When it comes to refreshing kitchen or bathroom cabinets, finding the right paint is crucial. After testing different products, I decided to give INSL-X Cabinet Coat a try.
I had heard good things about it, particularly how it claims to create a smooth, durable, “factory-like” finish without needing a primer.
Naturally, I was curious and wanted to see if it could live up to the hype. I’ll be sharing my thoughts, tips for maintaining the finish, how it compares with other brands, and where you should consider purchasing it.
My Experience Using INSL-X Cabinet Coat
Let me walk you through my experience using INSL-X Cabinet Coat for my kitchen cabinets. I was ready for a little DIY transformation and wanted to bring my aging cabinets back to life without spending a fortune on new ones.
- Application and Coverage
When I first started applying the paint, I noticed immediately how smoothly it went on.
It provided excellent coverage, even on surfaces like varnished wood, which can sometimes be tricky to paint.
What really stood out to me was the paint’s adhesion to the cabinets.
Typically, you’d expect to need a primer on such surfaces, but INSL-X promises that you don’t. And surprisingly, it delivered on that promise.
The two coats I applied left my cabinets looking brand new. With a semi-gloss finish, they had a subtle sheen, not too glossy, which gave them a modern, clean look.
INSL-X Cabinet Coat is designed to cover between 350 to 450 square feet per gallon, and in my case, I was able to paint all my kitchen cabinets with a single gallon.
- Durability
What really impressed me was how durable the finish turned out. After several weeks of regular use, the cabinets showed no signs of chipping, scuffing, or staining, even with exposure to food stains and grease.
This is a huge plus, especially if you have kids or use the kitchen a lot. The paint’s ability to resist wear and tear without looking dull was a game-changer.
Pros of INSL-X Cabinet Coat
The standout feature of INSL-X Cabinet Coat is its versatility and ease of use. For anyone looking to refurbish their cabinets without being a professional, this paint offers excellent user-friendly properties.
The smooth application makes it almost foolproof, ensuring that even those with minimal painting experience can achieve a polished, professional finish.
This is a big plus if you’re attempting a DIY project and want confidence that the results will look top-notch.
One of the most significant advantages is its no-primer-needed formula.
Not only does this save time, but it also cuts down on costs. I was thrilled to be able to skip the priming step, especially on tricky surfaces like varnished wood.
For anyone who has tried painting over varnish before, you’ll know how frustrating it can be to get paint to adhere properly. With INSL-X, that worry is eliminated, making the whole process smoother and more efficient.
Another huge perk is the durability of the paint. Kitchen cabinets endure a lot of wear and tear, from daily use to exposure to grease and stains. INSL-X stands up remarkably well to all of this, maintaining its finish even after several weeks of heavy use.
Plus, the semi-gloss finish strikes the perfect balance between sheen and practicality—it’s glossy enough to be wipeable but not so shiny that it looks cheap or overly reflective.
The low odor is a minor yet noteworthy point. If you’ve ever painted indoors, you know how overwhelming fumes can be. With INSL-X, the painting experience was much more pleasant, as the smell was minimal, allowing me to work without worrying about ventilation as much.
Cons of INSL-X Cabinet Coat
Despite its many strengths, there are a few things to keep in mind before using INSL-X Cabinet Coat:
- Long Drying Time: Although the paint applies smoothly, it does take a while to dry completely. Be prepared for some downtime between coats.
- Requires Patience: The drying time between coats might be frustrating if you’re looking to finish your project quickly.
- Limited Color Range: Compared to other brands, INSL-X Cabinet Coat doesn’t offer as wide of a color selection, so if you’re looking for a very specific shade, you might feel a bit limited.
Maintenance Tips For INSL-X Cabinet Coat
Once you’ve completed your painting project, proper maintenance will help ensure your cabinets continue to look fresh and new for a long time. Here are a few tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Wipe down your cabinets regularly with a soft, damp cloth to avoid grease or dust buildup. You don’t need harsh chemicals—warm water with mild soap works just fine.
- Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Since the paint finish is delicate, avoid using anything too abrasive, like scouring pads or harsh chemicals, which can dull the finish or cause it to wear faster.
- Touch-Ups: Keep a little leftover paint on hand for touch-ups. Though the paint is durable, high-traffic areas may show minor wear over time.
How INSL-X Cabinet Coat Compares To Other Brands?
When I started my cabinet-painting journey, I compared several popular brands of cabinet paint. Here’s how INSL-X stacks up against the competition:
- INSL-X Vs. Benjamin Moore Advance
Benjamin Moore Advance is often seen as the gold standard for cabinet painting, and for good reason—it offers excellent flow and leveling for that coveted smooth finish.
However, what sets INSL-X Cabinet Coat apart is its no-primer-needed formula.
Benjamin Moore Advance requires a primer, which adds an extra step and more drying time.
So, if you’re looking for something quicker and less labor-intensive, INSL-X is the better choice.
Another point of comparison is drying and curing time. While Benjamin Moore’s finish is beautiful, it takes longer to cure, meaning you might have to wait a bit before using your cabinets again. INSL-X dries relatively faster and gives you a high-quality finish without the long waiting period.
- INSL-X Vs. Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations
Rust-Oleum is a popular brand, especially for beginners. It comes with all the tools and instructions needed for a DIY cabinet makeover. However, INSL-X offers a more professional-looking finish.
Rust-Oleum’s kit is more of a beginner-friendly product that’s great for quick fixes, but the result won’t compare to the smooth, durable, factory-like finish that INSL-X provides.
If you want a more polished and lasting outcome, especially for kitchen or bathroom cabinets, INSL-X is a more reliable option.
- INSL-X Vs. Behr Premium Cabinet & Trim Enamel
Behr’s Cabinet & Trim Enamel is another strong contender, and like INSL-X, it’s praised for its smooth application and durability. The difference lies in ease of use and coverage.
While Behr requires a bit more effort in terms of applying multiple coats for full coverage, INSL-X Cabinet Coat offers better adhesion on tricky surfaces and usually covers more with fewer coats.
Behr is a solid option, but INSL-X gets the edge for providing more convenience, especially for cabinets that have already been painted or varnished.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, one of the best features of INSL-X Cabinet Coat is that it doesn’t require a primer. This makes it a time-saver when working with cabinets, especially those that are already finished or varnished. The paint is designed to adhere well to hard-to-coat surfaces like polyurethane and varnish without the need for an additional primer.
INSL-X Cabinet Coat is certainly one of the top choices when it comes to kitchen cabinets. Its semi-gloss finish is ideal for kitchens since it resists stains, grease, and wear from daily use. However, Benjamin Moore Advance and Behr Premium Cabinet & Trim Enamel are also great alternatives, depending on your needs and preferences.
The best brand depends on what you’re looking for. If you need something quick and easy without primer, INSL-X Cabinet Coat is a fantastic option. For more color variety or different finishes, you might want to consider Benjamin Moore or Behr.
Applying INSL-X Cabinet Coat is straightforward, but preparation is key. Start by cleaning the cabinets thoroughly to remove any grease or dust. Use a fine-grit sandpaper to lightly scuff the surface if necessary, ensuring the paint will adhere better. Apply the first coat evenly with a brush or roller, and allow it to dry before applying a second coat. It’s important to let the paint cure fully before putting your cabinets back into heavy use.
Conclusion: Is INSL-X Cabinet Coat Worth It?
From my experience, INSL-X Cabinet Coat is definitely worth considering for anyone looking to refresh their kitchen or bathroom cabinets. The smooth application, durable finish, and convenience of not needing a primer make it an excellent choice for DIYers.
While it may take a little longer to dry, the end result is a professional, factory-like finish that will last for years.
If you’re looking to buy this product, I’d recommend checking it out on Amazon for fast delivery or visiting a local paint store to get professional advice. Whether you’re sprucing up your kitchen, bathroom, or even furniture, INSL-X Cabinet Coat offers a reliable and high-quality solution for a DIY project you’ll be proud of.