Acrylic finishes are a blend of 100% acrylic co-polymers, an aggregate either composed of marble or quartz, liquid pigments and other proprietary ingredients. This “high performing” finish was originally designed to go over Exterior Insulation Finish Systems known as EIFS.
Acrylic Finish
A type of finish similar to lacquer, acrylic is a non-toxic, reflective high gloss finish which can give cabinets a smooth appearance. It is available in a wide range of colours and will give a mirror-like look to your kitchen cabinets.
Since most lighting tends to highlight the upper cabinets, use acrylic finishes on them for a glossy, attractive look. Laminate is a good choice for lower cabinets since they are likely to see more wear and tear. You can choose textures and colours that complement each other for a coordinated look.
Best Acrylic Laminates
StyleLite acrylic sheets are designed to be laminated using various methods and adhesives (including PUR lamination) typically onto an MDF substrate of varying thicknesses to create acrylic panels which provide a perfectly flat surface that is far superior to paints, lacquers, HPLs and TFLs.
High gloss laminates give a similar appearance to acrylic, but without brilliance. The result will be a bit more subdued. Acrylic finishes are waterproof and resistant to heat. Laminates are moisture and heat resistant.
Compared to acrylic, PVC has a wider range of colors. Acrylic finishes are scratch-resistant and do not decay over the years, but PVC laminating maintains a seamless and glossy appearance. Acrylic surfaces can be scratched with very sharp objects.
While acrylic laminates offer a high-end look, PVC laminates are the more economical option. They come in a variety of colours and textures, with the added advantage of higher durability. However, if budget is not a concern for you, nothing speaks class like acrylic laminates.
Acrylic paints are ideal finish materials for wooden kitchen cabinets. They strongly adhere to wood and are peel-resistant. Although more expensive than the other types of paints, acrylic paints are extremely durable.
While there are many types of paint to choose from, the best paint for kitchen cabinets is typically semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Matte is not practical in kitchens and baths where you will need durable paint you can easily clean.
If you're looking for a glossy finish for your wardrobes and kitchen cabinets, acrylic is the way to go. The almost mirror-like surface is a non-toxic finish that gives a sheen look to your kitchen and plush appeal to your bedroom.
Perspex sheets melt at high temperatures or from exposure to direct flames. The melting point for acrylic plastic is 160 degrees C, so they cannot withstand extreme temperatures. Acrylic is tough and durable, but can also be easily scratched.
On average, semi-gloss oil-based paint is the most durable finish for kitchen cabinets. Because of its sheen, semi-gloss paint can reflect light and remain durable for a long time.
When acrylic stucco is painted properly –from surface prep to selecting a high-quality coating specifically made for stucco- the finish can have a long life expectancy, easily more than 15 years.
The acrylic is generally a much higher quality. Acrylic doors are much more durable and will not peel. They are available in a wide range of colours and made to measure sizes, meaning there are virtually no restrictions if you have an odd sized cabinet that you need a door to fit.
Compared to Paint, Laminate is the costlier option. However, they are also more durable and long-lasting than paint. This will even out the costs over time. Merino Laminates is a global leader in the laminates industry, and one of the largest manufacturers of laminates and panels in the world.
Since glossy finishes are the quickest to show scratches and stains, matte finishes are ideal for those who want to hide their furniture's imperfections. On the other hand, cabinets with a matte finish absorb light instead of reflecting it. As a result, this finish will not help your space feel bigger.
While satin finishes tend to be fairly durable in high traffic areas, they're not as durable and versatile as semi-gloss against mildew and mold. Kitchen cabinets in high moisture environments can, therefore, do better with semi-gloss paints.
Using a paint sprayer is one of the easiest ways to get a super smooth finish on your cabinets. By their very nature, paint sprayers eliminate brush strokes and roller marks completely. And painting with a paint sprayer is almost always faster than using a paint roller and paint brush.
Latex paint tends to give better coverage with fewer coats. Therefore, it tends to be used for exterior and interior painting more than acrylic. However, acrylic paint is more effective if there will be much movement of the materials. For example, acrylic is still a great choice for painting exterior wood.
Semi-gloss: This is the best choice when painting kitchen cabinets. Because it has some sheen, semi-gloss paint will help reflect light and be more durable in the long run, which is important in a kitchen environment.
#3 Durability
Acrylic is a highly durable material that retains its visual appeal for many decades. It is also scratch resistant and therefore regular wear and tear is not a setback. The gloss and shine remain intact for a substantial number of years.
Acrylic in the modern era and in general is used for a variety of applications that typically take advantage of its natural transparency and the impact resistance of certain variants. Common uses include lenses, acrylic nails, paint, security barriers, medical devices, LCD screens, and furniture.
This means that with proper maintenance of the Plexiglas® acrylic sheet, it should last 10 years or more before it ever yellows.
Acrylic can scratch easily, so avoid contact with sharp or abrasive items. If you want to place a metal or similarly hard-edged object on top of an acrylic table or tray, Von Furstenberg suggests adhering felt pads to the underside of the piece to prevent it from scraping against the delicate surface.
Acrylic is a transparent plastic material with outstanding strength, stiffness, and optical clarity. Acrylic sheet is easy to fabricate, bonds well with adhesives and solvents, and is easy to thermoform. It has superior weathering properties compared to many other transparent plastics.