7 Best Clear Coats for Kitchen Cabinets That Will Make Them Look Brand New
Imagine your kitchen cabinets are looking a little worse for wear. It requires the use of a fresh coat of paint. And once you apply that, those cabinets will get a vivid and updated look. People worldwide prefer clear coats to protect the finish on painted surfaces.
Applying a clear coat can protect kitchen cabinets from everyday wear and tear. Also, it can enhance the natural beauty of the wood. You can give your kitchen a polished, finished appearance. With so much greatness, won’t you look for the right clear coats?
In this article, we’ll discuss the 7 best clear coat options for kitchen cabinets. We have all suitable items on this list, from a durable, high-gloss finish or a more matte to a subtle look. Besides, the selected items are water-based with quick-dry properties. So, grab your tools right now, and get started!
1. Minwax Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish
Transform your wood surfaces with Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish! This crystal clear, low-odor varnish offers protection and a beautiful glossy finish to wooden furniture, woodwork, doors, and cabinets for an elegant look.
You can easily apply this clear coat. After applying a coat, it will dry within just 2 hours. So you can get more coats done with fewer delays. Hence, its water-cleanup feature reduces the hassle after completing every project. You can also work with any oil-based or water-based products besides this cabinet paint sealer
Start with its application—it’s easier than ever before! This product works well on light woods like maple, ash, and birch as it uses a formula over various wood species. Also, there is no chance of yellowing, amber-ing, or bad odor using this finish. So pass up the yellowing effects of competing products and choose Minwax for all your tough clarity needs!
- Benefits
- Available in 1-quart size with a water-based formula
- Protects wood surfaces from scratches, spills, dirt, and more
- Crystal clear finish protects and adds beauty to interior wood projects
- Non-yellowing, non-ambering, and low odor
- Fast drying allows for quick recoats after 2 hours
- Easy clean-up with soap and water
- Gloss sheen for a bright, modern look
- Drawback
- May leave water marks
- Extremely fast that resists the brush marks from settling out
2. General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat
Are you looking for a durable topcoat to protect your wood floors and furniture? Then, we have a suggestion for you. This General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat is more than anything. It is a quality paint sealer for cabinets with the hardest, most durable consumer polyurethane formula.
It contains all the consumer-friendly characteristics of a polyacrylic blend. Besides, it has a UV stabilizer to resist fading and discoloration caused by sunlight. It provides a long-lasting finish resistant to scuffs and scratches, making it ideal for use on floors, furniture, and other high-traffic surfaces.
The Satin finish gives a subtle sheen that will add a soft, elegant look to your projects. This top coat is easy to apply and is a low odor. Even its pure polyurethane durability enables applying it on the floors. So, you can use it for any indoor or outdoor project, from protecting new wood to restoring old pieces.
- Benefits
- Easy to apply and provides a smooth, professional finish
- Non-yellowing, durable protection that resists scratches and stains
- Low odor, low VOC, and safe to use indoors
- Fast drying, allowing for quick turnaround and multiple coats in a single day
- Fast curing, creating a hard, protective finish that can withstand wear and tear
- Water clean-up for easy clean-up and disposal
- Drawback
- Some users got the finish as semi-gloss, not satin as mentioned
- May leave marks after drying fast
3. Varathane Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane
Varathane Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane is the ideal solution for upgrading any indoor wood surface. Its thin and durable layers of protection offer everything needed to keep surfaces looking great even with heavy use.
You can quickly refresh your home decor with a natural-looking satin finish with its fast 30-minute drying time. It can cover up to 125 sq. ft. surface. After applying, it gives you a natural-looking satin finish on furniture, windows, cabinets, trim, and more.
Its advanced water-based formula is an easy choice for both novice DIYers and skilled homeowners. You can also easily clean the applied surface with simple soap and water. So, you can happily apply this cabinet paint sealant on projects like around the house or in the garage.
The result of applying Varathane’s product is really impressive. Its enduring formula offers a perfect stain-scratch-free surface with ultimate clarity. Besides, the satin finish brings back the classic and natural of kitchen cabinets.
- Benefits
- Fast drying time of 30 minutes
- Easy to clean up with soap and water
- Provides excellent protection against staining and scratching
- Gives a classic and natural satin finish
- Offers coverage up to 125 sq. ft.
- Low odor and non-toxic
- Drawback
- May make bubbles while applying it on the surface
4. Water-Base Wipe-On Polyurethane
Are you looking for a durable, clear finish for your furniture, railings, and trim? Minwax Water-Based Wipe-On Poly is exactly what you need! It’s the perfect combination of hand-rubbed beauty and polyurethane protection. It offers an easy application – just grab some lint-free clothes and get to work.
No drips or brush marks, no problem! Additionally, it dries ultra-fast, allowing you to recoat within 2-3 hours. It works great on furniture, cabinets, woodwork, trim, doors, and small floor touch-ups.
You don’t need to worry about it, as it contains a very low odor. And if tackling a project isn’t quite your forte – don’t worry about the mess. You can quickly clean it with water without spending hours scrubbing away.
- Benefits
- Fast-drying clear coat for kitchen cabinets
- Easy to apply with a cloth without worrying about drips and brush marks
- Polyurethane protection with classic, hand-rubbed beauty
- Ideal, durable clear finish for furniture, railings, and trim
- You can use it to touch up small areas on floors
- Applicable over Minwax Wood Finish or other stains
- Can be sanded between coats for a smoother finish
- Drawback
- Requires sanding and buffing to get the perfect finish
5. Rust-Oleum Ultra Interior Chalked Paint
Rust-Oleum Ultra Interior Chalked Paint is here to save the day as a way to refresh your space! It is a fantastic product for sealing painted cabinets. This easy-to-use paint can transform almost any surface from drab to fab. Hence, you can prove its magical transformation powers by just brushing it on your kitchen cabinets.
Ceramic? Check. Wood? Of course! Metal? Absolutely. Canvas? You betcha! Even better, you can use it for an effortless vintage look that never goes out of style. This low odor/VOC formula is easy to clean up with soap and water. So, there is no deal with harsh fumes or stinky messes.
It takes only 30 minutes to dry to touch. Also, its special one-coat coverage (up to 150 sq. ft.) makes projects go faster to complete the job in no time flat. It adheres nicely even with minimal prep, helping save time and energy while still getting great results. If you apply it once, it forms a protective topcoat with an ultra-matte velvety, smooth finish with excellent durability and resistance.
- Benefits
- Applicable on various interior surfaces like wood, metal, ceramic, and canvas
- Low odor/VOC formula enables quick clean up with soapy water soluton
- Takes half an hour to dry to touch and covers up to 150 sq. ft.
- The Cabinet paint topcoat provides an ultra-matte velvety, smooth finish
- Single-coat coverage is enough for a projet
- Requires minimal prep, adheres quickly and takes less effort to apply
- Easily distress to create a vintage look
- Drawback
- Not recommended for a solid finish
- Requires multiple coats for a brilliant result
6. INSL-X Cabinet Coat Enamel, Satin Sheen Paint
Have you ever wished you had a “factory-like” finish on your furniture and cabinets? We’ve all been there—until now! With INSL-X Cabinet Coat Enamel, Satin Sheen Paint, you can upgrade the overall look of your kitchen and bathroom. You can touch up all the cabinets, shelving, furniture, trim, and crown molding for an ultra-smooth, durable finish with it.
It can be the best bet for sturdy cabinet paint with its higher adhesion to even harder-to-coat surfaces (with no primer!). You will get 350 – 450 square feet of coverage per gallon. So, it is super easy to cover larger areas with ease!
The top coat for painted cabinets has instructions to apply it written on its label. So you can stay worry-free while applying it. Just ensure the air temperature, product temperature, and surface temperature are above 50°F (10°C) and below 90°F (32°C).
Usually, it takes a maximum of 1 hour to dry to touch. Once done, it will provide a satin sheen finish with resistance to chipping, scuffing, food stains, grease & water. Now that’s awesome! So go grab the product today—and give your furniture the refresh it deserves!
- Benefits
- Provides an ultra-smooth and durable finish
- Superior adhesion to difficult-to-coat surfaces without primer
- Resists chipping, scuffing, food stains, grease, and water
- Excellent coverage of 350-450 square feet per gallon
- Easy to apply when the temperature is between 50-90°F
- Includes detailed instructions for proper preparation and application
- Drawback
- Requires multiple coats to achieve desired coverage
7. Watco Lacquer Clear Wood Finish
Another Rust-Oleum product in our list – the Watco Lacquer Clear Wood Finish. The perfect kitchen cabinet sealer gives the furniture, doors, cabinets, and paneling a high-clarity finish.
Its clear revolutionary coating is designed to give a ‘crystal-clear gloss’ look. Also, it offers to provide long-lasting protection against scratches and scuffs. You can enjoy your days without thinking about wood filler, or sanding between coats!
It is elementary to apply as it dries to the touch in 1 hour. It can cover up to 290 sq ft of area with one application. That means you can finish any project quickly without waiting too long for your pieces to dry. Then again, it doesn’t require sanding between coats. So, you can save valuable time and energy that would’ve been spent on prepping for re-application.
So, pick it if you consider a quick and easy way to finish your next DIY project without sacrificing quality. After all, it provides excellent protection against wear and damage. Also, its crystal-clear gloss finish lasts a lifetime with proper shine and luster.
- Benefits
- Great protective coating for painted kitchen cabinets and other furniture
- Offers higher clarity finish than polyurethane
- Takes up to 1 hour to dry to touch with 290 sq. ft. maximum coverage
- Requires no wood filler and sanding between coats
- Durable result on doors, cabinets, and paneling
- Drawback
- Some users recommend polyurethane products over it
What to look for when Buying Clear Coat for Painted Kitchen Cabinets?
Scratch resistance
You should select a clear coat that protects your cabinets and keeps them looking new. You should also think about yellowing; some clear coats can discolor and become yellow over time. So, it’s best to buy a product with UV protection to help prevent this.
Method of application
Depending on your type of clear coat, you may need to apply it with a brush or sprayer. Make sure you choose the right method for your specific needs.
Wood finish
Some coatings may not be suitable for certain types of wood. So, make sure you check the label before purchasing.
Glossy
The look and feel of the clear coat should also be considered. Some finishes are glossier than others. So, ensure that you consider your own preferences when selecting one.
Durability
You should ensure that the product you choose will last for many years. Read the reviews and compare different brands before making a final decision.
Price
Clear coat can range from very inexpensive to quite expensive. Just ensure you shop around and find one that fits your budget.
Conclusion
Kitchen cabinets take a beating. Every day they are exposed to splashes of water, grease, and food particles. Over time, this takes its toll on the finish of your cabinets. A clear coat can help protect your cabinets and keep them looking new for life long.
We have reviewed the seven best clear coats for kitchen cabinets. So you can select the correct one for your needs.
We hope you found this information helpful in making your decision. Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course. You can put it on kitchen cabinets! Most cabinets are sealed with a clear coat finish when they are manufactured. But over time, the finish can start to look dull and worn. A clear coat can help protect the cabinets, revitalize their look of the cabinets, and make them easier to keep clean.
When it comes to keeping your kitchen looking great, using a clear coat is the best idea. Clear coats provide a range of benefits that make them an excellent choice for kitchen surfaces.
Here are just a few of those benefits:
Durability
The best clear coats provide excellent protection from wear and tear. They keep your surfaces looking their best for longer. They can also help protect against water and other liquids, which makes them an ideal choice for kitchens.
Easy to clean
Clear coats are effortless to clean and maintain, which you may prefer for busy kitchens. They don’t require any unique cleaning products. Besides, you can wipe them down with a damp cloth.
Non-toxic
Clear coats are non-toxic. It means they won’t release harmful chemicals or fumes into your kitchen. It makes them a safe option for both you and your family.
Aesthetic appeal
Clear coats add a polished and professional look to any kitchen, giving it a sleek and modern feel. They also come in a range of different finishes. So, you can find the wonderful look for your kitchen.
An exterior clear coat is the way to go if you want more protection from the elements. It’s designed to withstand weather, UV rays, and other environmental factors that can damage surfaces. It’s also more durable and can handle more wear and tear over time.
Alternatively, if you want to protect the surface of your kitchen cabinets from everyday wear and tear, a clear interior coat may be a better choice. It won’t be as durable as a clear exterior coat. But it will still provide some protection against scratches and minor dings.
It won’t have to deal with environmental factors like sun exposure. So, it won’t need to be replaced as often.
Using a clear sealer such as polyurethane, one or two coats should be sufficient. However, if you use a more durable sealer such as epoxy, you can add up to three layers.
Keep in mind that with epoxy sealers, you need to allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next one.
When it comes to kitchen cabinets, the type of finish you choose can greatly impact the look and feel of your kitchen. There are several different types of finishes available. So, deciding which is best for your space can be hard.
Some of the most popular finishes for kitchen cabinets, with the pros and cons of each are:
Lacquer
Lacquer is a type of varnish applied to the cabinets’ surface to create a glossy, smooth finish.
Pros: Lacquer is very durable and resists scratches and scuffs. It also provides a beautiful glossy sheen that can make your cabinets look stunning.
Cons: Lacquer can be hard to apply properly, and if not done correctly, it can produce a streaky or uneven finish.
Stain
Staining is a popular option for kitchen cabinets as it allows you to add color to the wood while still retaining its natural grain and texture.
Pros: Staining is relatively easy to apply and provides a natural, rustic look. It’s also durable and will last many years with proper care.
Cons: Staining can be difficult to match up between different pieces of wood. So, you may need to be careful about choosing your stain colors.
Veneer
Veneer is a thin wood layer that you can apply over the cabinet’s surface.
Pros: Veneer can look like a more expensive wood without paying for it. It is also very durable and easy to clean.
Cons: Veneer is not as strong as solid wood. So, it cannot hold up as well over time.
