WHAT'S THE BEST FINISH TO USE ON KITCHEN CABINETS

Kitchen cabinetry takes on a lot. It needs to resist grease and oil buildup while looking great. Kitchens are a focal point in the home, and minor renovation projects in this room can return up to 75% of the costs. 

Part of successful kitchen renovations is choosing the best wood finish for kitchen cabinets. Wood cabinets, in particular, require specific coatings to achieve a certain style.

TYPES OF WOOD KITCHEN CABINET FINISHES

Your wood cabinet's finish impacts the following:

• Durability
• Required maintenance
• Opaqueness
• Color options

These are some common finish selections for today's homeowners:

PAINT

The most attractive part of painting cabinetry is the endless color selection. As long as you prime and prep the wood correctly, you can choose any paint color available to style your kitchen. Some colors are more opaque than others, but certain wood types have visible grains regardless of the paint you choose. Lighter paint colors, like pastels and bright neutrals, are harder to keep clean because of easily visible smudges and stains.

Paint is a great way to cover any imperfections with the wood, like discolorations or knotted grains. It also provides a smooth, uniform surface to pair with accessories, like decorative handles and fixtures.

Paint is available in multiple finishes:

• High-gloss: High-gloss paint is reflective and has a noticeable shine on the surface. This option is great for modern or formal areas. The light reflection can make the room look bigger. High-gloss paint does make it easier to note dirt or scratches, so consider avoiding this option if you have a busy kitchen.
• Semi-gloss: With semi-gloss, you'll get less light reflection and less visible smudges. It also provides some of the same softness of matte paint but without the dulling effect on some colors. Semi-gloss paint is a popular cabinetry option because it's often the easiest to keep clean.
• Matte: Matte paint doesn't reflect the light, which can make a space look more enclosed. The same lack of reflection gives colors a flat, subtle color. It complements many of today's most popular interior design styles.
• Satin: Satin paint is a silky, velvet-like option. It is easy to maintain and clean but requires careful application. Brush strokes and roller marks can be very visible as the paint dries.

You can also choose between varnish or polyurethane for kitchen cabinet protection. Polyurethane is a plastic-like topcoat. It has a clear finish and provides excellent durability against dirt and scratches. Varnish is similar, but it creates a glossier film that offers more protection against humidity and moisture. Some varnish may yellow or discolor over time.

STAIN

Unlike paint, a stain doesn't change or cover the wood's natural color. Instead, it enhances, highlights and gives it a protective layer. Stain is the best finish for kitchen cabinet doors if you want to preserve the wood's appearance — knots, grains, discolorations and all. Some stains add subtle coloring or darkening to wood, but never as opaque as paint. Stains protect the wood from moisture, pests, and scratches.

You can apply the stain by hand or with a sprayer. Wiping stain onto the surface gives it an antique, varied effect, perfect for rustic or farmhouse homes. Spraying offers a more uniform layer without variations.

You can finish stained cabinets with a clear coat of paint or a polyurethane topcoat. These offer extra protection and can make the final results glossier or more matte.

LACQUER

Lacquer is hard and resilient, creating a nonporous, protective layer that makes cabinetry easy to wipe clean. It's available in multiple shine and gloss levels, similar to paint, but may yellow over time, like varnish. Lacquer is thick and has a noticeable sheen that many find to complement their kitchen style.

Shellac is similar to lacquer but is more common in older homes, as it's derived naturally from insects.

GLAZE

Unlike lacquer, the glaze is not a topcoat. Instead, you apply glaze to special cabinetry designs to give edges a raw look or add visual interest to skilled carvings or contours. While this add-on can cost more than other finish options, it's essential for any expensive woodwork you want to highlight. 

Glaze is either standard or brushed on. Standard glaze is for crevices, doors and edges, while brushed gives a hand-applied texture for added depth and style.

WHY DIFFERENT FINISHES ARE USED FOR DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS

Explore how different finishes suit different applications.

CHOOSE AN EASY-CLEAN FINISH

Easy-to-clean cabinetry is key to saving time and protecting your investment. The better condition you keep your furnishings in, the easier your home will be to resell in the future.

The simplest kitchen cabinets are easy to maintain with a soft wipe down and occasional scrub. This action keeps away unappetizing and unsightly buildup or discoloration from things like:

• Smudges: Consider for a moment how many times a week you open your cabinet doors to grab a snack, ingredient or dinner plate. Now, consider how many times a week your spouse, children or roommates do the same. That's a lot of fingerprints! If your kitchen is a popular place in the home, you may want to choose a finish you can wipe clean quickly.
• Food residue: Food residues, like sticky jams and baking ingredients, have a way of ending up on every kitchen surface, visible or not. As this residue builds up, it can stain cabinetry or even attract pests.
• Dirt: Dirt and dust gather on surfaces over time, which can dull bright colors or create uneven variations on darker cabinetry. A quick dusting should do the trick unless the dirt has had a lot of time to sit and solidify on the surface.
• Condensation: Moisture levels change throughout your kitchen. Windows, vents and cooking can all impact the space's humidity. Condensation can cause cabinets to warp if left unchecked.
• Cooking oils and grease: Cooking oils and hot grease are notorious for splattering onto cabinetry. This substance creates a slippery, sticky and unsafe environment for young children or pets. It also causes grime to build up if not cleaned thoroughly.
• Smoke: Cooking smoke can leave lingering odors or discolor cabinetry and other surfaces.

Thick topcoats are key to easy maintenance. Glaze or clear coat is the best paint for cabinets you want to wipe clean.

MAKE YOUR KITCHEN LOOK BIGGER OR SMALLER

Apartment and galley-style kitchens are notoriously cramped, but there are ways to open the space and make it seem larger than it is. 

Choose a finish that reflects the light, like a high-gloss or semi-gloss paint or glossy wood stain. Avoid matte finishes and darker colors, as these could make the room feel smaller. Hanging mirrors to reflect natural light can also make your kitchen look bigger.

Finishes can also achieve the opposite effect. Use darker colors, ornamental designs and matte finishes to bring the room together and encourage a feeling of warmth. These options can make your kitchen feel homey and cozy instead of sterile or empty. 

COMPLEMENT YOUR KITCHEN DESIGN

Durable cabinetry is a must, but it should also enhance your overall kitchen design. Use complementary or contrasting color schemes. Stick with a similar decorative style, like industrial or shabby chic. It may help to look at your furniture and the rest of your home for inspiration.

Note the following features around your kitchen:

• The color of your appliances
• The type, finish and color of your countertops
• Whether you use warm yellow lighting or blue-tinted fluorescents
• How much natural light is available in the space 
• Accent pieces you love decorating with, like copper fixtures or wooden shelving
• The color of your kitchen walls and any connected rooms
• Your house's overall architectural style

Consider working with an interior designer if you want to achieve a specific look or aesthetic for your kitchen and dining area.

INVEST IN LONG-LASTING FURNITURE

If you're an avid home cook, a busy parent, or a weekend entertainer and holiday host, durability is critical. Natural wood can look beautiful in your house. However, it is not suitable for the kitchen. The moisture and debris in this space can cause warping and mold or mildew growth.

Any finish is better than none, but coatings and glazes listed as protective or high-use might be the best fit if you need durability. Always follow finish instructions. Avoid any cleaners that could cause your wooden cabinets to break down or change color.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST FINISH FOR KITCHEN CABINETS

Updating your cabinetry can make your space look brand-new. Whether you want to revamp your home or get it ready to sell, the finish will greatly impact your results.

Note the following information:

• Lifestyle and frequency of use 
• Design options and accessories
• Initial and ongoing budget
• Color and style
• Maintenance and upkeep
• Wood type
• Design flexibility

Three things to consider when choosing a cabinetry finish include maintenance, design and wood type.

1. MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP

Regular cabinet cleaning and maintenance are critical. A few small tasks can help them look and perform their best. Consider the following:

• Minor cleaning: Basic cleaning refers to the light scrubbing you do as needed or weekly to minimize dust, grease and smudges on cabinetry. Use a soft cloth and a wood-safe all-purpose cleaner or gentle cleansing agent. Avoid abrasive scrub brushes or harsh chemicals, like bleach and solvents. Clean spills, leaks and splashes immediately, especially if grease or oil are present.
• Deep cleaning: Empty all cabinets and perform a thorough deep clean at least twice per year, ideally once each season. Use a toothbrush to scrub crevices, and use adhesive remover or vinegar to cut through sticky residue. Wipe away crumbs, cobwebs or dust from inside. Never soak cabinets or leave standing water, as this could warp the wood or damage the finish. Use a soft towel to wipe dry and allow plenty of time for the interior to air dry before replacing pans and accessories.
• Repairs: Repair cabinets as soon as you notice issues. Look for broken hinges, chipped wood, peeling finish or loose fasteners. You'll also want to address interior stains. Refinish worn areas and tighten fasteners or attachments to keep cabinets working efficiently.
• Upkeep: Polish and protective wax can help you keep your cabinets in great condition. Ensure you choose options for your specific wood and finish. Keep your kitchen temperatures consistent and avoid humidity. Shelf liners can protect the cabinet's interior from stains and make clean up easy. Keep cabinet drawers closed when not using them and install handles to minimize fingerprints and smudging.

2. DESIGN OPTIONS

Cabinets play an important role in kitchen storage and organization, but you can still ensure they match your home's overall style. Popular design options include:

• Brushed application for a hand-applied look.
• Glaze or lacquer for added shine, protection and ornamental design.
• A rubbed application to achieve a refurbished or weathered appearance.
• An iced or pearlescent finish for a unique effect.
• Antiquing or vintage speckling and artificial wear.
• Contours, curves and edging near the doors and handles.

Some design options require specific finishes. For example, thick woodworking and ornamental designs need glazing or lacquer to preserve and accent the shape.

3. WOOD TYPE

The finish and colors you choose will depend on the type of wood your cabinets are made from. Popular cabinetry options include:

• Cherry: Cherry wood has a nonuniform appearance if its sapwood and heartwood aren't the same shade. The wood's natural hue is a pale pink, but this color darkens into a reddish-brown as it ages. You can choose to accentuate the contrasting elements of this wood with an oil-based finish. You can also apply a thick polyurethane or lacquer. These will cover and protect the wood without emphasizing discoloration and pattern variations.
• Maple: Maple wood has naturally occurring patches and interior swirling. It is a beautiful choice for unique cabinetry. Use minimal sanding, then apply a shellac or clear lacquer or polyurethane for kitchen cabinets. These products preserve the natural colors and provide a durable topcoat. Expect maple to darken into an amber-like color over time.
• Oak: An oil-based stain sealed with polyurethane or shellac accentuates oak's natural wood pores. It also protects against external damage. Keep in mind that you can darken oak with colored stains, but you can't lighten it. Trying to do so will result in discoloration you might not want. 
• Faux: Faux woods, such as laminates and plastic-based composite blends, may look like real wood but contain none at all. You shouldn't finish and maintain these the same way you would wood cabinetry. Instead, ask the manufacturer for specific care and finish instructions so that you don't damage the surface.
• Blend: Some cabinets might be a blend of popular woods like MDF. If this is the case for you, work with a cabinetry expert to determine the correct cleaning and maintenance routine. They can also help you select the best finish options to preserve and protect each area of the door and shelving.

You can choose your maintenance supplies once you select the wood finish for your kitchen cabinets. Some cleaning agents won't pair well with specific wood types and could wear through the finish and alter the wood underneath.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT KITCHEN CABINET FINISHES

Understanding finishing types and processes is essential before you begin. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions to consider.

WHAT FINISH LOOKS THE BEST ON KITCHEN CABINETS?

The answer ultimately depends on your unique preferences. That said, a semi-gloss finish is an excellent choice for kitchen cabinets.

It offers a timeless harmony of aesthetic appeal and functionality. It's easy to clean and has minimal light reflection, which hides smudges perfectly. This finish option is ideal for beginners or anyone wanting a low-maintenance, attractive finish.

WHAT IS THE MOST DURABLE KITCHEN CABINET FINISH?

The most durable kitchen cabinet finishes are those that provide a thick topcoat. Hand-painted polyurethane finishes offer a long-lasting effect that's also easy to clean. Hand-painted finishes also generally last longer as compared to spray finishes.

IS IT NECESSARY TO SAND THE CABINETS DOWN BEFORE PAINTING?

Sanding cabinets before painting or finishing is essential to creating the best finish. It helps prepare the surface and make the wood grip onto the finishing products better for a more long-lasting and uniform result.

CAN I APPLY FINISHES TO CABINET VENEERS?

You can apply finishes to cabinet veneers to extend their life span and create an appearance that blends better with your kitchen design. Cabinet Doors 'N' More ships cabinet veneers unfinished, so you can apply a stain or clear coat to achieve your desired look.

ORDER KITCHEN CABINET COMPONENTS ONLINE AT CABINET DOORS 'N' MORE

At Cabinet Doors 'N' More, we ship all of our wood cabinet doors, drawer fronts, veneers and end panels without any finish. They'll arrive in top shape, ready for your finish of choice. Cabinet doors and drawer fronts are available in a variety of natural hardwoods. These include paint-grade hard maple, red oak, cherry and more. 

Some may ship with white primer, depending on the type. We can add a Rigid Thermofoil (RTF) coating for protective layering with some cabinet types. All wood cabinets are sanded down and ready for staining or clear coat protection. All RTF components already have the coating applied and cannot be stained or painted.

You can choose the perfect fit for your existing space or dream design. Visit your local home improvement store or another shop with finishes for help matching existing stains or paint colors. Remember to account for your chosen wood's natural variations and color changes over time.

SHOP CABINET COMPONENTS TODAY

Cabinet Doors 'N' More has the customizable cabinet doors you've been looking for. You can use our products for your kitchen, bathroom and other remodeling projects. 

Choose from popular styles, like raised and recessed paneling, and choose the wood type that best suits your lifestyle and design needs. For more information, feel free to contact us online today!