherwin-Williams paints tend to be more expensive, they may require fewer coats and offer better durability in the long run.

Benjamin Moore vs Valspar

Valspar is known for being a reasonably priced and high-quality paint brand. They offer a wide range of paint colours at budget-friendly prices. Valspar paints tend to be thinner and might need more coats compared to more expensive paints. They are widely available and can be found at Lowe's and several independent retailers nationwide.

Benjamin Moore paints, on the other hand, are more expensive but are known for their high-quality ingredients. Their Aura paint line, for example, offers excellent coverage, stain resistance, and a smooth finish. Benjamin Moore paints are available at Ace Hardware and other independent paint and hardware retailers.

While Valspar paints are more affordable, they may require more coats and may not last as long as Benjamin Moore paints.

In summary, Benjamin Moore paints, especially their ADVANCE Interior Paint, are a great choice for painting cabinets as they offer a durable, furniture-like finish. When compared to other popular paint brands, Benjamin Moore stands out for their specialty paints, extensive range of colours, and high-quality ingredients.

Frequently asked questions