Top 10 Clear Coats for Kitchen Cabinet
Have you had or planned a kitchen remodel recently? Probably you chose to improve your kitchen cabinet instead of going the more costly route of replacing it. You find that after you have improved anything else in the kitchen, the cabinet still looks weather-beaten.
After replacing the cover and the edges, you are wondering which coat will be appropriate to use. You are not sure which factors you should consider before choosing the right one. Yet, according to Canadian Woodworking & Home Improvement, choosing involves a delicate balance between the price and quality that a product will fetch. This discussion tries to simplify the process for you.
Minwax 65555444 Polycryclic Protective Finish Water BasedIf you are tired of finishes that yellow soon after applying them to your kitchen cabinet, this product will wipe your tears. This finish gives your kitchen cabinet a lovely appearance soon after application. The application process is relatively easy, with any conventional brush.
It works great on your wooden kitchen cabinet, giving it a shiny cover. One application leaves it oozing a sense of protection. What is most surprising about this Minwax polycrylic finish is that you need only one coat to achieve a lasting finish.
You will need to be careful while applying to avoid giving it a thick layer. Here is how to do the finishing according to Wikihow.
Pros
- It dries at a faster rate than many rival brands after application
- It gives a shiny gloss to many types of wood
Cons
- It is not ideal for application over another layer of paint
- General Finishes QTHSG High-Performance Water Based Topcoat
This product has earned the trust of many users. Even a novice can apply it like a pro. That is, by following the straightforward instructions on its cover.
We can declare it a faster seller compared to its competitors. Once you apply this coating, it never comes out easily. The finish sticks firmly to your kitchen cabinet. It remains resilient even to deliberate scratches.
Humidity and other related and other related conditions do not stand a chance against this product either. The manufacturers ensured this product has a stabilizing agent against UV effects. Thus, you can apply it over other paint layers as a protective cover. It is perfect for use indoors.
Pros
- It has a swift drying rate
- It gives a tremendous thick protective cover over your kitchen cabinet
Cons
- It is a little costly
- It yellows badly over white paint
- Deft Interior Waterborne Clear wood Finish Semi
The waterborne clear wood finish has a simple application procedure. You can use any standard brush, and the result will be the same. This coating has an acrylic formula that is easy to apply and dries quickly.
If you are looking for a long-lasting coating that looks great on any hardwood, then you have it in this product. After the application, it leaves a clear finish, and it is easy to wash with water and soap.
When counting the best clear coats for kitchen cabinets, you will never fail to mention the Deft waterborne Semi. This product does not have a bad odor that could inconvenience you while using it indoors.
Pros
- This product gives a beautiful shiny finish
- The cost is friendly and worth it’s quality
Cons
- It can be dangerous near a fire
- You may need to use a roller after brushing so that it dries smoothly. Here is how to use it, according to Family Handyman.
- Rust-Oleum 200041H Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane Water Based
Rust-Oleum is an easy-to-apply water-based coating. This product provides strong resistance to your kitchen cabinet against scratches and other conditions. It would help if you had a perfect shine for your cabinets and a glossy appearance; this coating works perfectly to give you what you want.
Rust-Oleum requires application with a good synthetic brush. You must use it alongside its stain for great results. According to a video by Rust-Oleum’s YouTube Channel, here is how to make the application for great results.
This product is friendly for the homeowner who is working within a strict budget. Nevertheless, its price does not lower its quality. If you cannot follow the instructions correctly, hire a pro.
Pros
- Rust-Oleum is relatively cheaper and readily available in the market
- It has a devoted base of satisfied customers
Cons
- It is clear and may look like it is not there, depending on the nature of your kitchen cabinet’s surface.
- Watco 63041 Lacquer Clear Wood Finish
Lacquer is for those who prefer quality over price since it is more costly compared to its competitors. You will not even feel a pinch given what this product can do on your wooden kitchen cabinet. Firstly, it covers the gap of wood fillers, thus saving you the cost on the other side.
This coating is a fast drier and ends up with a transparent appearance on your cabinet. To achieve this perfect outcome, you need to apply correctly by following the instructions on the can. With proper application, you can be sure your cabinet has durable protection against wear and tear.
Lacquer clear wood finish manifests the ability to self-spread when used with a spray gun.
Pros
- The ability to spread itself is convenient and makes work easier
- It is one of the clearest coatings
Cons
- Its cost is quite prohibitive to homeowners who intend to save some money for other purposes
- Giani Granite Paint Glitter Top Coat Step
Giani glitter topcoat dries into a shiny finish on your kitchen cabinet. This product spares you the undesirable yellowing effects. It does not dry within 30 minutes like some other coats since it takes more than three hours.
Giani is one of those great products that leave perfect results on anything it touches. If you can get creative with it, it would look as if the granite is indeed real. The appearance of granite allows you to save since you do not purchase granite tiles.
This product is unlike others that emit unpleasant odors as you apply. If you observe the instructions on how to apply appropriately, this coating is not difficult to use. These tips, according to This Old House, can help you with general painting on kitchen cabinets.
Pros
- The finish that comes from this product stays on for an extended period after that
- The product is easy to wash since it is water-based
Cons
- Takes long to dry
- Aqua Coat, Best Wood Grain Filler
The Wood Grain Filler stands out among the options that are easy to follow. If your kitchen cabinet is of hardwood, you are lucky. This product gives a sparkling finish after an easy application process that is easy to follow.
You may utilize a simple soft cloth, or any other possible applicator to spread it. The product emits very little odor; hence you can use it without any inconveniences inside your kitchen.
Aqua coat requires careful application since thick layers could hinder sanding, and delay the drying period. Applying too much of this coating will just be wasting it since thin layers are enough. You may want to get some gloves and apron since the coating is sticky.
Pros
- You can use water to reduce the thickness
- Sanding should be easy if you apply the coating correctly
Cons
- According to a top critical review on Amazon, it is not good for old cabinets.
- KILZ Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking Interior
This KILZ premium product is a leader above others in concealing stains and sticking to layers of older painting. As its name suggests, it blocks and fills cracks and rough surfaces on your kitchen cabinet. It works perfectly well, whether you are applying it on the surfaces or edges.
One gallon of this product can cover a surface area of more than 350 square feet. KILZ Premium has components that make it a great protector against mildew and mold. This product is a perfect idea to use after a water-damage restoration exercise at your home.
Since the product has easy-to-follow instructions, it has become popular with DIY homeowners and professionals. You can apply a second coating after about 50 minutes.
Pros
- It is a perfect remedy for water damage
- It is not a health hazard, and you can use it even when there are other people in your kitchen
Cons
- The cost of this product is slightly on the higher side.
- Minwax Brushing Lacquer
This is an exceptional lacquer, which you are not going to apply using a spray gun. It is relatively too thick for the spray gun. The Spruce Crafts gives information on how to apply lacquer finishes using brushes, apart from spraying.
This type of Minwax lacquer dries relatively faster, and you can apply a second layer of coat within the first 120 minutes. You will not need to do any sanding before applying another coat. Therefore, the application process is not cumbersome.
This product gives the same results on wood and metal surfaces. Minwax lacquer creates nice looking finishes that with a clear and shiny look.
Pros
- This finishing product protects against color peeling
- It lasts longer and is worth the money you spend on it
Cons
- It posses the risk of fire accident due to its highly flammable nature
- This particular product works only with brushes as opposed to spraying
INSL-X CC550109A-01 Cabinet Coat Enamel
Applying this coat gives your kitchen cabinet a smooth appeal both in appearance and in feel. Besides the cabinet, this coat is suitable for most furniture at home; it makes them look like brand new ones. One gallon covers a large area as compared to some of its competitors.
Top angle sash brushes bring out the perfect results if you follow the right procedure before painting. For instance, removing any dirt and leveling uneven surfaces on your cabinet. To achieve this, you may not avoid sanding after all.
Many users have reported satisfaction while using these products. The fact that it has met their expectations shows that it is a product worth your attention too.
Pros
- The coating stays for long without even scratches
Cons
- Not suitable for cabinets attached to sinks due to effects of water
Top Pick
A good number of customer reviews recognize General Finishes Water Based Topcoat as the leading brand. This product has gone through the trials and has passed the test of quality. The manufacturers look like they were determined to produce a coat that would boost consumer confidence.
The ability to protect against nearly all the unwanted factors is what makes this product tick. According to the manufacturer, General Finishes, this product won selection as the “Best Overall Choice” by Fine Woodworking.
Other products like Rust-Oleum are a great choice too if your budget favors something with a lower cost, but high quality. In general, each of the products that made it to our list has its desirable and undesirable side. Despite that, your ultimate choice will depend upon what you can afford; and the kind of satisfaction you intend to get.