The finish on your kitchen cabinets is just as important as their color or style. It not only impacts the overall aesthetic of your kitchen but also affects durability, ease of cleaning, and long-term maintenance. Choosing the right finish is crucial, especially if you want to protect your cabinets from daily wear and tear while ensuring they maintain their beauty for years to come.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of finishes available for refinishing kitchen cabinets, how to choose the best one for your needs, and a cost comparison of the various options. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision about the finish that will best suit your kitchen.

Refinishing Your Cabinets? It’s About the Finish!

Below we outline why the finish is important and some of the factors determining how to choose the best finish for your kitchen cabinets:

1. Why the Finish Matters

Before diving into the types of finishes, it’s essential to understand why the finish on your kitchen cabinets is so important. Cabinets endure a lot of use, from being opened and closed multiple times a day to exposure to grease, heat, and moisture from cooking. A proper finish not only protects the cabinets from damage but also enhances their appearance.

Durability: A high-quality finish protects your cabinets from scratches, moisture damage, and stains, increasing their lifespan.
Aesthetic Appeal: The finish influences the overall look of the cabinets, from matte to glossy appearances.
Ease of Maintenance: Different finishes have varying levels of cleanability. Some finishes, like gloss, wipe clean easily, while others, like matte, may require more care.

2. Types of Cabinet Finishes

There are several types of finishes available for kitchen cabinets, each offering different benefits depending on your style preferences, how you use your kitchen, and your budget. Let’s explore the most common types:

Painted Cabinet Finish

One of the most popular choices for kitchen cabinets, a painted finish gives cabinets a smooth, uniform appearance. This finish is ideal for modern kitchens, where sleek, clean lines are desired.

Durability: A high-quality paint job can last for many years, but painted finishes are more susceptible to chipping and wear over time, especially around high-traffic areas like the edges of cabinet doors.
Aesthetic Appeal: Painted finishes provide a wide range of color options, from bright whites to bold, dramatic hues. It works particularly well in contemporary or transitional kitchens.
Cost: The cost of painting kitchen cabinets typically ranges from $1,200 to $7,000, depending on the size of the kitchen and whether you hire a professional. A DIY job may cost less but could compromise the quality and durability of the finish.
Best For: Homeowners who want a sleek, uniform color with a modern or transitional style.

Stained Cabinet Finish

Staining enhances the natural beauty of wood, allowing the grain to show through while adding depth and richness. Stained finishes are ideal for those who want a traditional, rustic, or natural look in their kitchen.

Durability: Stained cabinets are typically more durable than painted ones, as the stain penetrates the wood fibers and does not sit on the surface like paint. Stain also tends to hide minor wear and tear better than paint.
Aesthetic Appeal: The natural grain of the wood shines through, giving a rich and organic look. Stains are available in light, medium, and dark tones, making them versatile for different design aesthetics.
Cost: Staining cabinets is generally less expensive than painting, with costs ranging from $800 to $4,000 depending on the complexity and whether you hire a professional.
Best For: Homeowners who want to highlight the natural beauty of their wood cabinets with a warm, traditional look.

Glazed Cabinet Finish

A glazed finish involves applying a layer of glaze over painted or stained cabinets to create depth and a slightly aged, antique look. This option is often used in traditional or country-style kitchens.

Durability: Glazing adds a layer of protection to the underlying paint or stain, increasing the cabinet’s durability. However, like paint, it may still be prone to chipping over time.
Aesthetic Appeal: Glazed finishes provide an aged, vintage, or antique appearance, perfect for creating a cozy, rustic feel in the kitchen. Glazing can also add dimension and highlight the details of cabinet doors.
Cost: Glazing can be more expensive than standard painting or staining because of the additional labor involved. Expect to pay between $2,000 and $10,000 depending on the size of the kitchen and the type of glaze used.
Best For: Homeowners looking for a traditional or country kitchen design with added texture and character.

Lacquer Cabinet Finish

Lacquer is a clear or tinted varnish that is sprayed on cabinets for a smooth, shiny finish. It’s one of the most durable finishes available, and it creates a high-gloss, sleek appearance.

Durability: Lacquer is extremely durable, offering excellent protection against moisture, heat, and scratches. It dries quickly and forms a hard, smooth surface that lasts for years without requiring much maintenance.
Aesthetic Appeal: Lacquer provides a glossy finish, ideal for contemporary and modern kitchens. It gives cabinets a smooth, polished look that is visually striking.
Cost: Lacquering cabinets can be pricey, with costs ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the size of the project and whether custom lacquering is required.
Best For: Homeowners looking for a durable, high-gloss finish in a contemporary or minimalist kitchen.

Varnish Cabinet Finish

Varnish is a transparent finish that is often used to protect stained wood. It provides a clear layer of protection that enhances the natural look of the wood.

Durability: Varnish is highly durable and provides excellent protection against moisture, heat, and scratches. It’s an excellent choice for high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen.
Aesthetic Appeal: Varnish doesn’t alter the natural color of the wood, but it enhances the grain, giving it a rich, lustrous appearance. It can be glossy or matte depending on the product you choose.
Cost: Varnishing is generally more affordable than lacquer, with costs ranging from $1,200 to $6,000 depending on the size of the project.
Best For: Homeowners who want to protect the natural look of their wood cabinets while adding a glossy or matte sheen.

Polyurethane Cabinet Finish

Polyurethane is a synthetic finish available in oil-based or water-based forms. It’s one of the most common finishes for kitchen cabinets because of its durability and resistance to wear.

Durability: Polyurethane provides excellent protection against moisture, heat, and physical wear, making it perfect for kitchen cabinets. It forms a thick, protective layer that can last for many years with minimal maintenance.
Aesthetic Appeal: Available in both matte and gloss, polyurethane finishes provide a protective layer without significantly altering the natural look of the wood. Water-based polyurethane is particularly popular for its non-yellowing properties.
Cost: Polyurethane finishes are typically affordable, with costs ranging from $800 to $4,500, depending on the size of the kitchen and the type of product used.
Best For: Homeowners who need a durable, low-maintenance finish for wood cabinets.

3. How to Choose the Right Finish

Choosing the right finish for your kitchen cabinets depends on several factors, including the material of your cabinets, the style of your kitchen, your lifestyle, and your budget. Here’s a breakdown of the factors to consider when making your decision:

Cabinet Material

Wood Cabinets: Wood cabinets offer more flexibility in terms of finish. They can be painted, stained, or finished with lacquer, varnish, or polyurethane. If you have high-quality wood cabinets, consider using a finish like stain or varnish to highlight the natural grain.
MDF or Laminate Cabinets: These materials are more limited in finish options. Painting or lacquering is usually the best choice for achieving a smooth, modern look.

Kitchen Style

Modern Kitchens: For a sleek, contemporary feel, consider high-gloss lacquer or painted finishes. These finishes offer clean lines and minimal texture, creating a modern aesthetic.
Traditional Kitchens: Stained or glazed finishes are ideal for traditional or rustic kitchens. These finishes allow the natural beauty of the wood to shine through and offer a warm, inviting feel.

Durability Needs

If you have a busy household with children or pets, durability is essential. Finishes like polyurethane or lacquer provide the best protection against moisture, heat, and scratches, making them ideal for high-traffic kitchens.

Maintenance

Some finishes, such as gloss lacquer or polyurethane, are easier to clean and maintain because they resist stains and fingerprints. If you want a low-maintenance kitchen, opt for a finish that requires minimal upkeep.

4. Cabinet Refinishing Cost Comparisons

As we’ve seen, the cost of refinishing cabinets varies significantly based on the type of finish you choose. Here’s a quick summary:

Painted Finish: $1,200 to $7,000
Stained Finish: $800 to $4,000
Glazed Finish: $2,000 to $10,000
Lacquer Finish: $2,000 to $10,000
Varnish Finish: $1,200 to $6,000
Polyurethane Finish: $800 to $4,500

The cost will vary depending on the size of your kitchen, the complexity of the work, and whether you hire a professional or choose to do it yourself.

Conclusion: What’s the Best Finish for Cabinets?

Choosing the right finish for your kitchen cabinets is a critical decision that affects both the look and durability of your kitchen. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek look of lacquer, the natural beauty of a stained finish, or the durability of polyurethane, there’s a finish to match your style, needs, and budget.

If you’re unsure about the best option for your cabinets, consider consulting with a professional refinishing company like N-Hance of Wooster. With expert guidance, you can achieve the perfect balance between aesthetic appeal and long-lasting durability, ensuring that your cabinets look beautiful and function well for years to come.