Short answer
A waterborne acrylic enamel is a water-based cabinet paint made with an acrylic resin, often urethane-modified. It cleans up with soap and water, has low odour, yellows much less than oil-based enamel, and dries harder than wall latex. It still needs degreasing, scuff-sanding and a bonding primer over slick or glossy surfaces.
What it is
An acrylic enamel is a water-based paint built on acrylic resin. Many cabinet versions are urethane-modified, which makes the cured film harder and more resistant to scratching and blocking. The word “enamel” describes the hard, smooth finish. It does not mean the paint contains oil.
Acrylic enamel versus waterborne alkyd
These two are often sold side by side and confused. They use different chemistry, so their recoat and cure times differ.
| Waterborne acrylic enamel | Waterborne alkyd (hybrid) | |
|---|---|---|
| Resin | Acrylic, often urethane-modified | Alkyd resin emulsified in water |
| Typical recoat | About 4 hours | Up to about 16 hours (for example Benjamin Moore Advance) |
| Full cure | About 2 to 4 weeks | Several weeks |
| Examples | Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, Behr Premium Cabinet & Trim Enamel | Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin-Williams ProClassic |
Timings vary by product, so always check the label.
Why it suits cabinets
- Harder than wall latex. It is made for surfaces that get handled, and it resists blocking once cured.
- Low odour and low VOC. Many products are under about 50 g/L of VOCs, but check the label. Low VOC is not zero VOC, so ventilate and wear a mask when sanding between coats.
- Little yellowing. It suits whites and pastels better than oil-based enamel.
- Easy cleanup. Brushes and rollers clean with soap and water.
Examples to look at
- Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel
- Behr Premium Cabinet & Trim Enamel
- Valspar Cabinet & Furniture Enamel
Product lines change, so check the current label and data sheet for each one.
Preparing the surface
Water-based paint does not replace preparation.
- Remove doors and hardware, label them, and clean off grease. See how to clean kitchen cabinets before painting.
- Scuff-sand with 180 to 220 grit to dull the sheen. Vacuum, then wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.
- Use a bonding primer over glossy, varnished or previously oil-painted surfaces. Over an old oil-based finish, scuff with 180 to 220 grit and prime before you topcoat. The paint should not go straight over a glossy oil finish.
For a laminate or thermofoil surface, the preparation is different. See refinishing laminate cabinet sides.
Tools
- Brushing: a synthetic nylon or polyester brush, 2 to 2.5 inch angled sash.
- Rolling: a 4-inch high-density foam roller, or a fine microfiber roller with a 3/16 to 1/4 inch nap.
- Spraying: many products allow thinning with water by up to about 10%. This varies, so check the data sheet before you thin.
Apply thin coats and lay off in one direction. Do not keep brushing once the paint starts to set, or the marks will show. More on this in wood furniture painting techniques for a smooth finish.
Coats, recoat and cure
- Plan on two topcoats over a primer.
- Recoat after the time on the label. Acrylic enamels are often ready in about four hours.
- Doors can usually be rehung after about 24 to 72 hours, handled carefully.
- Full hardness takes about two to four weeks. Avoid scrubbing or heavy cleaning during that time.
Apply the paint above about 50°F (10°C). Cool, humid air slows drying a great deal.
Common mistakes
- Adding a flow additive without checking. Additives sold for latex, such as Floetrol, are not approved for every enamel. Check the manufacturer first.
- Assuming water-based means soft. Quality cabinet enamels resist blocking once cured. The soft stage is the one to manage.
- Painting in cold or humid conditions. It slows drying and can leave a weaker film.
- Skipping the scuff. Glossy surfaces need scuffing and priming first.
Frequently asked questions
Can acrylic paint be used on kitchen cabinets?
Craft and wall acrylics are not designed for kitchen wear, and wall-type films can stay soft and block. A cabinet-grade waterborne acrylic enamel is formulated for this use, with a harder film and better adhesion. For furniture, see which paint to use on wood furniture.
Is acrylic enamel paint water-based or oil-based?
Waterborne acrylic enamel is water-based. “Enamel” describes the hard, smooth finish, not the solvent. Check the label to confirm.
Is there any water-based enamel paint?
Yes. Waterborne acrylic enamels and waterborne alkyds are both water-based enamels made for cabinets and trim.
Safety
- Low VOC is not zero VOC. Keep the room ventilated during and after painting.
- Wear a mask when sanding between coats.