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.
Emerald® Urethane Trim EnamelTip: Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel, Gloss, Semi-Gloss or Satin Sheen is among the best paint for kitchen cabinet top coats because it has excellent flow and leveling characteristics, which means a smooth and durable finish on cabinets, doors and trim.''
Varnish Cabinet Finish
It provides a clear layer of protection that enhances the natural look of the wood. Durability: Varnish is highly durable and provides excellent protection against moisture, heat, and scratches. It's an excellent choice for high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen.
If you go with polyurethane, go with the oil-based version. Oil-based polyurethane will give your cabinets a lustrous finish, deepen the wood's color, and work well with almost any wood species.
For high-traffic areas and outdoor projects, polyurethane—especially the oil-based variety—is the best choice due to its superior durability and resistance to water and heat. For indoor projects, particularly those involving light-colored wood or areas with minimal wear and tear, polycrylic is an excellent option.
One of the drawbacks of polycrylic is that it has a loose, runny consistency that can be difficult to apply to vertical surfaces. It dries quickly, making it a great choice for small woodworking projects.
Satin: Satin finishes are a favorite because they provide a soft shine that adds a touch of elegance without being too flashy. They are durable enough to handle the wear and tear of a kitchen while still being easy to clean. Satin finishes help cabinets look fresh and modern while maintaining a classic appeal.
Apply either oil-based or water-based polyurethane with a brush, lambs-wool applicator, or lint-free cloth. Latex polyurethane is easy to use with a sprayer; oil-based poly tends to clog up the works, so you're better off doing this by hand. All types of wood require at least two coats of oil-based polyurethane.
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.
Satin: Satin paint has a smooth, velvety finish with a subtle sheen. It doesn't reflect as much light as semi-gloss, making it ideal for cabinets, and walls where you want to minimize imperfections.
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.
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.
Melamine finishes are some of the most durable and versatile cabinet finishes out there! Cabinets with a melamine finish are made by heat-sealing thermally fused melamine resin (TFM) to a hard wood substrate such as pressed wood, medium-density fiberboard, or plywood.
We recommend using one of two products: Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel or Benjamin Moore's Advance. Both of these products will give your cabinets a much longer paint lifespan because they're specifically designed for painting cabinets and trim.
The paint does not require any type of sealer because of the built-in urethane.
Fortunately, you do not have to remove the entire layer of clear coat to repaint your car. If your car has a clear coat, simply scuff the area you want to paint. This promotes better paint adhesion, allowing you to successfully repaint your vehicle without the hassle of removing the automotive clear coating.
A urethane clearcoat, the CC950 Appearance Plus Performance Clearcoat is considered our best overall clearcoat and the easiest to apply (for multi-panel and overall repairs). Scratch resistant, CC950 delivers maximum gloss and holdout.
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.
Many customers choose water-based polyurethane as a greener alternative to oil-based finishes. Water-based poly's low VOCs and fast dry times make the application process less of a hassle for homeowners. If homeowners are open to the idea of vacating for an extended period, oil-based poly is an option.
Choose the Varnish/Coating: Select a clear that is suitable for wood surfaces, either oil-based or water-based. Apply the Varnish/Coating: Stir well and apply evenly with a brush, and work in thin, even coats. Start from the top and work down to prevent drips.
But if having kitchen cabinets that are long-lasting and durable, we'd suggest opting for a gloss finish. Even though both satin and semi-gloss finishes are both durable, both have minor disadvantages that gloss does not have. At the end of the day, the finish that you choose is a personal preference.
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).
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.