Benjamin Moore Advance vs SW Emerald Trim Enamel
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
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Benjamin Moore Advance Waterborne Alkyd Enamel
A waterborne alkyd enamel that self-levels like oil paint for a smooth, factory-like finish and cures hard on cabinets, trim and doors, with soap-and-water cleanup and low VOC. Patience is required: full cure takes up to 30 days, so surfaces can dent if used too soon, the ~16-hour recoat slows work, and it is BM-dealer-only.
| Type | Waterborne alkyd |
|---|---|
| Sheens | Matte, satin, semi-gloss, high-gloss |
| Recoat | ~16 hrs (full cure up to 30 days) |
| Cleanup | Soap and water |
| Use | Interior cabinetry, trim, doors |
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel
A waterbased urethane-alkyd enamel that levels to near-sprayed smoothness even when brushed and cures rock-hard into a washable, scuff- and moisture-resistant shell for cabinets and trim. It is among the priciest DIY trim paints at over $100 a gallon, its long cure means early use can mar the finish, and it can show lap marks if overworked in heat.
| Type | Waterbased urethane-alkyd |
|---|---|
| Sheens | Satin, semi-gloss, gloss |
| Recoat | ~16-24 hrs (full cure 7-30 days) |
| Coverage | ~400 sq ft/gal |
| Cleanup | Soap and water |
Our verdict
Both are top-tier, self-leveling cabinet and trim enamels that cure rock-hard. Advance is a touch more forgiving to brush and slightly cheaper, with a very long 30-day cure. Emerald Trim Enamel is the most durable and washable of the two and is interior/exterior rated, but costs more and can show lap marks if overworked. Pick Advance for the smoothest brushing experience, Emerald for maximum toughness and moisture resistance.