Yes, Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is a great paint for kitchen cabinets.
As a professional painter with years of experience, I have used Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel from Sherwin Williams on numerous projects, including kitchen cabinets, and I have been impressed with its durability, versatility, and ease of application.
In this article, I will share my review with this paint and provide valuable insights that will help you decide if it’s the right choice for your cabinets.
Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel Review
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable and long-lasting finish (★★★★☆) | Higher price compared to some alternatives (★★★☆☆) |
| Low VOC content (★★★★☆) | Not a zero VOC paint (★★★☆☆) |
| Hybrid technology (acrylic and oil-based) (★★★★☆) | Coverage may require multiple coats (★★★☆☆) |
| Self-leveling for a smooth finish (★★★★☆) | Not specifically designed for low splatter (★★★☆☆) |
| Suitable for interior and exterior applications (★★★★☆) | |
| Excellent color matching options (★★★★☆) | |
| Versatile paint for various surfaces (★★★★☆) | |
| Mildew resistant (★★★★☆) | |
| Stain and fade resistant (★★★★☆) | |
| Available in Satin, Semi-gloss, and Gloss (★★★★☆) |
Overall rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)
Why Is Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel Paint Good for Cabinets?
As a pro painter, I have worked with various types of paints, and Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel stands out for several reasons:
Durability
Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is a hybrid paint that combines the best of acrylic and oil-based paints. This results in a durable, hard finish that is resistant to chipping, peeling, and fading. It is also stain-resistant and mildew resistant, making it perfect for kitchen cabinets that are exposed to heavy traffic and moisture.
Washability and Easy Maintenance
Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel’s washability and ease of maintenance make it a popular choice for kitchen cabinets. As a professional painter, I know the importance of a paint that looks great and maintains its appearance after cleaning.
Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel’s unique formulation creates a stain-resistant and fade-resistant surface, allowing homeowners to clean their cabinets without worrying about damaging the finish. Even when faced with stubborn stains like ketchup, red wine, or coffee, the paint holds up exceptionally well. Using a gentle cleaning solution and a soft cloth, stains can be easily removed without harming the paint’s finish.
Moreover, the paint’s durability and scuff resistance ensure that cabinets will not suffer from chipping, peeling, or scuff marks due to daily wear and tear. This level of durability means that homeowners can enjoy their beautiful kitchen cabinets without constantly worrying about their upkeep.
Versatility
Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is suitable for both interior and exterior applications. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, including doors, trim, mantles, and shelving. This versatility makes it a popular choice for residential repaints and trim packages.
Self-Leveling and Smooth Finish
One of the most important aspects of painting kitchen cabinets is achieving a smooth finish without visible brush strokes. Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is self-leveling, which means that it evens out as it dries, minimizing brush strokes and providing a smooth finish. I would give it a 9 out of 10 for self-leveling.
Low VOC Content
Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is a low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paint, making it more environmentally friendly and less odorous than traditional oil-based paints.
Sheen Options
Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is available in Satin, Semi-gloss, and Gloss sheens. In my experience, the Semi-gloss sheen is ideal for kitchen cabinets, as it is less shiny than traditional semi-gloss paints (such as Benjamin Moore Regal) but still provides a long-lasting finish with excellent washability.
Application Tips and Tricks
To achieve the best results with Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, follow these tips:
- Proper surface preparation is crucial. Clean and sand the surfaces before applying the paint.
- Use a high-quality brush or roller for a smooth application.
- Apply two coats for optimal coverage and durability.
- If needed, use a latex extender or conditioner to improve the paint’s workability and spreadability.
My Personal Experience with Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel
As a professional painter specializing in kitchen cabinets, I have used Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel on various projects, and it has consistently delivered impressive results. One particular project that stands out is a kitchen cabinet repaint for a client who desired a highly durable and long-lasting finish that could endure daily wear and tear.
For this project, I thoroughly prepared the cabinets by cleaning, sanding, and priming them. After the preparation, I applied two coats of Emerald Urethane Semi-gloss, making sure to allow sufficient drying time between coats. I utilized a high-quality brush and followed the best practices for paint application, including adding a latex extender to improve the paint’s workability and spreadability.
The Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel provided exceptional coverage, and its self-leveling properties played a significant role in achieving a smooth, professional-looking finish without visible brush strokes. The low VOC content also made it a pleasant paint to work with, as it did not emit strong odors.
After the project’s completion, the cabinets looked stunning with a beautiful sheen that complemented the kitchen’s design. The client was thrilled with the outcome, and I could see that the Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel’s durability and scuff resistance would undoubtedly stand up to daily use in their busy kitchen.
In my opinion, Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is an outstanding choice for kitchen cabinets due to its remarkable durability, versatility, low VOC content, and self-leveling properties.
As a professional painter with hands-on experience, I highly recommend it for anyone seeking to revitalize their cabinets with a long-lasting, high-quality finish. Although the paint’s price might be on the higher side, the exceptional performance and durability it offers make it a worthwhile investment for a stunning and enduring result.
Comparing Emerald Paint to Other Cabinets Paints
While I am a fan of Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, it’s essential to consider other options on the market as well. Here are some comparisons to help you make an informed decision:
Benjamin Moore Regal Semi-gloss
As mentioned earlier, Benjamin Moore Regal Semi-gloss is another popular paint for kitchen cabinets. It has a shinier finish compared to Emerald Urethane Semi-gloss, which may be preferable for some people. However, in my experience, the self-leveling properties of Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel make it a better choice for kitchen cabinets, as it results in a smoother finish with fewer visible brush strokes.
Zero VOC Paints
For those concerned about the environment and indoor air quality, there are zero VOC paints available. While Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is low VOC, it still contains some VOCs. Zero VOC paints, however, may not offer the same level of durability and performance as Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel.
Low Splatter Paints
Some paints are specifically designed to minimize splatter during application. While Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel does not claim to be a low splatter paint, I have found that using a high-quality brush or roller and the proper application techniques can minimize splatter.
Color Matching
Sherwin Williams offers an extensive range of colors for Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel. They also provide a color matching service, which allows you to get the exact shade you desire for your kitchen cabinets.
See More: Is Enamel Paint Good for Cabinets? Pro Painter’s Perspective
Final Thoughts
As a professional painter, I believe that Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is an excellent paint for kitchen cabinets. Its durability, versatility, self-leveling properties, and low VOC content make it stand out among other paints on the market. The price may be higher than some alternatives, but the performance and longevity of the paint make it a worthwhile investment.
Whether you are a homeowner looking to repaint your kitchen cabinets or a professional painter seeking a reliable product, Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel from Sherwin Williams should be at the top of your list. With proper surface preparation and application techniques, you can achieve a beautiful, durable finish that will stand up to daily use and last for years to come.
See More: How To Paint Enamel Cabinets: A Professional’s Guide
