You can also choose between varnish or polyurethane for kitchen cabinet protection. Polyurethane is a plastic-like topcoat that applies clear and offers ultimate durability against dirt and damage. Varnish is similar but adds a glossier film that gives it additional protection against high-moisture areas.
Semi-gloss finishes like polyurethane are known for their easy application and high durability. A good quality semi-gloss finish should be resistant to a wide variety of things, including heat, chemicals, scratches, water, fungus, and mildew.
The best finish for kitchen cabinets is a paint that is satin or semigloss in sheen for easy cleaning. The shineness of the paint protects the surface best. Also use an alkyd paint like Benajmin Moore Advance after you've properly prepped or Sherwin Williams ProClassic Urethane.
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.
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.
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.
If you're looking for a finish that offers superior durability and protection, polyurethane is your best bet. However, if you want a beautiful, glossy finish that is easier to repair, lacquer is the way to go.
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.
A 2 component polyurethane finish offers a combination of durability, moisture resistance, and easy maintenance - making it an excellent choice for your new kitchen cabinet doors.
The paint does not require any type of sealer because of the built-in urethane.
When it comes to kitchen cabinets, the most popular sheens are usually satin and semi-gloss. Here's why: Satin: Satin finishes are a favorite because they provide a soft shine that adds a touch of elegance without being too flashy.
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.
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.
High Gloss Paint:
High-gloss paint provides a very shiny, reflective surface. It's the most durable finish, easy to clean, and perfect for modern kitchens where a sleek, polished look is the goal. However, high gloss can highlight imperfections, so your prep work needs to be flawless to achieve the best results.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prime the Surfaces Well
Priming is a very important aspect in painting that guarantees the durability of painted surfaces. Avoid buying all in one primer and paint as this will produce unsatisfactory work. Use oil primer and paint as they give the most excellent and long-lasting impact on the kitchen cabinets.
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.
The Short Answer: All polyurethane will yellow over time. While modern technology has extended the amount of time it takes to yellow and reduced the extent it can yellow by, ALL polyurethane (including polyacrylics) will yellow.
Shellac – Shellac is a varnish made from the resin of the lac bug. It is a softer finish that is often recommended for lighter-colored woods. It is also better for areas with high moisture and frequent wear, as it dries much faster than polyurethane.