My favorite sealer for painted furniture is General Finishes High Performance Top Coat and this would also be my first choice for sealing cabinets. It is water-based, non-yellowing, and extremely easy to work with (unlike many other sealers).
The best topcoats for kitchen cabinets are polyurethane semi-gloss. These finishes are made to seal in your paint underneath so that it does not affect the outcome of your clear coat. High gloss and medium gloss finishes are also widely used.
In addition to the stunning appearance, a clear coat also works to protect your cabinets from dirt, scratching, and chipping. If you have a kitchen with lots of natural light, a clear coat finish would be a great choice. Natural light can cause paints and other finishes to fade over time.
Aside from using polyurethane, you can apply a varnish topcoat over painted cabinets. Varnish will protect your painted cabinets from wear and prolong its lifespan. Like polyurethane, you don't need to use a varnish topcoat if you used durable paint for the cabinet.
Prevent Painted Cabinets From Chipping
Look for products labeled "peel bonding primer" or "peel stop." As long as the current coat of paint isn't chipping or peeling, you can apply these primers directly over top of the existing paint after a thorough cleaning.
To prolong the lifespan of your cabinet paint job, then, finish the job by sealing your cabinets with a transparent top-coat. These sealing options include varnishes composed of polyurethane, polycrylic, spar urethane, nitrocellulose, waterborne acrylic, and more.
It is worth the time to do this on painted shelves. Once the paint is dry (24 hours) roll on 2 light coats of Polycrylic on the top of painted shelves on the interior cabinets This seals the latex paint so you will never hear that latex sticky sound when you remove objects on the shelves.
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.
Yes, you can put polyurethane over paint. As long as the paint has fully cured and it's clean, you can apply both water-based and oil-based polyurethane over any type of paint. However, you need to be cautious of discoloration, especially from oil-based polyurethane.
The All-Around Best Clear Coat For Painted Wood Furniture: Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane, Satin. After testing seven different topcoats, Varathane's Water-Based Polyurethane was the clear winner! This clear coat is great for interior products including furniture, cabinets, trim, or any other pieces of wood.
As for applying any sealer or topcoat, the general pro recommendation for cabinet painting is to use high quality stain blocking primer and 2-3 thin and even coats of super high quality paint with ample drying time between coats (Benjamin Moore's Advance paint is meant for cabinets without any top coat, since sealers ...
You can change the tone of your cabinets -- without the hassle of stripping and restaining -- by glazing right over their existing polyurethane finish. A glaze is essentially a clear finish with added pigment that renders it translucent.
Applying the Glaze
Your painted surface should be clean and dry. Wash walls, cabinets or furniture with soap and water, rinse and let them dry completely before you apply your glaze. You can apply the glaze with a rag, sponge or brush. Put on as much or as little glaze as you like.
Semigloss or low-luster acrylic or latex paint surfaces are best for applying glazed surfaces. You should avoid flat paints because they do not take glaze well. It is possible to choose from a wide variety of glazes on the market, or to mix your own. A brush, roller, or rag can be used to apply the glaze.
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.
Glazing is Step 4 in distressing and antiquing kitchen cabinets. Add a small amount of antiquing glaze to a smooth, clean rag. Begin applying the glaze to the front or side of one cabinet in small, circular motions until you've covered the entire section. Tip: A small amount of glaze will go a very long way.
Can You Glaze Over Latex Paint? As a result, latex-based paint is the only option I can recommend. If you are using oil-based paints, but not over unsealed chalk paint. In addition, eggshell or satin finish is the best for the glaze.
Yes, you can put a clear coat over latex paint. Applying a clear coat over latex paint helps in sealing and protecting the surface area. A clear coat over latex paint also helps to protect the area. It gives your surface an impressive, lustrous, and protective finish.
Can you use clear coat on wood? Yes, they are used very often, even to better enhance the natural warmth and colors of the wood essences. Should you put a clear coat over painted furniture? Yes, especially in case of restoration, but after a previous sanding.
When done correctly, polyurethane will add a beautiful shine and a layer of protection to a painted surface. First, though, you need to wait between 24 to 72 hours for the paint to not just dry but cure before applying the polyurethane. Several factors will affect the drying time of paint and polyurethane too.
Can Polycrylic® Protective Finish be used over paint and wall coverings? Yes. Polycrylic® may be applied over latex and oil-based paints and well-bonded wall coverings. Because slight ambering may occur, spot test on an inconspicuous area and let dry to ensure satisfactory results.
The main purpose of Polycrylic is to protect the wood. Polycrylic comes available in a variety of finishes including high gloss and satin finishes. Not only does Polycrylic come with the benefit of protecting wood pieces from various forms of damage, like water damage, but it also helps add some beauty to the mix too.