If your kitchen cabinets are looking tired and dated, a makeover may be in order. But the prospect of sanding, priming, and painting can feel overwhelming, not to mention the expense of replacing cabinets entirely. Fortunately there’s a miracle solution that saves time, money, and effort – the new generation of all-in-one cabinet paints. We gave Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel a try and were stunned by its transformative impact with just a couple coats of paint. Keep reading to understand why this all-in-one paint is generating so much buzz!
What Makes It the Miracle Paint?
Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel beautifully merges the best qualities of oil and water-based paints into one product. You get the application ease of latex with the rock-solid durability of alkyds. This ingenious combo is what gives the paint its wow factor.
Combines Oil & Water-Based Paint Qualities
The alkyd resin technology allows the paint to flow and level smoothly like a latex paint, making brush and roller application almost effortless. But the alkyd component also provides unmatched strength and resistance against chipping, staining, and scuffing – on par with traditional oil-based enamels.
Self-Leveling Ability
The smooth consistency makes the paint “self-leveling” as it cures. It naturally fills small cracks and evens out minor imperfections in the underlying surface to achieve a flawlessly smooth finish. This gives DIY paint jobs the elegant look of professionally sprayed cabinets!
Adheres to Existing Finishes
Unlike many cabinet paints, Emerald Urethane bonds securely to existing paints and clears, including polyurethanes, varnishes, lacquers and both oil and water-based paints. No need to strip your cabinets first – this paint sticks to almost any surface with proper prep and priming.
Durable Alkyd Formulation
The alkyd resins make Emerald Urethane suitable for indoor and outdoor use. So you can tackle exterior cabinets and drawers with the same can of paint. Despite exposure to sun, rain and temperature swings, the finish maintains its freshly painted sheen without cracking, peeling or wearing down over time.
Unparalleled Ease of Application
From prepping to cleaning up, Emerald Urethane makes DIY paintingprojects easier than ever before. The application process is straightforward enough for first-time painters but delivers results that look professionally sprayed on.
Works With Variety of Tools & Techniques
You can brush, roll or spray Emerald Urethane paint with equally beautiful outcomes. Brushes easily glide across the silky formulation without aggravating brush strokes. It also rolls smoothly across the surface for quick coverage of flat areas. Or utilize HVLP sprayers for flawlessly uniform results – no drips or unevenness!
Short Dry & Recoat Times
Typical oil-based enamels require overnight drying before recoating. Emerald Urethane can be recoated in as little as 2 hours , letting you build up coverage rapidly. The quick dry time also produces less dust nibs in the finish compared to slow drying paints.
Easy Clean-Up with Soap & Water
Despite its alkyd content, Emerald Urethane brushes, rollers and sprayers clean up conveniently with soap and water. No need for smelly solvents or chemical cleaners. Simply soap and rinse right after painting.
Transformational Impact on Kitchen’s Look
Just a couple coats of this top-rated paint is all it takes to fully transform the whole look of your kitchen. The rich, lustrous sheen make cabinets, doors and drawers glow with designer appeal.
Brightens & Modernizes Cabinets’ Appearance
Whether your existing cabinet finish looks worn or you simply want a style update, Emerald Urethane provides a fresh facelift. The smooth, luxurious finish gives old cabinets a bright, contemporary appeal.
Wide Range of Color Options
Emerald Urethane comes in the entire Sherwin Williams color palette, from light neutrals to deep bold hues. You can match virtually any kitchen decor from airy cottage to sleek modern. Choosing colors outside the standard wood tone stain options opens up new daring design possibilities!
Long-Lasting Protection & Durability
In addition to elevating kitchen style, Emerald Urethane also provides enduring protection against moisture, spills, heat and everyday use. The specialized resins create an extra tough armor against chips, cracks and scratches.
Resistant to Chipping, Scuffing & Staining
- The flexible yet incredibly hard film resists damage from regular opening/closing of cabinets and drawers.
- Easily wipes clean without etching or dulling the lustrous finish.
- Spilled liquids roll off instead of soaking into the paint.
Does Not Yellow Over Time Like Oil-Based
While oil-based paints develop an unsightly amber hue with age, Emerald maintains its true color year after year. The acrylic formula prevents yellowing from UV exposure.
Withstands Moisture & Temperature Extremes
You can use Emerald Urethane in steamy kitchens and seasonal porches without concern. Fluctuating humidity and temperatures do not degrade the super-resilient paint film.
Cost Benefit Analysis
Considering the huge cost of replacing old cabinets, Emerald Urethane offers substantial savings. The price per gallon lands in the middle range of premium paints. But when calculating cost per square foot covered, it delivers outstanding value.
Comparable Pricing But Less Labor Than New Cabinets
Upgrading cabinets through painting rather than replacement cuts out carpentry, demolition, haul away, and installation expenses. Factoring in labor savings, paint offers greater bang-for-your buck over new cabinets.
Lasting Upgrade Without Replacement Costs
While the initial paint investment seems small, remember you’ll enjoy the upgraded style for years without additional costs down the road. Unlike new cabinets that may need replacing again after one or two decades.
Step-By-Step Application Instructions
Achieving a flawless, professional-grade finish relies on proper prep and application techniques. Here’s an overview of each step for painting success with Emerald Urethane!
Prepwork
Prepping ensures maximum paint adhesion so your makeover lasts. Fill holes/cracks with spackle, then sand glossy areas to scuff up the surface. Clean with soap and water before priming bare wood, laminate or other slick surfaces for paint grip.
Painting Tips
- Use a high-density foam or microfiber roller for smooth application with minimal brush strokes.
- Employ the “cut in” technique of carefully edging corners and borders with an angled sash brush before rolling larger areas.
- Work methodically to prevent drips. Maintain a wet edge and evenly roll surfaces top to bottom or side to side.
- Use painters tape for ultra crisp paint lines if desired.
Proper curing produces the hardest, most durable film finish. Allow 7-14 days for full cure before stressing paint with cleaning products or heavy use.
Now you understand why the new generation of all-in-one paints like Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel qualifies as a miracle solution for upgrading kitchen cabinets without headaches! This ingenious paint innovation saves money over replacement while delivering spectacular style and durability. Give your outdated cabinets an unbelievable facelift with just a couple coats of this top-rated product.
