The best Benjamin Moore product for cabinets is Advance® Interior Paint. It is a premium waterborne alkyd that behaves like traditional oil-based paint, flowing out smoothly to a durable, furniture-like finish while cleaning up easily with soap and water.
Benjamin Moore recommends using Advance® Interior Paint on cabinets. It can be applied between 10 °C and 32 °C (50 °F-90 °F).
Satin is the goldilocks of cabinet sheens – not too shiny, not too flat. It provides a soft sheen that reflects just enough light to give cabinets a warm glow without being glossy. This sheen paint has become the go-to choice for kitchen cabinets as it balances aesthetic appeal with practical performance.
Semi-gloss is available in most Benjamin Moore interior paints, but we especially love the look of Advance® Interior Semi-Gloss (793); it cures to a smooth, furniture-like finish, and its glossy look makes it one of the best paint finishes for kitchen cabinets.
Benjamin Moore ADVANCE® Interior Paint
Perfect for modernizing your cabinets or creating a seamless look. Finish options: Available in satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss for customized looks.
Water-based kitchen cabinet paint is the go-to for most DIY painting projects. Professional painters love it for its versatility, affordability, and resistance to yellowing. Water-based emulsions are especially suitable for hand-painting fiddly or intricate cupboard designs.
Kitchen Cabinet Colors Designers Say They'd Never Choose Again
Gloss and semi-gloss finishes reflect light, making small kitchens feel bigger and brighter. Satin finishes provide balance, offering just enough sheen without overwhelming the room. Matte finishes absorb light and create a soft, cozy atmosphere—perfect for larger, open kitchens.
Wipe away dust with a slightly damp cloth, then let dry. In addition, you need to make sure the cabinets and doors are clean and dry. Use a gentle grease remover and a damp sponge to wipe them clean, then let dry thoroughly. Be sure to apply a high-quality primer before you paint.
Avoid outdated cabinet shades like navy, cherry wood, mustard yellow, and country red. These colors once felt warm or luxurious but now make kitchens look dated or overly themed. Instead, choose softer neutrals, natural woods, or richer muted tones for a timeless feel.
Recap: Painting Kitchen Cabinets
When Would you Not Use Eggshell Paint? It would help if you did not use this finish in high-traffic areas or on constantly touched objects—for example, kitchen cabinets and bathrooms. Instead, you would use a gloss because it's washable and withstands moisture better.
Satin is my absolute favorite for cabinets! It's the hands-down WINNER🏆 and here's why: Satin hits the sweet spot with a soft sheen that's not too shiny but offers excellent durability and is easier to clean, making it perfect for the kitchen's hustle and bustle.
The most popular Benjamin Moore white paint color is White Dove OC-17, a clean and classic white hue. White Dove is also our most sampled paint color. Favorites Chantilly Lace OC-65 and Swiss Coffee OC-45 are close behind as most popular Benjamin Moore white paint colors.
Apply 2 coats of Benjamin Moore Advance for a flawless, durable finish.
Top 5 Kitchen Cabinet Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style
In 2026, kitchen design is pivoting away from sterile greys and stark whites toward warm, earthy neutrals and cozy natural wood tones. The overarching aesthetic emphasizes "warm minimalism," utilizing layered materials and soft, grounded palettes rather than cold, minimalist spaces.
Top 10 Timeless Paint Colors for Your Home
Joanna Gaines Painted Her Kitchen Cabinets the Most Gorgeous Green (the Color's About to Be Everywhere!) We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Yes, it's entirely possible to paint cabinets without sanding, and thousands of DIYers and friends have done it successfully. But don't forget the prep. Skipping sanding doesn't mean skipping cleaning, priming, or using the right products.
The 1/3 Guideline (Your Easy Starting Point)
A simple rule of thumb: choose a pull with an overall length ≈ one-third the drawer width. Divide your drawer width by 3 to find a pleasing pull length—then choose the closest available size. It's a guide, not a law.
Not Thoroughly Cleaning the Cabinets
If you don't plan to sand your cabinets, you really should wash them clean with a solution of water and dish soap before applying paint. There's a good chance grease and grime are coating the doors, and you should never paint over this—the paint will not adhere correctly if you do!
Generally, a matte finish is considered more artistic and professional for display items like portraits, gallery walls, and wedding albums. A glossy finish looks more like a classic, high-energy photo print.
What makes it look cheap: A lack of continuity disrupts the home's visual and physical flow, subtly cheapening the overall experience. Mismatched flooring, abrupt ceiling changes, or lighting that feels disconnected from nearby spaces can make the kitchen feel compartmentalized instead of cohesive.
Say hello to the “new neutrals.” Soft greens, dusty sages, and rich navy tones are showing up everywhere — on islands, lower cabinets, and even full kitchens. These nature-inspired colors, like one of our new Coastal Colors, bring a calming, collected feel that's both timeless and on-trend.