Best Clear Coat For Kitchen Cabinets: - Our Top Picks 2024

Kitchen cabinets that have been newly painted give a home a sense of completion.

However, it would be a shame to watch all of your hard work go to waste simply because you did not apply the proper topcoat.

You'll need to choose the best clear coat for kitchen cabinets if you want long-lasting protection. We've discovered them; all you have to do now is choose the best one using our buyer's guide.

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Ease of application

The ease of application is one of the deciding criteria when selecting the best clear coat for kitchen cabinets. And how many layers would you need to keep the paint from deteriorating?

Lacquer is more user-friendly than polyurethane in many respects. Lacquer is best applied using a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer since it is light, thin, and dries quickly.

The sole exception is when brushing lacquer is used, as in the selections above. Polyurethane, on the other hand, is thick and should be applied with a brush.

Depending on the type of polyurethane and how it's packed, you can also use an HVLP spray gun, roller, or cloth to apply it.

Brush streaks and stray hairs must be avoided when applying polyurethane with a brush. That is why it is critical to use a high-quality brush and thoroughly prepare it prior to usage.

Bubbles, puddles, and dust nibs are some things to keep an eye out for. Lacquer is thin and dries rapidly, thus these issues are uncommon.

The requirement to sand between layers makes polyurethane even more difficult to apply. If you don't sand after each coat of polyurethane, it won't adhere correctly, unless it's a water-based polyurethane for flooring.

If the coat is uneven or there are dust nibs, lacquer does not need to be sanded. However, even if you do, it is still far simpler to abrade than polyurethane.

Toxicity

The dangers of household chemicals are something we hear about all the time, and with good cause.

Lacquer and polyurethane produce a lot of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them dangerous for persons who have trouble inhaling.

The majority of the risk is there during the application procedure. Chemicals become more poisonous when sprayed in the air, which is the suggested application method for lacquer.

As a result, if you work with chemicals, you should always wear a respirator. VOCs in lacquer and polyurethane, on the other hand, can be harmful to humans.

Manufacturers have developed low-odor water-based lacquer and water-based polyurethane to solve these issues.

Some of these release very low levels of VOCs, making them quite safe. However, despite being easier to apply, lacquer's volatile organic compounds (VOCs) should be considered.

Look for water-based lacquer or use water-based polyurethane instead if you're working on a kitchen in a busy home with children or pets.

The flammability of any cabinet paint top coat is another safety risk. Lacquer is a very flammable substance. As a result, you should never use it near an open flame and only do it in a well-ventilated location.

While polyurethane is very flammable as well, it is less sensitive, making it the safest choice.

Durability

The goal of a protective wood finish is to protect the surface from scratches, stains, water, and everything in between, in addition to making furniture look more professional.

Both lacquer and polyurethane are wonderful at this, yet there is a fundamental difference. Lacquer is water-resistant, long-lasting, and offers good scratch resistance.

Nitrocellulose lacquer, like the other alternatives, does not stand up to scratches as well. Aside from that, all lacquers provide minimal resistance to heat and chemicals.

Polyurethane, on the other hand, is scratch and scuff resistant, as well as water, stain, and heat resistance. You may now add UV-resistant to the list of benefits of spar urethane.

Here's how to tell the difference between urethane and polyurethane clear coats.

Why consider lacquer at all if it's so bad? Nearly every other form of topcoat pales in comparison to polyurethane, but that's only because of how fantastic it is.

Lacquer is a fantastic choice for kitchen cabinets that will be handled only by adults and will not see a lot of use. As if it were a kitchen in an office.

Lacquer can last as long as, if not longer than, polyurethane if there is no physical or chemical degradation. Stick with polyurethane if this seems doubtful.

High Abrasion Resistance

Kitchen cabinets can be harmed by pots, pans, utensils, chairs, pets, and children.

Because most kitchen surfaces experience a lot of use on a daily basis, protecting the cabinets is more vital than protecting the rest of your home.

If you want to preserve your cabinets damage-free, I recommend using a clear finish with a high abrasion resistance.

Polyurethane is found in many clear coatings and provides excellent protection. Acrylic products usually dry even harder. Polyurethane with enamel and lacquers cures with the toughest protective layer left behind, allowing it to withstand the most punishment.

Oil-based polyurethanes, in general, provide the least physical protection since they absorb more readily into the wood and cure partially beneath the surface.

Finish/Coat Selection

Cabinet clear coatings are usually available in a variety of finishes. Matte, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss are the usual finishes, with matte being the lowest sheen and gloss being the highest.

Most people have a preference for how much sheen they want on their kitchen cabinets, so make sure the coating you purchase has that option.

The various finishes will just impact the appearance and will have no effect on the level of protection.

However, depending on the finish, the final result will appear and feel different. High-gloss paint has a more industrial appearance and may be better suited for MDF cabinets.

Satin and semi-gloss finishes are a wonderful balance of sophisticated and natural, while matte looks rustic. To highlight the grain pattern on wooden cabinets with a lot of natural beauty, I recommend a satin or semi-gloss finish.

You might also paint your cabinets first and then apply a clear coat. Just be sure the finish won't discolor the paint, as a clear coat over white or light-colored paints frequently does.

Yellowing

This is one of the most important and prevalent considerations when choosing a clear coat for any surface. Certain clear coatings have distinct interactions with materials, one of which is yellowing.

Yellowing occurs when the transparent coat's underlying substance takes on a yellowish tinge. This could be related to the type of wood used, the dye used, or the moisture or topcoat application process.

Determine whether a particular paint is appropriate for the material your kitchen cabinets are composed of. After you've determined what kind of material you're working with, you may look for a paint that will work with it.

Those who have white or other bright-colored cabinets should also be aware that they will yellow over time. These colored woods are more likely to show symptoms of yellowing than darker wood species, which are less noticeable.

Wood Finish

Because of its versatility and ease of upkeep, wood is one of the most popular materials for kitchen cabinets. You should select a suitable clear coat option based on the type of finish on your cabinets.

The effectiveness of a clear topcoat in terms of adhesion and protection might be influenced by the oil finish. If your cabinets are constructed of unfinished wood, look for a topcoat with an oil-based sealant. This disinfects the wood and absorbs into it for maximum protection.

If you don't want to use an oil-based sealer, make sure you stain the wood first before applying the final finish. Any additional paint or coatings will be unable to cling to the wood once that last layer has been applied.

Price

When working on long-term projects, always use high-quality materials.

For example, if you're conducting kitchen renovations and don't care about the cabinets, any clear finish would suffice.

However, if you want the cabinets to last a long period, quality is essential. However, while every clear coat on this list is excellent, you are free to choose the cheapest option if it matches your project.

Method of application

You can use either product in a variety of ways; all you have to do is figure out which one you like. As a result, we've included basic solutions like sprays, as well as more classic options like cans for brushing and wipe-on poly.

While lacquer cannot be wiped on, it is quite simple to apply using a brush or spray. If you decide to spray it, you'll need lacquer thinner.

FAQS

How long does it take clear coats to dry?

It all depends on what kind of clear coat you're using. In about 10 minutes, the lacquer is dry to the touch, and in 1 hour or less, it's ready for a second coat.

Before applying a second coat of water-based polyurethane, wait at least 2 hours, and at least 4 hours for oil-based polyurethane.

Curing times are significantly longer. Lacquer takes 7–10 days to cure, water-based polyurethane takes 21 days, and oil-based polyurethane takes 30 days.

Can I put a clear coat over painted cabinets?

Yes, a clear finish can be applied to painted kitchen cabinets. Water damage, scratches, scuffs, dents, and oil stains can all be prevented by applying a protective coating to painted cabinets.

To seal painted cabinets, use a crystal clear coat like lacquer or a water-based polyurethane. Verathane polyurethane is the best top finish for painted cabinets on our list.

Which is Better: Polycrylic or Polyurethane?

So, which of these two finishes should you choose? Here are some advantages and disadvantages of each substance.

Polyurethane is an oil-based treatment that gives hardwood surfaces a durable and weatherproof finish. Because it's thicker than Polycrylic, it's a little more difficult to apply and takes longer to dry.

It does, however, harden into a tough topcoat that adheres to the surfaces you apply it to and protects them from scratches and buffing.

Avoid putting polyurethane on white and light surfaces, since it, like other oil-based formulae, can discolor them far more easily than water-based treatments.

It's also poisonous and stinky, so it's not a good choice for surfaces where food might come into touch.

Polycrylic, on the other hand, is far less hazardous than polyurethane and does not emit the same foul odor. It's also easier to work with because it's easy to apply and dries faster. Polycrylic is a water-based material that is less heat and moisture resistant.

This implies it's not ideal for usage outside because it's more readily destroyed.

Both materials are useful in their own right, but they work best when used in the correct situations.

Because of its oil-based finish and improved heat and moisture resistance, polyurethane is perfect for use outside where it can withstand the weather. Using it outside also helps to lessen odor and toxicity issues, which aren't ideal for interior use.

On the other hand, polycrylic is better suitable for indoor application. It is significantly more convenient to apply on counters and furniture since it cures faster. You don't have to be concerned about having it inside your home due of its low toxicity.

What is More Durable: Polycrylic or Polyurethane?

The longevity of polyurethane offers it an advantage over polycrylic and makes it ideal for outdoor application.

Because so little of the finish stays on the surface, water-based treatments that soak into the wood (such as polycrylic) don't give any protection against scratches or buffs.

Polyurethane, as an oil-based lacquer, stays primarily on top of the surfaces it's applied to, leaving a far more lasting topcoat.

While polycrylic is a superior alternative for usage within the home, it won't provide much protection for your surfaces.

Surfaces coated with polycrylic are more vulnerable to scratches and scrapes because they lack a thick topcoat and have a thinner consistency.

Polycrylic also doesn't hold up as well to moisture or heat as polyurethane because its water-based formula isn't designed for these conditions.

Polyurethane, on the other hand, is significantly more heat and moisture resistant, making it a better choice for outdoor applications and surfaces that will be subjected to more heavy-duty use.

However, polycrylic is still a superior choice for surfaces that will only be handled lightly, such as counters, cabinets, and furniture.

While it won't provide the same level of protection as polyurethane, polycrylic will provide some protection for your wood and keep it secure from small damage.

Conclusion

Clear coats come in a variety of bases, which determine how easy they are to apply as well as how much protection they provide for your kitchen cabinets.

Different alternatives also dry at different rates, and some may even self-level or resurface damaged cabinets for a smooth, clean look. There is no one-size-fits-all clear coat for every kitchen.

With that said, the General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat is my top recommendation for a kitchen cabinet clear coat. It's quite simple to use, therefore it's appropriate for both beginners and experts. It dries quickly, leaves a smooth, professional finish, and protects against physical damage, water and moisture, as well as UV radiation from the sun.

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