Glossy paints — including semi-gloss, high-gloss, and satin — are typically better options for kitchen cabinets. Semi-gloss: As one of the most popular paint finishes for kitchen cabinets, semi-gloss has a medium shine that reflects light well, making the cabinets look brighter and more polished.
Recommendation: For most kitchens, a semi-gloss finish is the best choice. It strikes the perfect balance between durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal. Satin finishes are also a good choice if you prefer less shine, while gloss finishes are great for a more modern, high-impact look.
The best way how to seal painted kitchen cabinets is with a high-quality, oil-based primer. An oil-based primer will form a powerful connection between the painted cabinet and its surface, delivering top-notch protection against damage.
Semi-Gloss Finish
As the most popular sheen, semi-gloss provides your kitchen cabinets with a nice shine that is not overbearing.
Most polycrylics or polyurethane products would be perfectly fine for this job. The key is to check the directions and make sure that whatever finish you choose is meant to be applied to painted surfaces. Additionally, oil-based sealers have an amber hue to them and can affect your paint color.
We usually use professional-grade lacquer because it has a lovely, silky-smooth feel to it, and is what cabinet manufacturers use. We think it's the best paint for cabinets, hands-down (although there are some great pro-level water-based options as well).
What can I put over painted cabinets to prevent chipping? A professional interior painter will use a topcoat sealer to protect painted cabinets from chipping. A resilient, top-notch poly or acrylic coating is recommended for enduring protection against wear and tear.
In addition, cabinet painters choose paints with the optimal shine. High-gloss and semi-gloss paints work best on cabinets because they have a stronger finish when compared to other sheens. They are also easier to clean and maintain than a matte finish.
Tip: Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel in Gloss, Semi-Gloss or Satin sheen is among the best paint for kitchen cabinets because it has excellent flow and leveling characteristics, resulting in a smooth and durable finish.
After you apply paint and primer, you'll want to finish your cabinet doors with a high-quality, durable topcoat. The three most popular types of topcoats are polyurethane, lacquer, and wax finishes.
Polyurethane: A type of varnish that is made from a mixture of resin and polyurethane. It's the most durable type of wood varnish, and it's also resistant to water, scratches, and fading.
Yes, you can apply polycrylic over paint as a protective topcoat. However, ensuring the paint is completely dry before applying the polycrylic is important. You may also want to sand the paint lightly before applying the polycrylic to help it adhere better.
Whether you have painted cabinets or you want to highlight the natural beauty of the material, a clear coat is a great choice to complete the project. Clear coat helps protect your cabinet doors and drawer fronts whether they are painted or stained.
INDUSTRY STANDARD FOR CABINETS
Typically most semi-custom and custom cabinet companies use about a 20 – 25 degree sheen as a topcoat finish. The result is what some might define as a semi-gloss finish.
For those looking for paint rollers for a smooth finish, high-density foam rollers should be your first stop. While high-density foam rollers are great, they are not the only option. Lint-free short nap rollers are another excellent choice for achieving a smooth finish.
Choose high-quality paint. Special cabinet paints are available that provide a smooth finish, but any high-quality paint should work. Make sure your paint is acrylic, not vinyl. Acrylic latex-based paint is durable and easy to clean up.
Wood, wood-laminate and metal cabinets usually can be repainted without difficulty. Plastic laminate cabinets might not accept a topcoat of paint — those that can be refinished often require special paints and techniques, and results can vary.
You'll apply primer first with a brush to “cut in” those hard-to-reach crevices and edges, then go back over the surface with a roller. After your primer is dry, sand everything gently with 220-grit sandpaper. Remove dust with a tack cloth or compressed air, and get ready to paint.
With proper care of professionally painted kitchen cabinets, you can expect your newly painted cabinets to last 8-10 years! While new cabinets will last you much longer, they will also cost thousands more, which can be an unnecessary expense in some cases.
The best clear coat for kitchen cabinets is typically a polyurethane finish, which is known for its durability and resistance to scratches, heat, and moisture. Both oil-based and water-based polyurethanes are popular choices, with water-based options being favored for their lower odor and faster drying time.
Complete the Job by Sealing Your Cabinets
After all, even the highest-quality paints will fade and deteriorate over time. To prolong the lifespan of your cabinet paint job, then, finish the job by sealing your cabinets with a transparent top-coat.
One of the most common causes of peeling, bubbling, or cracking paint is that the surface was not properly prepared by cleaning, sanding and removing grease and dust before painting.
If your furniture has a shiny, glossy topcoat or finish, a waxy topcoat or finish, a polyurethane finish, or has laminate, most types of paint will not be able to stick. If this is the cause of your furniture peeling, you will have three solutions here.