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.
Hardwood. Arguably the most durable material for kitchen cabinets, hardwood is solid wood. Some hardwood types, such as hickory or maple, will resist scratching and denting more than softwood species like walnut and mahogany. However, the former will cost more due to durability and overall quality.
Waterborne UV finishes are the best quality for creating the most durable cabinetry. With its eco-friendly composition, and fast-drying features, waterborne UV cures are the top of the line cabinet finish in the marketplace. Whatever finish you choose, add a polyurethane varnish on top.
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.
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.
In general, enamel paint refers to any paint that has incredible durability and dries to a tough, hard finish that can withstand a lot of abuse. If a paint can label has the word “enamel”, you can be sure that it's some of the toughest paint around.
Oak and hickory are some of the strongest, most reliable wood species available for custom cabinet doors. They generally cost more, but they mix beauty with long-lasting reliability. If you want doors that resist impacts and warping, these two would be good choices.
A polyurethane varnish finish can cut down on the wear and tear of kitchen cabinets, help keep them looking new and extend the life of the cabinets. Polyurethane works best on unfinished wood but can also be painted directly onto painted surfaces.
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.
Thermofoil fronts are a lot more stable to MDF being used as the core; however, because of the nature of how they are made, they can be susceptible to heat. Extended exposure to a heat source will result in the plastic material peeling away from the core and discoloring.
Painted kitchen cabinets can be very durable and look as good as new a decade after painting. But only if they are painted right. The durability of painted kitchen cabinets depends on the type of paint used, the application method and the number of coats applied.
A tough resin made from the secretions of the Indian lac beetle, shellac protects wooden cabinets and gives them a high-gloss finish. Shellac serves as a non-toxic, repairable and moisture-resistant finishing option. This natural sealant also requires less prep and application time than other finishes.
The 5 best and most popular woods for kitchen cabinets are pine, oak, hickory, cherry, and maple. Pine, oak, and hickory are cheaper and easier to get. Cherry and maple look luxurious and cost more than the others. All 5 work well in the kitchen's hot and humid environment.
MDF is an engineered product made from soft and hardwood residuals (such as sawdust) and is held together by glue or resins. The materials and production process make MDF much heavier than most woods but also give it a smooth surface that is perfect for painted cabinets.
Durability-wise, thermofoil stands up to daily use and general wear and tear better than a painted cabinet. The finish holds up strongly against regular household damage such as water spills or light hand scratches due to its plastic coating.
Despite being available in variances, polyurethane is more durable. It is thick and leaves a strong coating. Lacquer is thin and penetrates the wood surface. It is also durable but susceptible to scratches and discoloration after some time.
Most kitchen cabinets require three to four coats of polyurethane to achieve a durable, long lasting finish. Sand, wipe and apply polyurethane until the desired coating is achieved.
The formula has an acrylic base; polyurethane is added for better adhesion and durability. Polycrylic is not as durable as polyurethane and is meant to be used only on interior surfaces such as cabinets, furniture, and trim.
Cherry Cabinets Pros
Better choice for dark cabinets - Cherry takes to dark stain better than maple, so it is the better choice if you want dark cabinets. Grain pattern - Those who prefer a distinct, noticeable wood grain tend to love cherry cabinets. Resale value - Cherry is very popular with homebuyers right now.
While oak really shines when it comes to use in furniture, flooring, and cabinet making due to its denseness and durability, birch makes for a very popular alternative. Birch can be a more economical choice and will suit certain styles of furniture better than oak.
Most cabinets available for purchase will be some form of engineered wood with a wood veneer or painted finish. This is particularly true for the box of the cabinet. The use of engineered wood is a good thing as plywood boxes are the sturdiest and most durable.
For wood, brushing is fine, but you may want to hire a professional for a good finish. Using a roller to paint cabinets is a lot faster than brush painting, however, the fabric on the roller will create a 'bobbly' texture on the surface. The texture a roller puts on cabinets makes it unsuitable for gloss paint.
Brushing allows the painters to apply the color directly to the surface of the cabinets, only wasting the small amount left on their brushes at the end of the project. Spraying atomizes the paint, meaning some of the droplets inevitably float away, and any paint left in the tubing of the sprayer goes to waste.
Many professionals now use latex paint, citing the improvements to the formula and the as-good-as finish they can get on most surfaces. We actually prefer a third type of paint for cabinets, the hybrid enamel.