Solvent-based polyurethane is suited for cabinets coated with oil-based paint. It is not suited for cabinets coated with water-based flat, eggshell or satin latex paint. if you apply a solvent-based polyurethane over a water-based finish, potential adhesion problems could lead to flaking.
If you prefer a slightly more subdued shine that's still highly durable, then semi-gloss is the better option. Gloss finishes: Gloss can resistant to scratches, chips, and other wear and tear. This makes it ideal for use in high-use areas such as the kitchen.
You can apply either water-based or oil-based polyurethane to unfinished or latex-painted cabinets. Oil-based products require two coats to sufficiently cover and protect the wood finish. You need to apply at least three coats of water-based products, due to the thinner consistency and tendency to show wear faster.
Cons of Water-Based Polyurethane
Expensive cost. Requires more coats. Scratches easier due to it hardness.
Oil-based polyurethane coatings provide excellent abrasion and scratch resistance. This makes them a good choice for wood floors or for any application such as cabinets, railings, or countertops where durability is critical. Oil-based polyurethane coatings achieve a rich, golden glow in few coats.
The most durable kitchen cabinet finish is a catalyzed conversion varnish. This is the most durable finish available for wood. It's chemical and moisture resistant, making it easy to clean. It's also more flexible.
Oil-Based Varnish
They are popular because they are durable and resist stains and moisture. Polyurethane is resistant to heat, chemicals, water, fungus, and mildew. It also protects your cabinets from scratches, dents, and smudges. There are some disadvantages.
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.
Floorthane is a non-yellowing single pack polyurethane, which cures by reaction with moisture in the air to an extremely tough and durable film.
If you're using water-based polyurethane, you should apply at least three coats to the surface. To create an especially thick surface, five to seven coats may be necessary.
Applying polyurethane with a roller is best for larger projects and surfaces where there aren't a ton of tight spaces. Otherwise, it might be a better idea to brush or spray polyurethane for a better finish.
All types of wood require at least two coats of oil-based polyurethane. The first coat works as a primer and sealer; the second serves as a finish coat. With water-based polyurethane, a third coat is recommended, because the finish wears away fairly quickly. Sand between coats if dust or lint gets into the wet finish.
Kitchen walls and especially kitchen cabinets require a paint finish that's tough, easy to wipe down, and attractive. Satin and eggshell paint finishes work well for kitchen walls, while semi-gloss proves best for kitchen cabinets.
Polyurethane is a good choice for kitchen cabinets because it helps protect the wood from moisture damage and wear and tear, which can be especially important in a room with high humidity like the kitchen. It also helps keep the cabinets looking new and extends their lifespan.
CONVERSION VARNISH vs LACQUER
For the best custom cabinet finish, our choice is Conversion Varnish (CV) over Lacquer, and here's why… The CV topcoat is extremely durable and easy to clean. It is resistant to heat, water, wear, solvents, acids, and alkalis.
Most manufacturers of modern assembled kitchen cabinets use a polyurethane catalyzed varnish as a topcoat. Varnish provides cabinetry with extra durability and heat resistance. All-natural cabinets will require a varnish, at a minimum, as a finish.
Natural light: Gloss cabinetry will magnify the natural light in your kitchen. Matte finishes soften the appearance of the cabinetry while adding depth and dimension. High-gloss cabinetry can make the room feel brighter and larger than it really is; in rooms that don't have great natural light, this can be a plus.
Steer clear of finishes that show fingerprints and water spots like stainless steel or chrome. They're also harder to clean. Oil-rubbed bronze, satin bronze, brushed or polished nickel and white hardware are all much easier to maintain. Choose the finish that matches your style and kitchen design.
Before your final coat of paint, gently sand your cabinets using 300-400 grit sandpaper. This super-fine sandpaper will knock down any brush strokes and roller marks to give you a super smooth surface to work with. Be sure your paint brush is clean and the bristles are smooth.
What kind of stain do you use on cabinets? The easiest product for staining cabinets is a water-based stain, but oil-based stains and varnishes are also used frequently. However, oil-based stains have a strong odor that some people don't like and take longer to dry than water-based stains.
THICKNESS AND HARDNESS: Oil based poly is a thicker poly, but it is also softer. Water based poly, an acrylic product, is a thinner, but harder coating. Oil poly can be more susceptible to dents, while water based poly can be more susceptible to surface scratching.
Polyurethane is better for durability, but polycrylic is better for interior surfaces like cabinets, furniture, and trim. However, for light painted furniture and cabinets, polycyrlic is preferred because it doesn't yellow on the surface.
DURABILITY: If each product is applied properly using quality products, the difference in durability is indiscernible. A lot of clients think that water-based poly is not as durable as an oil-based poly, but a quality water-based poly will last just as long if it is well taken care of!