05/20/2026
One of the questions I get asked most often is what products I use during the refinishing process… so let’s talk paint for a minute 🎨
My go-to is the Benjamin Moore Advance line in a satin finish. It’s specifically recommended for cabinets and wood furniture, and after trying quite a few brands over the years, I keep coming back to it.
The biggest reason? The self-leveling finish. That means as the paint dries, it smooths itself out beautifully, helping reduce brush and roller marks for that clean factory-like finish we all love. Of course, technique matters too — I’ve definitely learned along the way that the type of roller you use can make a huge difference!
Now for the downside… the recoat time. Advance recommends about 16 hours between coats, which can feel like forever when I’m squeezing projects into weekends and evenings. A piece that looks “almost done” can easily turn into a multi-weekend project.
And here’s a fun refinishing fact: dry time and cure time are NOT the same thing 👀
A piece may feel dry to the touch in a few hours, but full cure time — when the paint fully hardens and becomes durable — can take days or even weeks depending on the product. That’s why I always recommend gentle use at first, even after pickup!
Furniture refinishing is definitely a lesson in patience… but when that smooth finish finally comes together, it’s worth it ✨
