Picking the Right Paint for Cabinets (Unless You Like Wasting Money)

Cabinet refinishing isn’t cheap. And if it is cheap, congratulations—you’ve just hired someone to ruin your kitchen. A bad paint job will peel, chip, and look awful faster than you can say, “That was a mistake.”

The secret to cabinets that actually last? The right paint. Let’s break it down before someone convinces you that a $20 gallon of latex is “just as good.”

Acrylic & Latex Paints: The Fast Track to Regret

Acrylic and latex paints are great—for walls. Why? Because walls don’t move, get handled daily, or have grease splattered on them. Cabinets, on the other hand, get opened, closed, wiped down, and bumped into constantly.

Why they’re bad for cabinets:
❌ Poor adhesion – They don’t bond well to smooth surfaces, meaning chipping and peeling happen fast.
❌ Takes forever to cure – If you shut a door too soon, it might peel itself open like a bad sunburn.
❌ Not durable enough – One rogue pan handle, and you’ve got a nice scrape to remind you of that “budget-friendly” paint choice.

Urethane Enamels: Great… If You Have the Patience of a Saint

Urethane enamels are a step up and work well for trim and doors—but cabinets? That’s where things get tricky.

Why they’re not ideal for cabinets:
⚠️ Long dry times – The longer it takes to dry, the more time for dust, pet hair, and stray bugs to embed themselves in your fresh finish.
⚠️ Some yellow over time – If you’re dreaming of crisp white cabinets, you might wake up one day to an unexpected shade of “old newspaper.”

Renner 851 Acrylic Urethane: The Real MVP

Now, let’s talk about Renner 851, also known as “the reason I sleep at night.”

✅ Designed for cabinets – This isn’t wall paint trying to do a cabinet’s job.
✅ Fast dry time – Less chance for dust, debris, or your dog’s fur to get stuck in the finish.
✅ Super durable – Handles daily use without peeling, chipping, or feeling sticky.
✅ No yellowing – Unlike some finishes, your white cabinets will actually stay white.

This is why Renner 851 is my go-to for cabinet refinishing—it’s tough, smooth, and doesn’t make me want to throw my sprayer across the room.

Moral of the Story?

If someone’s offering to paint your cabinets for the price of a fancy dinner, walk away. They’re probably using the wrong products, and you’ll be paying for it again in six months.

💡 Do it right the first time. Your cabinets (and your sanity) will thank you.