Apr 15, 2025

The Best Paint for High-Traffic Areas Like Trim and Cabinets: Achieve a Durable, Beautiful Finish

The Best Paint for High-Traffic Areas Like Trim and Cabinets: Achieve a Durable, Beautiful Finish

High-traffic areas in the home, such as trim, doors, and cabinets, demand special attention. They’re subject to constant touching, cleaning, and general wear and tear, so a standard wall paint simply won’t cut it here. To ensure a long-lasting, professional look, we recommend using Sherwin-Williams Extreme Bond Primer and ProClassic Interior Waterbased Acrylic-Alkyd Enamel.

Why High-Traffic Areas Need Specialized Paint

Doors, trim, and cabinets are some of the most frequently used surfaces in any home, making them more prone to scuffs, chips, and other forms of damage. To combat this, using a durable, high-adhesion primer and a resilient topcoat can protect these surfaces while maintaining a fresh, beautiful finish. Investing in the right products for these areas helps save time and money on touch-ups, providing a polished look that will withstand daily use.

Step 1: Start with Sherwin-Williams Extreme Bond Primer

Sherwin-Williams Extreme Bond Primer is a game-changer when it comes to priming tricky surfaces. This shellac-based primer is designed to adhere to slick, glossy, or challenging surfaces, making it ideal for use on cabinets and trim.

  • Excellent Adhesion: Extreme Bond Primer is formulated to stick to surfaces that typically resist paint, such as laminate, glossy finishes, and certain types of wood. This strong adhesion means your topcoat will last longer and resist peeling or chipping.
  • Smooth Application: It provides a smooth base layer that enhances the look of the final coat, allowing for a professional-quality finish.
  • Fast Drying: This primer dries quickly, allowing you to move on to your topcoat faster and complete your project efficiently.

By using Extreme Bond Primer, you ensure your cabinets and trim are prepped to withstand whatever life throws at them—especially in busy households with kids or pets.

Step 2: Top it Off with ProClassic Interior Waterbased Acrylic-Alkyd Enamel

Once your primer has dried, the next step is to apply Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Interior Waterbased Acrylic-Alkyd Enamel. This high-performance paint is engineered specifically for high-touch areas and combines the benefits of both acrylic and alkyd formulas.

  • Durability and Resistance: ProClassic is designed to resist chipping, scuffing, and stains, making it a top choice for surfaces that experience a lot of contact, like cabinets, doors, and trim.
  • Smooth Finish: Its unique formula allows it to self-level, creating a smooth, professional-looking finish that closely resembles the finish on factory-painted furniture.
  • Easy to Clean: This paint’s durable finish stands up well to regular cleaning, making it perfect for high-traffic areas in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.
  • Eco-Friendly Option: Unlike traditional oil-based paints, ProClassic’s water-based formula is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it an environmentally conscious choice that won’t leave lingering fumes in your home.

Additional Tips for High-Traffic Area Painting

  • Apply Two Coats: For maximum durability, applying two coats of ProClassic ensures the best protection against daily wear and tear.
  • Use High-Quality Brushes or Rollers: The right tools can make a difference in achieving a smooth finish, especially with self-leveling paint like ProClassic.
  • Consider Satin or Semi-Gloss Sheen: These finishes are easier to clean than flat or matte, making them ideal for cabinets and trim.

At Midway Painting Company, we are experienced in preparing and painting high-traffic areas with products that protect and enhance your home’s beauty. Reach out to us to discuss the best options for your trim, doors, and cabinets. Our team uses proven techniques to ensure a finish that lasts and looks fantastic for years to come.

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