Transform Your Kitchen Cabinets with Benjamin Moore Advance Paint
A full kitchen remodel can take months and cost tens of thousands of dollars. However, painting your cabinets can deliver a dramatic transformation in just a few days — and for a fraction of the cost. Furthermore, for Detroit homeowners with original wood cabinets worth preserving, a fresh coat of paint is often the smartest move you can make.
Why Paint Instead of Replace?
Detroit’s older homes are full of solid wood cabinetry that simply isn’t made the same way anymore. In particular, the craftsmanship found in Indian Village Victorians, Boston-Edison colonials, and Sherwood Forest bungalows is worth saving. Additionally, replacing cabinets means landfill waste, contractor timelines, and serious budget strain. Painting, on the other hand, delivers a brand new look while honoring the bones of your home.
How to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets
Preparation:
Step 1 — Remove the Doors and Drawers Take each door off its hinges and pull out every drawer. Label each cabinet box, door, and drawer with corresponding numbers. Furthermore, this makes reassembly much more straightforward.
Step 2 — Strip Old Paint If your cabinets are bare wood, skip this step. Otherwise, use a paint stripper and metal scraper to remove the existing finish. Starting with a clean surface ensures your new paint bonds properly.
Step 3 — Sand and Fill Sand all surfaces thoroughly to create a smooth base. Use a wood filler on any holes or dents. Then sand again once dry. Smooth surfaces mean a professional-looking finish.
Priming and Painting:
Step 4 — Prime with INSL-X STix Bonding Primer This is the most important step. INSL-X STix Bonding Primer is formulated for maximum adhesion on difficult surfaces. Additionally, it bonds to previously painted cabinets, factory-finished doors, and laminate surfaces that standard primers struggle to grip. In older Detroit kitchens especially, cabinets may have years of paint layers or original factory finishes. As a result, STix ensures your topcoat bonds firmly and lasts. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on.
Step 5 — Paint with Benjamin Moore Advance Benjamin Moore Advance Waterborne Interior Alkyd is the gold standard for cabinet painting. It applies smoothly and levels beautifully. Furthermore, it cures to a hard, durable finish that stands up to daily kitchen demands. A microfiber or foam roller gives the smoothest result with minimal brush marks. Two coats are recommended for full coverage and maximum durability.
Finishing Up:
Step 6 — Let It Dry Allow your cabinets to dry in a well-ventilated area for at least 24 hours between coats. The longer the cure time, the harder the finish. In particular, rushing this step is the most common reason cabinet paint chips or scratches early.
Step 7 — Reinstall Use your numbered labels to match each door and drawer back to its cabinet box. Reinstall the hardware. Additionally, consider upgrading your pulls and knobs for an extra finishing touch.
Get Started at The Color Bloc
Stop into our Detroit showroom at 6538 Russell St and let our team help you choose the right Advance color and confirm you have everything you need for a flawless cabinet project. We carry the full Benjamin Moore line including INSL-X STix Bonding Primer. Call us at (313) 484-8367 or contact us online.


