Cabinet Coatings Decoded

Heather Perkins • June 24, 2025

What You Need to Know Before You Paint

Painting your cabinets can completely transform your kitchen or bathroom, but to get durable long-lasting professional results, it's critical to understand a little bit about the difference in cabinet coatings. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know before you paint in the order of durability:

Types of Cabinet Coatings

Acrylic Paint (water-based)

-Examples: Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane, Behr Cabinet & Trim Enamel

Pros: Easy-to-use, fast drying, can readily purchase at retail store, less expensive, DIY non-professional use
Cons: Less durable than oil-based, 2 component (2k), solvent based products. Hand oils break down coating over time.

Alkyd Paint (synthetic oil-based or water-based)

-Examples: Behr premium urethane alkyd enamel, Benjamin Moore Advance

Pros: hard, durable finish suitable for high traffic areas, relatively fast dry time, UV resistant
Cons: longer cure time, longer-lasting smell, hand oils can break down finish.

Lacquers

-Examples: Sherwin Williams Sher-Wood Kem Aqua, General Finishes Enduro, Lenmar,

Pros: quick drying, used in professional applications, smooth finish, high gloss capability, moisture/chemical resistant if catalyzed.
Cons: if not catalyzed, can become brittle and yellow over time.

Polyurethanes (solvent or water-based)

-Examples: ICRO, Renner, Milesi, Ilva, Sherwin Williams Gallery Series, Centurion

Pros: quick-drying, extremely durable, can be catalyzed for more durability, UV/chemical resistant, low VOC, manufacturer-like finish, high-traffic use. Designed to be sprayed, but can also be rolled with correct technique.
Cons: more expensive, must be professionally applied.

Conversion Varnish

-High-end, factory-applied finish, professional application only

Pros: long-lasting, most durable finish available
Cons: Factory shot, most refinishing shops don't shoot this type of finish.

At A La Carte Cabinet Painting we understand that choosing the right product for finishing cabinets involves balancing functionality, aesthetic preferences, skill level and overall budget. That's why we've chosen to specialize in eco-conscious, Italian-made water-based polyurethane wood coatings-a premium solution that delivers both beauty and durability. We proudly offer:

Eco-friendly Italian Polyurethane Finishes: designed for long-lasting performance, these coatings are not only environmentally responsible but also guaranteed not to yellow, chip, or peel when properly applied.
Professional Spray Application: Doors and drawers are professionally sprayed for a smooth, factory-quality look. You also have the option to choose between spray or rolled cabinet boxes, depending on your needs and budget.
Partnership with Hartley Group Distributors: as one of the first adopters of these premium European products in the U.S., we've partnered with The Hartley Group of Cornelius, NC to bring this innovative coatings system to the Raleigh, NC market.

Whether you're upgrading your kitchen, bathroom, or built-ins, our high-performance water-based finishes are a smart, stylish and sustainable choice!

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