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The kitchen is a fundamental part of every home, acting as the hub for fun conversations and family dinners alike. Even if it’s not the most important room in your abode, failing to take proper care of it can wreak havoc on your budget. This has led many homeowners to search for ways to keep their immaculate kitchen cabinets looking pristine for an extended period. Let’s have a look at the best clear coat for kitchen cabinets:
Selecting the right finish for your cabinets can greatly influence your kitchen’s brightness and overall ambiance. With a variety of finishes to choose from, it’s essential to factor in all elements before making a decision. Clear coating kitchen cabinets protect the wood from harm and exposure to moisture and utilization over time. Rejuvenate cabinetry with an eye-catching look that will draw more attention to your cooking area.
When applied accurately, you can ensure that your clear coating kitchen cabinets won’t have an uneven texture or any leftover residue. After a long day of hard work, the surface will be glossy and smooth to the touch. Instead of wasting money on buying new furniture or repairs, invest in a robust finish for lasting results. Don’t forget, though – even after investing time and resources into making positive improvements, having poor finishing touches may ruin all your efforts.
Reasons Why a Clear Coating Kitchen Cabinets Is Necessary
There are many reasons why a clear coat is necessary for your kitchen cabinets.
- It helps to protect the wood from staining and fading.
- It also helps to create a barrier between the finish of the cabinets and the elements.
- A clear coat can also give the cabinets a beautiful shine.
For a more durable and low-maintenance experience, we strongly urge you to consider obtaining a clear coat option. Not only will your kitchen cabinets appear brighter and more inviting, but the protection from chipping, scratching, and residue is invaluable! With this coating for kitchen cabinets, you can enjoy lasting results with minimal effort.
How To Give Your Kitchen Cabinets a Clear Coat
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Groundwork is key when beginning a project. Start with a spotless surface and light sanding if needed for the best results. After that, use a clean cloth to remove any leftover particles for optimal adhesion and prolonged resilience of your work.
Step 2: Apply the First Coat
For a beautiful finish, start by lightly painting the first layer with a brush or soft cloth; when finished, follow the grain pattern precisely.
Note: Don’t be afraid to cover the whole surface evenly when using a paintbrush. It’s usually best to start with the lighter coat and let it dry fully before applying the next layer.
Tip: You might consider priming with water-down polyester. Alternatively, you may lightly apply pure polyester to the surface.
Step 3: Let the First Coat Dry
After following the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time, make sure to lightly sand the surface before adding a second coat. Doing so will create an even and smooth finish that looks great.
Note: Make sure you sand in the grain of the wood.
Step 4: Apply Another Layer of Coating
With the second coat, you will replicate your previous steps; however, this time, it’ll require a thicker layer.
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Types Of Polyurethane Finish
When finishing a project, it is important to choose the right polyurethane. The two types of finishes you can select from are oil-based and water-based. While oil-base polyurethane offers more protection, its application isn’t as easy because cleaner up requires extra attention.
Alternatively, water-base polyurethane may be easier to apply yet won’t provide the same level of protection needed for longer lasting results. Now that we have identified their differences, let’s take a closer look at each one in order to make an informed decision on which option best suits our needs.
Water-Based Polyurethane
- They are a little bit harder.
- Don’t change their color to yellow over time.
- They dry clear.
- They add to the water resistance of the surface.
Oil-Based Polyurethane
- It offers outstanding beauty.
- It leaves the surface much glossier.
- The product lasts a little bit longer.
- They somehow alter the wood’s color (darken the wood).
- It acquires a yellowish shade in the long run.
You can select the best product for your kitchen cabinet based on the above criteria.
Related Post: How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets Professionally
The Best Clear-Coat for Kitchen Cabinets: Buyers Guide
For those just beginning in the carpentry business, it can be rather intimidating to navigate the abundance of wood finishes on offer. Fortunately, this post has conveniently gathered all relevant information about the most common types and their distinctions for you. Now let’s explore which clear coat is optimal for kitchen cabinets.
1. General Finishes High-Performance Water-Based Topcoat
- Do not apply clear topcoats over bright white paint, as yellowing may occur due to a reaction to the substrate. Light color paints may also experience yellowing due to topcoat application, but it will less noticeable.
- The hardest, most durable consumer polyurethane top coat on the market today
- Dry Time Between Coats is only 1 to 2 Hours
- Interior use only
Product Description
General Finishes High-Performance Topcoat is a water-based urethane topcoat for cabinets that offers the durability of an oil-based finish in a water-based formula. This topcoat has a low odor and is ideal for use in both commercial and residential settings. It can be applied with a brush, roller, or sprayer and is available in a variety of sheens.
- Quick-drying time of 1 to 2 hours top
- Available in a variety of sheens
- Highly durable
- Very clear
Cons
Only made for indoors
2. 1/2 pt Minwax 25555 Clear Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish Gloss
- PROTECT WOOD SURFACES – Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish protects and adds beauty to your interior wood projects, including woodwork, furniture, doors and cabinets. The clear top coat protects against scratches, spills, dirt and more.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR FINISH THAT LASTS – The crystal clear finished offered in this protective coating is ideal for use over all Minwax Oil-Based and Water-Based Stains and colors, as well as all wood species including light woods like maple, ash and birch.
- GLOSS SHEEN – Give your wood projects a sleek finish with this gloss clear varnish. It not only protects the natural beauty of the wood, but offers a shiny, sleek sheen for a bright, modern look. It’s also non-yellowing, non-ambering and low odor.
- ULTRA FAST DRYING – Get more done with this protective poly coating. It’s a fast-drying clear coat, which allows for quick recoats after 2 hours, letting you get projects done faster. Be sure to apply with a high-quality synthetic bristle brush.
- EASY CLEAN UP – This water-based wood finish allows for easy soap and water clean-up, so you don’t have to stress about spills and big messes.
Product Description
It retains the color precisely when applied since it stays that way to keep the tone accurate. It looks wonderful on bare wood and stains with even light or cool hues. The finish is recoated in less than two hours thanks to its high-speed ultra-drying components.
You may use a synthetic bristle brush to apply thin coats during the application process. It generates milky white results but dries crystal clear afterward. It’s crucial to note that Minwax Polycryclic isn’t intended for flooring.
Pros
- It has no odor
- Does not turn yellow
- Fast-drying times
- Easy to store
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not colorful
3. Varathane 200241H
Product Description
It’s unquestionably a top pick for high-quality wood furniture. Before applying the clear coat, it’s a good idea to give your cabinets an excellent stain since it works well with kitchen cabinets.
Due to its water-based nature, this product dries up quickly and may be cleaned with soap and water. What could be better than the indoor protection of wood surfaces like furniture, cabinets, windows, trim, and so much more? Its strong formulation provides excellent scratch and stain resistance thanks to its high durability.
Pros
- Good at protecting indoor wood surfaces
- Dries fast
- Can be cleaned with soapy water
- Provides a natural look
Cons
- It’s crystal clear, so it might be difficult to apply at times.
4. Minwax 630500444, Helmsman
- PROTECTIVE CLEAR FINISH – Minwax Helmsman Water Based Spar Urethane is a crystal clear wood finish that is specially formulated to protect against nature’s toughest conditions.
- EFFECTIVE YEAR ROUND – This wood varnish forms a protective barrier against rain and moisture to protect your projects and keep them looking their best. Special oils allow the finish to expand & contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change.
- VERSATILE – Ideal for use on doors, windows, trim, bathroom cabinets, bar tops, kitchen countertops, outdoor furniture and more. It’s a versatile water-based spar urethane that dries quickly and cleans up easily with warm water.
- GLOSS FINISH – Give your wood projects a sleek finish with this gloss clear varnish. It not only protects the natural beauty of the wood, but offers a shiny, sleek sheen for a modern look. It’s ideal for use over light colored woods and stains.
- A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST – Minwax is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care products. Since 1904, we have been inspiring consumers to Keep on Finishing. We offer consumers a complete line of products to meet every wood finishing need.
Product Description
It will take up way too much of your time and money, and it won’t be worth anything. Urethane provides excellent sun protection from the sun’s UV light damage, rain, and moisture, thanks to this spar. It’s a simple explanation in general terms for an exterior or interior wood surface that is subjected to temperature changes.
Pros
- Reliable protective covering
- Easy to wipe
- Very durable
- Relatively thick
Cons
- Sometimes has bubbles that are difficult to deal with
5. Minwax 60910000 Wipe-On Poly Finish Clear
- DURABLE SATIN FINISH – Minwax Wipe-On Poly is a high-quality, durable oil-based polyurethane finish that provides protection with a classic, hand-rubbed look.
- PROTECT YOUR WOOD PROJECTS – The hard, clear polyurethane finish protects wood against water, household chemicals, food stains, and wear.
- EASY TO APPLY – Easily apply the wipe on polyurethane satin finish. Just wipe it on with a clean cloth, removing the need to worry about drips or brush marks.
- QUICK DRYING – The polyurethane wipe-on finish is dry to recoat in only 2-3 hours and is dry for light use in 24 hours.
- A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST – Minwax is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care projects. Since 1904, we have been inspiring consumers to Keep on Finishing. We offer consumers a complete line of products to meet every wood finishing need.
Product Description
Protection is feasible since the gloss is oil-based and of excellent quality. There are just two sheens available for finishing purposes: glossy and satin. Always make sure the surface is clean, dust-free, and dry before applying it to get good results. It’s simple to apply using a lint-free cloth, so brushes or other tools will not have an issue.
Minwax, besides being easy to use, also dries quickly. This makes it ideal for trim, furniture, and railings. The end results are excellent, with a hand-rubbed beauty that competes with the same wood quality. Since 1904, Minwax has made a solid impact by delivering high-quality chemicals that fulfill the requirements of many woodworkers.
Pros
- Quick drying formula for a smooth finish with no brush marks or bubbles left behind after application.
- Gives a good hand-rubbed look and feel to the surface.
- Perfect for furniture.
Cons
- It’s not meant for indoor usage, so it may be difficult to apply in closed rooms without ventilation or windows.
- It doesn’t come with any primer before application.
6. Watco 63041 Lacquer Clear Wood Finish
- Ideal for use on furniture, doors, cabinets and paneling; not recommended for floors or exterior surfaces
- Formulated for a higher clarity finish than polyurethane
- Dries to the touch in 1 hour and covers up to 290 sq ft
- Eliminates the need for wood filler and protects against scratches; no need to sand between coats
- Dries to a crystal-clear gloss with a lasting durable finish
Product Description
Polyurethane is great, but it’s meant for higher clarity in Lacquer. To get excellent results, read the user guide or instruction booklet that comes with the kit. Undoubtedly, your kitchen cabinets and doors will endure a long time since there will be no wear and tear.
When sprayed on, the sealer can distribute independently, which is a notable benefit. A good product that eliminates the need for wood filler and protects against scratches while still ensuring long-lasting protection. You will no longer have to sand between coats as an end user.
It takes about 1 hour to dry and covers up to 290 square feet, so please double-check the product labels for additional information that may come in useful.
Pros
- It covers up to 290 sq ft per can for a smooth finish with no brush marks or bubbles left behind after application.
- Gives a good hand-rubbed look and feel to the surface.
- Perfect for furniture.
Cons
- It’s not meant for indoor usage, so it may be difficult to apply in closed rooms without ventilation or windows.
7. Deft Interior Clear Wood Finish Gloss Brushing Lacquer
- Dries Crystal Clear In 30 Minutes
- Non-Yellowing
- Dries Crystal Clear In 30 Minutes
- This clear wood finish brushing lacquer is 100-Percent nitrocellulose brushing lacquer for most interior wood and metal surfaces
- Easy to application provide professional results
Product Description
When applying a delicate interior clear wood finish, please don’t push it dry, for example, by moving it to a warm place to avoid forming bubbles. The exact temperatures you used to apply are the same as those required to cure it. It dries in approximately 30 minutes after application, which is faster than its competitors.
You will no longer have to worry about the tear and wear that lasts a long time. Because what you request is exactly what you get delivered, pass on the enchantment to future generations. Most completed items have a yellowing effect, but it isn’t with this number one brand. The total coverage is 400 square feet per gallon in a single coat, which is more than enough for a large number of kitchen cabinets.
Pros
- It’s water-based with 100% nitrocellulose brushing Lacquer
- The ingredients protect the surfaces from different pollutants in the air.
- Protection against stains, abrasion, and moisture is feasible due to its oil base.
- It’s simple to use and provides professional results in your wood furniture.
Cons
- It does not go well with some types of wood.
- The majority of the completed items have a yellowing effect, but it isn’t this number one brand.
8. Minwax 155100000 Clear Lacquer
- Dries to the touch in 30 minutes, ensuring a smooth, dust-free finish
- Dries to the touch in 30 minutes, ensuring a smooth, dust-free finish
- No sanding needed between coats
- Recoat in only two hours
Product Description
It’s not suggested for floors in the instructions that come with usage instructions, as stated by Minwax. Minwax produces many items, but each one is guaranteed to be of high quality. They take a little time to fulfill the promise, so we added them to the list of the best clear coats for kitchen cabinets.
It has a two-hour recoating time; after application, it takes 2 hours to dry and has a dust-free finish in 30 minutes. The transparent Lacquer is ideal for avoiding furniture deterioration by hiding wear and tear signs. The end may also be used on musical instruments.
It provides excellent outcomes when it comes to yellowing since there is no noticeable yellowing for years at a time. Get the Minwax 155100000 clear Lacquer and get that job or project up and running.
Pros
- There is no noticeable yellowing for years.
- It’s a wood finishing product that may be used on cabinets, doors, woodwork, furniture, and other related items.
- The transparent Lacquer is ideal for avoiding furniture deterioration by hiding wear and tear signs.
- It provides excellent outcomes when it comes to yellowing.
- It’s not suggested for floors in the instructions that come with usage instructions, as stated by Minwax.
Cons
- It has a two-hour recoating time.
- Some customers have reported bubbling in certain conditions, such as high humidity levels for example.
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Factors To Consider When Purchasing the Best Clear Coat for Kitchen Cabinets
1. Durability
The phrase “in the area” refers to a material’s ability to assist in the surrounding environment after it has been used. The question you must ask yourself is, what sort of project am I working on? This question can help you decide if you’ll need spill protection, such as a dining table or something that isn’t subjected to significant use and abuse. The durability required will also affect the type of clear coat you’ll need for your kitchen cabinets.
2. Tightening And Leveling Time
A longer tightening and leveling time may be necessary if you’re planning to use a polyurethane-based product since these types require more preparation than water-based products do before they can dry.
3. Types of Materials
Different clear coats have specific functions and are made to be used on particular types of surfaces. For example, you can’t use a high-gloss polyurethane finish on kitchen cabinets that will come into frequent contact with water or oil because they’re not waterproof. Instead, opt for a satin gloss level or a semi-gloss level.
4. Choice of Color
When choosing a color for your house, it’s important to consider the hue. The color of your curtains and furniture should complement the other pieces in the room so that they produce an appealing inside look. If you’re having difficulty deciding on a hue, consult with professionals or go with a neutral one to preserve the effect.
There are several stains that may be combined. All of this depends entirely on your taste, so picking the proper finish color should not be difficult. Check the technical specifications to make sure you don’t overlook anything important for your intended purpose.
5. Abrasion Protection
When purchasing a coat, keep an eye on the instructions. It must be stated whether or not the type of finish will be able to protect your furnishings from high abrasion. This is most common in the kitchen, where sharp and metallic things are kept. A kitchen is a busy place; instead of putting something inside carefully, you may just toss the items in to save time. However, this may cause serious scratches on your cabinets and will likely ruin them quickly.
Your furniture should be able to withstand all of this and more. Heat and humidity are also important factors that need protection by using the correct coat. When you consider all of these factors, your labor will enjoy every bit and corner of your home in the end.
6. Price
Have you ever heard the adage “cheap is expensive” before? Then you will realize that buying something inexpensive might result in repairs to maintain it. Humans are inclined to evaluate a product’s price rather than its benefits and requirements.
In most situations, low cost comes with a lower price tag, while high cost comes with a higher price tag and lower cost. When you keep this in mind, you’ll be looking for more than just cost when selecting the finest clear coat for kitchen cabinets.
7. The Feel
There are many different types of coatings to choose from. The look and feel will be different when you use semi-gloss, gloss, or satin. Every one of these variants has its own level of smoothness. A high gloss finish is more accessible than a satin one when cleaning. You will be much more aware of your furniture and cabinets, and you will be able to notice the differences between these types. You might even want to try them all out just to know which one is your favorite.
8. Method of Application
The three most frequent sheen types are semi-gloss, satin, and gloss. Each one has its own degree of smoothness to fit the type of furniture and texture. Hardwood floors cannot be used with a simple façade since they would lead to people slipping and falling in accidents. It’s more complicated than you think to install the right finish on your cabinets, so be sure to find out more about each type and its requirements.
The best clear coat for kitchen cabinets will need the appropriate hands to apply it. The coating is generally accompanied by a usage guide, which will tell you how to utilize the contents. It’s difficult for non-painters and non-applying of coats. Professional woodworkers or wood enthusiasts will have an easier time with it.
If you can’t follow the user guide and do a decent job, please have someone skilled assist you. It will be cheaper if you dip into your pockets or if you know someone who is willing to help, it will be better. They can also show you the basics so that next time, they don’t have to do it again.
FAQs: Clear Coat for Painted Kitchen Cabinets
Does Polyurethane Keep Paint from Chipping?
Yes! Because applying polyurethane is the greatest way to preserve your paint, it will not chip.
Choose the right kind of epoxy for your needs. The most popular types include polyester, urethane, and polyurethane. Urethane also has more flexibility than polyester and is less prone to cracking when cured; however, it requires special tools that aren’t always readily available in the market. Oil-based polyurethane provides a smoother finish and longer durability than water-based versions do. Even if you use oil-based polyurethane, you’ll have to wait much longer for it to dry.
The best feature of this product is that it may be used on any paint. The only thing you have to do is make sure the surface is clean and prepped correctly.
The way polyurethane dries to a solid, hard finish is what prevents the paint from chipping. However, if you expose it to direct sunlight, it will eventually fracture and bubble.
What If Your Cabinets Are in An Extremely Bright Kitchen?
You’ll want to use a product with UV blockers in this situation.
Note: The number of coats you use will have an impact on the longevity of your cabinets. It’s usually around ten to 20 years.
How Many Coats of Polyurethane Do You Put on Cabinets?
The number of coats determines durability. All wood types require only two applications when using oil-based polyurethane, especially when coated with a primer. The first coat will be used as a primer or sealer. Its major goal is to keep moisture off the surface of the wood. The second coat should serve as the final finish. It protects the initial coating from chipping and peeling away by preventing it from drying out.
What if you’re using water-based polyurethane instead? I recommend adding a third coat in such cases. Because the number of coats has an impact on longevity, more layers will be beneficial for longer protection.
Note: A thicker application of more than four coats would be a little excessive. Remember to sand between the layers if there is dust or lint on the wet finish since this might cause it to look streaky.
Is It Possible to Put a Clear Finish on Painted Cabinets?
Yes, you can. Because the paint will be scraped or scratched easily, a clear coat is required.
The only way to repair a chipped or scraped surface in the past was to repaint it. However, this is no longer an issue since today’s clear coats protect the painted surface for far longer.
However, the paint covering your painted surface does not guarantee that it will never be damaged.
This product’s transparency makes it difficult to identify flaws unless they are seen closely.
Note: Even the tiniest scratch will eventually peel away if it is not covered with this coat on your painted cabinets.
As a result, unless you want to repaint your cabinets several times, consider applying a transparent seal for durability.
Why Is It Important to Use Clear Coats on Kitchen Cabinets?
Kitchen cabinets are made of different types and materials, including composites, plastic laminates (MDF), solid wood pieces, and aluminum or steel doors. You can’t paint these with ordinary paint because the color will peel off when exposed to heat and humidity. You need a clear coat that can withstand high temperatures and moisture without peeling or discoloration.
Conclusion: Clear Coat for Painted Kitchen Cabinets
Whether you want to emphasize the natural beauty of wood or have painted cabinets, a clear coat is the best option. You must choose the finest clear coat for the task. Although they may appear similar at first, they are made differently. These chemicals ensure that your furniture is gleaming and safe from harm while also appearing brand-new and beautiful for many years.
The clear coat is made differently. These chemicals ensure that your furniture is gleaming and safe from harm while also appearing brand-new and beautiful for many years. Whether you want to emphasize the natural beauty of wood or have painted cabinets, a clear coat is the best option.
I’ve worked with virtually every one of the above finishes, and I still like the General Finishes High-Performance Water-Based Topcoat as the best clear coat for kitchen cabinets for my projects. It delivers long-lasting protection that is both beautiful and attractive. It dries quickly and gives your cabinet the most natural appearance feasible.
I hope you found this post useful since it will assist you in planning and executing a purchase of the right clear coat for your test and taste. Make the ideal decision right now by totally renovating your kitchen.
Reference: Wood Improve
