Benjamin Moore Advance is a superior paint for furniture and cabinetry. It is a waterborne alkyd enamel that cures evenly to an extremely durable, furniture-quality finish. Advance offers the traditional oil performance but with waterborne technology, low VOC, and easy cleanup with soap and water.

Before applying any type of paint to furniture, there are several important steps that need to be taken to ensure the best overall results. Check out these 10 Steps on How to Paint Furniture for proper preparation before painting.

Once the piece has been cleaned, repaired, and primed, you are ready to start painting. Benjamin Moore Advance is one of my absolute favorites. I first used Advance in 2011 when I painted the kitchen cabinets in our first home. I used a combination of a roller and brush, and the paint leveled beautifully. Nearly a decade later, when we were ready to list our home, the paint was still in great condition, making Benjamin Moore Advance my go-to choice for its durability.

Application

Personally, I prefer to spray Benjamin Moore Advance using my Fuji Semi-Pro 2 HVLP sprayer for a smooth, even finish. Advance can be thinned with water up to 6% by volume. I use the #4 Ford viscosity cup that came with my Fuji sprayer, diluting the paint to achieve a runout time of about 35 seconds, which I have found to be the sweet spot with Advance.

If brushing, I recommend using a quality nylon/polyester brush like Zibra. Natural-bristle brushes tend to absorb water and hinder the ability to achieve even coverage. When painting doors, it’s best to lay them horizontally to allow Advance to level out completely. Also, make sure the paint is dry to the touch (4-6 hours) before turning the pieces over to paint the other side.

Sanding Between Coats

To achieve the smoothest finish, it is important to sand between coats.

TIP: I test the paint to ensure it’s ready for another coat by sanding. If the paint creates dust, it’s ready; however, if the paint rolls up, it needs additional drying time.

Once the coat has completely dried, sand all surfaces with ultra-fine grit paper to smooth out any imperfections. Check for drips or pools in corners or on drawer edges. Then, vacuum and wipe clean with a tack cloth to remove all dust particles before applying the next coat.

Drying Time

Benjamin Moore Advance has a longer drying time compared to other paints. It is dry to the touch in 4-6 hours and can be recoated in approximately 16 hours.

Even though the drying time is longer, Benjamin Moore Advance doesn’t require a topcoat and is one of the most durable paints available. Allow the final coat several days to cure before using the piece regularly. With Advance, you can achieve an extremely smooth, professional furniture finish.

Finishes

Advance is available in matte, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss sheens. For whites, lighter colors, and heavily used furniture, I prefer a satin finish. When painting with darker colors, I love to mix the matte and satin finishes, creating a 50/50 mix that results in a beautiful, subtle sheen.

Color Selection

I have a passion for color and love finding new shades to try. Benjamin Moore Advance is available in thousands of colors. Below is a short list of a few of my current favorites:

• Natural Cream OC-14
• Iron Mountain 2134-30
• Coastal Fog 976
• Kingsport Gray HC-86
• Cromwell Gray HC-103

What are your favorite Benjamin Moore colors?