Best Enamel Paint for Furniture
Are you on the hunt for the best enamel paint for furniture? We know you are because you’re here, so we’ve done the research and work for you. This list covers the top enamel options for your furniture painting needs, so you can get started on your DIY project confidently.
Enamel paint is one of the types of paint for furniture you can use to transform your old or thrifted pieces. So we want you to use the best of the best! Keep reading to know these enamel paints better and narrow down your choices.
Enamel paint is a great choice for furniture because of its ease of use. You can choose to apply it with a paintbrush for a more traditional approach or use a paint sprayer for quicker coverage. This paint levels well, meaning it smooths out evenly without leaving any brush marks or texture.
Of course, it’s also a durable paint option, which is important for furniture that will be used frequently. You want a finish that can withstand daily wear and tear, especially if you have kids or pets. Enamel paint can hold up to heavy use and still look beautiful.
Some enamel paints do take longer to dry between coats, so you’ll have to be patient and make sure you have enough time for the full painting process. But once it’s dry, you’ll have a smooth and long lasting finish that will make all the time and effort worth it.
Now let’s dive into the best enamel paints for furniture you can use! We’ll go over their features as well as their pros and cons. These shall hopefully help you decide which one to go for.
Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel
Oh boy, do we love this enamel paint from Sherwin Williams! And we’re sure you will too. Let’s start with its durability – it’s perfect for furniture that sees a lot of action because it’s highly resistant to scratches.
It also has excellent adhesive properties, so you won’t have to worry about it chipping or peeling off easily. That is why it is the best paint for dining room table since it can handle all the activities happening on your table.
This enamel paint is water borne, which means easy clean up and no harsh fumes. But don’t be fooled, it dries hard and is just as durable as oil based paints. It’s also self leveling, so even if you choose to use a brush, it will still give you a smooth finish. But if you use a paint sprayer the result will be even better!
For color choices, you can tint it to any color you want. Yes, really! Just go to your local Sherwin Williams store and have it tinted to the shade of your choice. They can even try to color match a specific paint color you have in mind. Talk about convenience!
Then again, you can only buy this paint from Sherwin Williams retailers. There may be a store near you, but if not, you can still make the trip to get your hands on this amazing enamel paint. As they say, good things are worth the extra effort!
Pros
- Highly durable and scratch resistant
- Excellent adhesive properties, no chipping or peeling
- Water borne for easy clean up and no harsh fumes
- Self leveling for a smooth finish
- Can be tinted to any color of your choice
Cons
- Only available at Sherwin Williams retailers
You can read more on why the Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is the best Sherwin Williams paint for furniture here. Check out our Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel review too for a closer look into its performance.
Benjamin Moore Advance
Next on our best enamel paints list is the Benjamin Moore Advance. This paint is perfect for furniture or cabinets because of its waterborne formula that acts like a water based paint when wet and dries to a durable finish that rivals an oil based finish.
Another great thing about this paint is that you don’t need to thin it. That means you can start painting right away without any extra steps. I really have to warn you – do not thin it out because if you do, the paint may not harden properly.
Let’s talk coverage – one coat of this paint would be enough, but for that super smooth and professional finish, it’s best to go for two coats. But you have to know that drying time between coats can take up to 16 hours. You might want to plan ahead and give yourself enough time for the painting process.
From personal experience, you shouldn’t use a paint sprayer for Benjamin Moore Advance. I thinned it out to spray and it never cured. So I recommend sticking to a brush or roller for this one!
When it comes to color and finish options, you have a range to choose from with this paint. You can customize it to any color you want and choose from different sheens like Satin or High Gloss for your desired look. Check out other satin finish paint in our list of the best satin finish furniture paint!
However, keep in mind that this paint is only available at locally owned stores. Benjamin Moore does have a Store Locator page on their website, so you can easily find one near you. But if there isn’t one close by, that might be a bit of a challenge.
Pros
- Waterborne formula dries to a durable oil finish
- No need to thin the paint before use
- One coat coverage, but best results with two coats
- Customizable color options and sheens available
Cons
- Long drying time between coats, plan ahead
- Should not be thinned for use with a paint sprayer
- Only available at locally owned stores
Check out our Benjamin Moore Advance Paint review because I dive into this paint a lot deeper in this post. See this makeover as well to see how painting furniture with Benjamin Moore Advance Paint works.
Wise Owl One Hour Enamel
Lastly, we have the Wise Owl One Hour Enamel. It’s an acrylic enamel paint that’s easy to use as well – you can apply it with a brush, roller, or paint sprayer, whichever you prefer. It’s a versatile option, especially if you’re more comfortable with a certain method of painting.
This paint has a built in topcoat, which means you won’t have to spend money buying one as well as spend extra time and effort on applying it. It’s already included in the formula, so you have a durable finish right off the bat.
But while it claims that it dries and cures in one hour, it actually takes a bit longer. It’s also not as self leveling as the other two options, so if you’re after that smooth, pro look, you might need to put in a bit more work with this one.
Maybe that’s why I don’t exactly love it, but it’s still a great option for painting furniture! Here’s this painting a china cabinet makeover so you can see how we used the Wise Owl One Hour Enamel and how it turned out. Here’s our Wise Owl One Hour Enamel review for more detailed information about the product.
This Wise Owl enamel paint is more accessible compared to the other two paints we have mentioned though. You can buy it online, so that’s a plus point for them!
Pros
- Can be applied with a brush, roller, or paint sprayer
- Built in topcoat for added durability
- Versatile option for different painting methods
- Available for purchase online
Cons
- Longer drying and curing time than advertised
- Not as self leveling as other options
All three enamel paints we have featured – Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, Benjamin Moore Advance, and Wise Owl One Hour Enamel – are awesome options for painting your furniture. It boils down to personal preference and what works best for you.
The Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is highly durable and can be tinted to any color, but it’s only available at Sherwin Williams retailers. The Benjamin Moore Advance has a waterborne formula and great coverage, but it dries slowly and can’t be used with a sprayer. The Wise Owl One Hour Enamel is versatile for different painting methods, but isn’t as self-leveling.
So after looking into their pros and cons, which enamel paint are you leaning towards? No matter what you choose, we hope this guide has been helpful in your search for the best enamel paint for your furniture.
More Painting Furniture Tips
- Best Paint For Laminate Furniture
- Best Milk Paint For Furniture
- Best Paint For Bathroom Cabinets
- Best Acrylic Paint For Furniture
- Best Furniture Paint for Smooth Finish
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