Best Clear Coats For Painted Kitchen Cabinets

Are you searching for a clear finish that not only enhances the durability of your painted cabinets but also adds a touch of richness and depth to their color?

Look no further, as I unveil a technique that has been all but forgotten with the advancements in standard house paints. Join me on a journey to revive the practice of varnishing over paint, a time-honored method that can transform a mundane kitchen of generic styling into a dramatic expression of a certain period of American history.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of selecting the perfect clear finish that not only boosts durability but also enriches the luster and deepens the color of your cabinets. We’ll explore the unparalleled benefits of water-based polyurethane, its nontoxic fumes, and its ability to create a hard, clear film that withstands abrasion and resists moisture. Additionally, I’ll share insights on using polyurethane varnish for the panels, with a clever twist to tone down the artificial glasslike sheen and achieve a more natural look.

But before that Let’s see the top coats for your painted cabinets

Water-based top coats for painted cabinets

Choosing water-based polyurethane as a topcoat for painted cabinets offers several advantages that make it a popular choice. Here are some reasons why water-based polyurethane is often preferred for this purpose:

1. Quick Drying Time: Water-based polyurethane dries much faster compared to oil-based alternatives. This means you can apply multiple coats and complete the project in a shorter time frame, reducing the disruption in your kitchen.
2. Low Odor: Water-based polyurethane has a lower odor compared to oil-based options. This makes it more pleasant to work with, especially in indoor environments like kitchens, where strong odors can be a concern.
3. Clear and Non-Yellowing Finish: Water-based polyurethane typically dries clear and remains non-yellowing over time. This is particularly important when applying it over painted cabinets, as it preserves the true color and maintains the desired appearance of the paint.
4. Easy Cleanup: Water-based polyurethane is easy to clean up with soap and water. This simplifies the cleaning process and reduces the need for harsh solvents or chemicals. It also means that brushes, rollers, and other application tools can be cleaned without the use of specialized cleaning agents.

Why choose the General Finishes High-Performance

There are several compelling reasons to consider choosing the General Finishes High-Performance Water-Based Topcoat for your painted cabinets:

1. Durability: The High-Performance Topcoat is specifically designed to provide excellent durability and protection for your cabinets. It forms a tough protective layer that resists water, chemicals, and abrasions, ensuring that your cabinets can withstand everyday use and maintain their beauty over time.
2. Clarity and Enhancing Appearance: This topcoat is formulated to be crystal clear, allowing the true color and beauty of your painted cabinets to shine through. It enhances the appearance of the paint, adding depth and richness to the overall finish, and giving your cabinets a professional and polished look.
3. Water-Based and Low Odor: Being water-based, this topcoat has a lower odor compared to solvent-based alternatives, making it more comfortable to work with, especially in indoor environments. It allows for a more pleasant application experience while still delivering excellent performance.
4. Easy Application and Cleanup: The High-Performance Topcoat can be applied using a brush, roller, or spray gun, providing flexibility based on your preference and the nature of your project. Additionally, cleanup is effortless as it can be done with soap and water, making the process quick and convenient.

Precautions

1. Potential for Brush Marks: Like many water-based finishes, the topcoat may show brush marks if not applied properly. It’s essential to follow the recommended application techniques to achieve a smooth finish

Best clear coat for painted kitchen cabinets

Why Choose Minwax 13333 Polycrylic

Choosing Minwax 13333 Polycrylic as the topcoat for your painted kitchen cabinets offers several benefits that make it a favorable choice:

1. Durability: Polycrylic provides a protective and durable finish that helps shield your painted cabinets from everyday wear and tear, including scratches and abrasions. It forms a hard, clear film that adds an extra layer of defense to the painted surface, increasing its longevity.
2. Easy Application: With its water-based formula, Polycrylic is easy to apply using a brush, roller, or spray gun. Its smooth consistency allows for smooth and even coverage, reducing the chances of streaks or brush marks on your cabinets.
3. Quick Drying Time: Polycrylic offers a relatively fast drying time, typically touch-dry within 30 minutes to 1 hour. This allows you to complete your project more efficiently and move on to subsequent coats or use your cabinets sooner.
4. Clear and Non-Yellowing: Minwax 13333 Polycrylic is known for its clear finish, preserving the original color of your painted cabinets without adding a yellowish tint over time. This is particularly beneficial if you want to maintain the true color and vibrancy of your cabinet paint.
5. Easy Cleanup: Being a water-based finish, Polycrylic simplifies the cleanup process. Tools, brushes, and other equipment used for application can be easily cleaned with soap and water, eliminating the need for harsh solvents or chemicals.
6. Low Odor: Polycrylic has a low odor compared to solvent-based finishes, making it more pleasant to work with and allowing you to continue using your kitchen while the finish cure

Precautions

1. Potential for Brush Marks: While Polycrylic has a smooth consistency, it has a short open work time, meaning it dries relatively quickly. This can increase the likelihood of brush marks appearing during application. However, by following proper brushing techniques and working quickly, you can minimize the occurrence of brush marks.
2. Sanding Required: If brush marks do occur, they can be sanded down later to achieve a smoother finish. However, this additional step adds time and effort to the finishing process.

To minimize brush marks and achieve a flawless finish:

• Use high-quality polyurethane brushes to ensure smooth application.
• Apply thin coats of Polycrylic, spreading the product evenly and avoiding excessive buildup in one area.
• Work in small sections, blending each stroke while the finish is still wet to create a seamless finish.

Spar varnish over painted kitchen cabinets

When it comes to durability, applying Spar varnish over painted kitchen cabinets can significantly enhance their ability to withstand daily wear and tear. Spar varnishes, like Helmsman Spar Urethane and Rust-Oleum Spar, are renowned for their exceptional durability and protective properties.

Why choose the Rust-Oleum Spar Urethane for Painted Kitchen Cabinets

1. Enhanced Protection: By applying the Ultimate Spar Urethane, your painted kitchen cabinets receive advanced protection against UV rays, moisture, and mildew. This safeguard ensures that your cabinets remain in excellent condition, preserving their beauty and durability for years to come.
2. Easy Cleanup: Thanks to its water-based formula, cleaning up after using the Ultimate Spar Urethane is simple. Just use soap and water to clean your brushes, rollers, or spray equipment. There’s no need for harsh solvents or complicated cleaning processes.
3. Long-Lasting Results: Once applied, the Rust-Oleum 250041H Ultimate Spar Urethane forms a durable and resilient finish that withstands tough conditions. You can trust that your painted kitchen cabinets will be well-protected, resisting fading, cracking, or peeling over time.
4. Ease of Use: Applying the Ultimate Spar Urethane is a hassle-free process. Whether you choose to use a brush, roller, or spray gun, this product goes on smoothly and evenly, ensuring a professional-looking finish on your painted kitchen cabinets.

Precautions

1. Application Complexity: The process of applying spar urethane can be more involved than simply painting. It requires proper surface preparation, including scuffing the painted surface, and following the manufacturer’s instructions for application techniques and drying times.
2. Odor: Although the Ultimate Spar Urethane is water-based and generally has a lower odor compared to solvent-based alternatives, some individuals may still find the smell noticeable during application. Adequate ventilation is recommended.
3. Potential Color Change: Like any clear finish, there is a possibility of a slight color change or darkening of the painted surface when applying the Ultimate Spar Urethane. It’s advisable to test the product on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface.

Why choose Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane for painted cabinets

1. Enhanced Protection: Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane adds an extra layer of protection to painted kitchen cabinets, guarding them against moisture, stains, and general wear and tear. This can extend the life of the paint job and keep the cabinets looking fresh for longer.
2. Durability: Spar urethane is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to various environmental factors. It forms a hard, protective layer that can withstand daily use and handling in a kitchen setting.
3. Easy Maintenance: The application of Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane makes the painted cabinets easier to clean and maintain. It creates a smooth, washable surface that can be wiped down with mild detergents and water, helping to keep the cabinets looking clean and fresh.

Precaution

1. Color and Sheen Alteration: Applying a clear urethane over painted cabinets may slightly alter the color and sheen of the paint. It is recommended to perform a test on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that the desired appearance is achieved.

Best lacquer for kitchen cabinets

The classic appeal of lacquering painted cabinets is undeniable. Lacquer finishes have been used for centuries to enhance the beauty and durability of furniture, including cabinets. When applied to painted cabinets, lacquer adds a lustrous and smooth finish that brings out the depth and richness of the paint color.

One of the key advantages of lacquering painted cabinets is its ability to create a flawless, mirror-like surface. The high-gloss finish achieved with lacquer adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. It reflects light beautifully, creating a sense of depth and dimension in the cabinetry. Sounds all good but I wouldn’t want to try this with lighter colors. This only works well with dark-painted cabinets.

Why choose AQUA COAT Clear Lacquer, Water-Based Wood Finish

AQUA COAT Clear Lacquer, Water-Based Wood Finish is the ideal choice for painted kitchen cabinets for several reasons.

1. Eco-friendly choice: Firstly, its water-based formula significantly reduces strong fumes associated with traditional lacquers, creating a safer and more pleasant application process. This is especially important in a kitchen environment where good air quality is crucial. Furthermore, its low VOC content and water-based composition make it an environmentally responsible choice for your kitchen cabinets. You can confidently enhance the beauty of your cabinets while minimizing your impact on the environment.
2. Easy to sand: Unlike other lacquers, AQUA COAT Clear Lacquer eliminates the need for a sanding sealer coat. This lacquer formula makes it sanda
3. durability and Maintainance: This water-based lacquer is durable and easy to maintain. It provides a high-gloss finish that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your painted cabinets but also offers protection against everyday wear and tear. Cleaning the cabinets is a breeze—simply wipe away dirt and grime without the need for harsh chemicals.

Precaution

1. Limited Availability: Depending on your location, AQUA COAT Clear Lacquer may not be readily available in local stores. This could lead to difficulties in sourcing the product or result in longer waiting times for delivery.

MINWAX Wipe-On Polyurethane

Since it is intended to be wiped on rather than painted with a brush, this clear coat differs from the products I have reviewed thus far, and I will check soon. The final product’s appearance is slightly altered as a result. This coat’s availability in full gloss or clear satin satin is one feature I appreciate. This implies that you have several options if you want to vary the texture of your finish.
If you prefer the hand-rubbed look and feel, this is your option. One minor drawback is that a wipe-on poly will never be applied quite as thickly as a paint-on finish. However, there are times when a thin finish is just what you need.

You will be astounded by how superior it is to other application techniques because it doesn’t leave any brush or streak marks. Even though Minwax Wipe-On Poly is very simple to use, it is included on this list because of how well it seals painted cabinets.

Starting to enjoy this result already? This polyurethane is, in my experience, perfect for cabinets, porches, and railings. You sometimes want to keep the wood’s natural grain visible. To provide a good grip, a handrail next to the stairs, for instance, needs to have a good texture. A completely smooth stair railing would be useless because it would be challenging to gain the necessary traction.

The speed with which it dries is another impressive quality. It is just as quick as water-based polyurethanes because the next coat can be applied after two to three hours.

It is an oil-based coating that makes me pick it and love it more than any other product on our list. A coating made of oil will result in a slightly softer surface. This makes it perfect for surfaces that will frequently be gripped, like the handles on kitchen cabinets. This would unquestionably be the best option for safety applications. Of course, there is yet another aspect of an oil-based clear coat.

But check out this! When applied, an oil-based clear coat will slightly darken the wood. In addition to serving as protection, this item also almost stains. Most of the items on this list are transparent and water-based. This will be a great option for your kitchen cabinets if you have a surface that could use a little darkening.

Pros

• It is very easy to apply as you will only need to wipe on your painted kitchen cabinets.
• It is fast to dry, and it takes 2 to 3 hours to dry.
• It offers durable protection.
• It is perfect for applications that need traction.

Cons

• It may take a long time to dry.
• Some surfaces may not work well on softer surfaces.

Varathane 200041H

This is a fantastic option for cabinets because the natural beauty of the wood will be enhanced by its crystal-clear nature. However, before applying this clear coat, you should probably stain the wood first. Since it is so transparent, coating it might make it appear plain and unfinished. A light stain and this clear coat together can produce the most beautiful and durable results.

Some people favor oil stains because they will darken the wood and slightly enhance its natural tones. For surfaces like hardwood floors, which are subject to a lot of scuffing, a harder coating will be much better. This coating is the least expensive among the top five in terms of cost. This one’s thin consistency, which makes it a little more challenging to apply multiple coats, is the only thing I don’t like about it.

Pros

• It has a water-based formula that dries fast and essentially cleans up the water.
• Protects your indoor wood surfaces like cabinets, windows, and furniture.
• Its durable formula is best for outstanding stain and scratch resistance with excellent clarity.
• It can cover 125 square feet at a maximum. and is touch-dry in 30 minutes. After two hours, you can recoat it.
• It has a clear formula suitable for interior projects like cabinets, windows, and furniture.
• This glossy finish will give you a polished and clean look.
• Easy soap and water clean-up.
• It will offer a crystal clear finish that will never be yellow.
• It has a low odor.
• It is the best scratch and stain protection you can ever get on the market.
•  Pocket-friendly to suit your needs.

Cons

• Rust-Oleum Varathane may be too clear for some of your cabinet applications.

• Due to its thinness, you may find it challenging to apply in some cases.

Varathane 200061H Polyurethane

As a DIYer, I know you’re always disappointed by lies. For instance, when the label says a coat is clear, you expect it to be clear. Unfortunately, not many clear coats stay true to their name, but this one does.

When applied, you can see the grain pattern of your flawlessly finished cabinets because it dries crystal clear.

This clear coat dries quickly, as you would anticipate from a water-based finish. Within 30 minutes, it is touch-dry, and two hours later, you can apply a second coat. But for maximum protection, continue until you’ve applied at least four coats.

Your cabinets will be suitable for light use in just 24 hours after the final coat, three times quicker than most other water-based polys.

But hold on! This clear polyurethane can coat painted, unfinished, or stained wood surfaces. Before committing, you should test it on kitchen cabinets that are painted white. It might be yellow in some situations.

It is available in different sheen options such as semi-gloss finish, matte, satin, and gloss.

Already feeling anxious? You shouldn’t because this polyurethane and all water-based polyurethane have this issue. Some users, though, have successfully used this clear coat without discoloring their work.

Pros

• It is the best water-based finish for kitchen cabinets.
• It has a low order.
• It dries crystal clear.
• It is inexpensive yet high quality for your kitchen cabinets.
• You don’t have to apply sand between coats.
• It dries quickly.

Cons

• You will need four coats when applying it.
• In some instances, it causes yellowing when applied to white paint.

Rust-Oleum 287722

In my well-thought-out and tested list, I offer you another Rust-Oleum topcoat option in this ultra-matte finish paint. It requires little setup work, so even a beginner can use it to produce work of a professional caliber. Because the paint’s formula is safe to use, it is a versatile paint that can be used for any project you have.

In my opinion, it is even more effective because it dries in just 30 minutes. After the paint has dried, you have three options: chip it, wear it away for a vintage appearance, or choose distressing. It will turn matte and clear as a topcoat if allowed to dry fully.

While you will find the application process easy, it is low-maintenance and does not take much time to clean up, which is always helpful. Simply wiping any accidental applications with soap and water will get it off.

This is a helpful safety net if you don’t have much experience working with paint. Although the chalky texture of this paint aids in giving it a vintage appearance, it can also be detrimental to it. Brush strokes are more obvious with this specific chalky consistency, especially on darker surfaces. Streaks may still appear after the surface dries, despite using a fine brush.

Pros

• It has a low odor.
• It has a VOC formula that allows easy clean-up with water and soap.
• It is easy to apply with minimal preparation but with excellent adhesion.
• In just 30 minutes, it dries up to the touch with extensive coverage of up to 150 square feet.
• Its protective topcoat dries to an ultra-matte, velvety, and smooth finish.

Cons

• It is chalked and can leave brush strokes.

Rust-Oleum 327864

This clear coat spray paint’s application process caught my attention in particular. Its wide finger pad and multi-angle spray tip make using it incredibly simple. Spraying larger areas becomes less taxing, thanks to these innovative design elements.

You will also appreciate its superb coverage as you apply the solution to the surface. Compared to other finishes, it dries fairly quickly once it comes into contact. In other words, you won’t have to wait for the coating to dry before starting new tasks.

Whatever you need to cover, Rust-oleum is capable of handling it. Among the materials, it can be used are plastic, wood, metal, unglazed ceramic, and more. Additionally, you can relax knowing that they are shielded from outside contaminants.

However, the fumes released during the spray paint’s drying process were a minor drawback that I discovered while using it. They are quite strong and continue after it has dried to the touch for a while. Therefore, applying the paint and allowing it to dry in a well-ventilated space is advised.

Pros

• This glossy finish offers fresh shine to painted kitchen cabinets.
• Its excellent durability comes in handy with full coverage and smooth and vivid color.
• It becomes touchable after twenty minutes.
• It covers up to 12 square feet for quick completion of your kitchen cabinet project.
• It offers lasting protection with a tip that can spray at any angle at your comfort and reduces finger fatigue.
• Using this product, you can reach hard-to-paint places.

Cons

• The fumes may take time to disperse.

What to look for when Buying Clear Coat For Painted Kitchen Cabinets

Making the best clear coat choice for your kitchen cabinets is a complex process. Selecting one solution can be challenging if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for.

Before deciding on a specific painting, consider these elements that may affect your overall experience and outcome. Utilize these elements to determine whether a particular paint is right for you and your kitchen.

 Yellowing

Choosing a clear coat for any surface is one of the most significant and frequent considerations. Specific, clear coats interact differently with materials, one of which is yellowing.

Yellowing occurs when the clear coat’s base material develops a yellowish hue. This might be caused by the type of wood we use, the dye we apply to the topcoat’s application technique, or moisture content.

Check if a particular paint will work with your kitchen cabinet’s material. You can look for compatible paint once you know what kind of material you are working with.

Additionally, those with white or another bright color cabinets should take extra precautions to prevent yellowing over time. Compared to darker wood types, where yellowing is less noticeable, these lighter woods are more prone to showing signs of the condition.

 Wood Finish

Due to its adaptability and ease of maintenance, wood is one of the materials we use most frequently in kitchen cabinets. You should select a suitable clear coat option based on your cabinets’ type of finish.

Oil finishes can impact the adhesion and protection of a clear topcoat. If the wood in your cabinets is unfinished, look for a topcoat with an oil-based sealer. This purifies the wood and penetrates it to offer the best possible defense.

If you decide against using an oil-based sealer, stain the wood before applying the final topcoat. Any other paint or coatings won’t be able to adhere to the wood after you apply that final layer.

The Method of Application

The technique used to apply the coating is something else to consider. Applying incredibly thin coatings with a brush can present a small challenge. This is because they frequently drip from the surface while you are trying to apply the coat and run off the brush. This compels the user to apply thin coats, which prompts the user to apply more coats. In essence, it entails a great deal more time and work.

However, when applying the clear coats recommended in our list, you don’t have to use a quality brush to get good results. You can also use spray guns, abrasives, or rags, and the results will be perfect. For example, you can apply a wipe-on finish such as Minwax Wipe-On Polyurethane and oil-based polyurethane; 

you can sand a brushed finish level and cover the sanding scratches with wiping or gel varnish, or you can sand a brushed finish level and rub it to the sheen you want using fine abrasives.

But I find spray guns more advantageous than brushing or wiping when using the clearest coats on my list. The most obvious difference is the application speed; applying a finish with a spray gun is much faster than wiping or brushing, although some products require only wiping or brushing.

 Finish Variety

The three types of clear coats—Satin, semi-gloss, and gloss—have varying degrees of sheen. Each of these finishes has distinctive qualities that give the treated material a variety of textures.

At one end of the finish spectrum, there are satin finishes, which have more texture. Once dried, their textured surfaces make cleaning them slightly more complex.

Between SatinSatin and glossy finishes are semi-gloss finishes. Semi-gloss finishes are smoother and less reflective than glossy finishes, but they still reflect more light than satin finishes.

Because of its crystal-clear smoothness, a glossy, clear finish is commonly used. Glossy finishes are typically the easiest to clean, making them popular in kitchen and furniture pieces. Maintaining a polished finished piece is infinitely easier than maintaining any other finish.

Texture

Don’t forget how crucial it is to consider the texture (sheen). The three most popular options have varying degrees of smoothness: gloss, semi-gloss, and SatinSatin. In general, rougher textures are preferable for surfaces where hands or feet frequently come into contact. A hardwood floor shouldn’t be given a full gloss treatment because doing so will make it simpler for someone to slip and fall. As we’ve already mentioned, for maximum safety, handrails and all other objects meant to be grasped require a rougher surface.

Durability

The top coat can last longer than standard paints thanks to superior durability and resistance to certain factors in a paint. It is best to focus on two characteristics in particular when buying kitchen cabinets: scratch and UV resistance.

The cabinets are one of the most used kitchen appliances and are a hub of activity all day long. Therefore, it is not surprising that they frequently encounter dings and dents. Although scratch resistance can’t completely protect your cabinets from these flaws, it does help to lessen their frequency.

Besides this, a UV resistance is a good idea if your kitchen area has windows to maintain the structural integrity of the cabinets. Additionally, it keeps the wood’s color for a more extended period. Wood is more prone to warping and color changes when exposed to UV rays.

Kitchens can heat up quickly, especially those that are smaller in size. The wood cabinets might eventually warp as a result of this fluctuation in temperature. You can also look for paint with some degree of heat resistance as an additional layer of defense.

best clear coat for painted kitchen cabinets – Summary

Now that you know more about the options available, you should know what to look for in topcoats for kitchen cabinets.

Choosing the best coat combines and matches features to meet your requirements. For instance, the Rust-oleum 327864’s multi-angle tip makes for a simple application.

Furthermore, the Minwax 13333 Polycrylic has an excellent polycrylic protective finish that is both long-lasting and simple to apply, thanks to its water-based formula. However, the Rust-Oleum 287722 model is our overall performance pick due to its durability and ease of use.

Whatever clear coat finish you choose, you will not be sorry to have the extra protection on your cabinets. They will not only last longer, but they will also enhance the appearance of your kitchen.