Kitchen Cabinet Refacing: Choosing Clear Coat
This guide is part of a series dedicated to renovating kitchen cabinets. You can view the first guide to the series by visiting Kitchen Cabinet Refacing.
When it comes to picking a clear coat for your kitchen cabinets, personal preference will outweigh all else. But here is some basic information on each type of clear coat to help you make a knowledgeable decision.
There are two main categories of clear coat that can be used on kitchen cabinets: air-oxidizing and solvent-releasing. Air-oxidizing clear coats consist of the oils, varnishes, urethanes (including polyurethane) and blends. Air-oxidizing clear coats will soak into your kitchen cabinets.
Solvent-releasing clear coats are shellacs and lacquers that leave a hard, see-though coating on top of the wood. The first coat is used to seal the wood, while the top coats are used to add color, protection and sheen.
Oils
Many seasoned kitchen cabinet specialists will tell you that oil clear coats are not good for kitchen cabinets. Oils including tung and linseed oil have to be worked into the wood over 4-5 applications and they need to be re-applied often to keep the cabinets protected and looking new. Also, oils provide no protection from heat or moisture. Another downside to using oils on your kitchen cabinets is they put off a residual smell that can last for years and they have been known to yellow wood.
Varnishes
Some people swear by varnishes especially marine varnish when it comes to kitchen cabinets. Varnishes do provide a little from both worlds in the since that they soak into the wood and they also leave a coating on top of the kitchen cabinets. Marine varnish is clear, does not dis-color the wood and it is mold and mildew resistant. If you live in a humid area the reasons for choosing marine varnish are even greater.
Urethanes
The most popular of the urethanes is polyurethane. Polyurethane clear coat is a very popular choice for not only kitchen cabinets but also all woodworking projects because it is scratch resistant provides UV protection, it does not color the wood and it provides a glossy finish. Four to five coats of polyurethane will protect from normal amounts of heat and moisture in a kitchen.
Shellacs
If you love the color of your wood just the way it is, shellac is not the best option for you. Shellac in it’s lightest is called blond, but it does come in various colors. Shellacs are more commonly used for guitar finishes and similar projects than for kitchen cabinets. No matter what shade of shellac you choose it will alter the color of your kitchen cabinets.
Lacquers
Lacquer is great if you love a high gloss, classy finish, you have no children and you live alone. Lacquer is best for covering solid paints but can also be used over wood stain. It is known for its beautiful shine and high-maintenance. Many people after having lacquered kitchen cabinets for a little while apply several coats of polyurethane on top to protect the lacquer. Seems a little redundant but like I said before the choice is all yours.
Take all things into account when you are choosing your clear coat such as: kids, pets, cooking, spill accidents, house guests, routine cleaning and the work involved. Taking this information along with the above descriptions you should be able to at least narrow down your choices. Now you can go talk to the person at the paint counter and know what you are talking about.
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