The story of how the Historical Color Collection came to be is rich in inspiration and American tradition. Each time-honored color reflects a sense of heritage and architectural influence that continues to resonate. 

Debuting alongside the 1976 American bicentennial celebration, the collection emerged during a time of renewed appreciation for the nation’s history. Several buildings maintained by the U.S. National Park Service served as key inspiration for the palette.​

Inspired by 18th- and 19th-century architecture and the interiors handcrafted by the artisans of that time, the collection has endured. Today, 50 years later, these paint colors remain more relevant than ever, working seamlessly in both modern and traditional design.

Painting cabinets is an excellent and cost-effective way to refresh your kitchen or bathroom. However, cabinet painting can also be challenging as a DIY project.

As cabinets experience frequent use and exposure to moisture, grease, and heat, it’s crucial to choose the right products to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish when applying a fresh coat of paint.
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Here are our top tips for selecting the best products for painting your cabinets that deliver a great finish and resist scratching for long-term beauty and durability.

Choose the Right Type of Paint​
The type of paint you use on your cabinets is arguably the most critical decision you’ll make when refreshing your cabinets. For high-traffic areas like kitchens, consider using Benjamin Moore’s Advance, which is a Waterborne Alkyd. Waterborne Alkyds are Oil-based paint that is carried in a water soluble liquid. So clean-up is easy with just water and a little soap. You’ll achieve better durability and a smoother finish. Drying time takes 16 hours between coats but slower drying-time allows the paint to level out beautifully.

Look for Cabinet-Specific Products
Cabinet-specific paint, like Advance, are specially formulated to withstand the environments and everyday wear that cabinets face. These paints help cabinets weather moisture, heat, and cooking oils. Products labeled as “cabinet paint” or “furniture paint” usually feature waterproofing properties and enhanced adhesion to prevent chipping and scratching from daily use.

Consider the Finish​
The finish of your paint can dramatically affect the final look and durability of your cabinets. Common finishes include:

• Satin. This option offers a slight sheen andis easy to clean. Satin is the most popular choice for kitchen cabinets.
• Semi-gloss or gloss.These finishes are highly reflective, offering excellent durability and resistance to moisture and stains, making them ideal for cabinets in high-traffic areas.

Your choice of finish will depend on your aesthetic preferences, location and use of the cabinets, and your durability requirements.

Use Quality Primer
Applying a good primer is essential for achieving a professional finish on your cabinets. We recommend Benjamin Moore Fresh Start. A high-quality primer ensures better paint adhesion, helps prevent stains, and provides a more uniform surface.

Look for a bonding primer, especially if you’re painting over a glossy or previously stained surface. Consider sanding off the surface to help the primer stick better, particularly with oil-based paints.

Invest in Quality Tools
The tools you use for your cabinet painting job are important, as they’ll impact how your paint goes on and the results.

Be sure to purchase high-quality brushes and rollers. Synthetic brushes work well with water-based paints, while natural brushes are better for oil-based products. For larger areas, such as a large standing cabinet, a short napped roller can help you achieve a smooth finish without brush strokes.
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For those more experienced with DIY projects, a paint sprayer can provide an even finish . If you go this route, practice first to ensure you’re confident in your technique.

Find All the Cabinet Painting Products You Need at COLOR WHEEL
Are you ready to refresh your home’s cabinets with a new coat of paint?

Contact Color Wheel for all your cabinet painting supplies and expert advice. We’re here to help you get the best results for your home with the right tools and techniques!