The Best & Most Durable Finish for Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinet finishes are designed to improve your kitchen cabinet's aesthetic, durability, and functionality. After you invest in new cabinet doors, you'll want to make sure you choose the right finish to extend the longevity of your investment. A high-quality, durable finish can make your cabinet doors more resistant to everyday wear and tear. It can also be a budget-friendly kitchen renovation.

Are you unsure which kitchen cabinet finish to choose for your next project? In this guide, we'll explore the best finishes for kitchen cabinets so you can decide which is best for you.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cabinet Finish

There are various types of cabinet finishes to choose from. Each finish offers a different aesthetic appeal or function. Some factors to consider to help you narrow down your options include:

• Durability: Many finishes are designed to provide a protective layer to help prevent general wear and tear. Some finishes can also help protect your cabinets from moisture or humid climates.
• Aesthetic Finish: Some finishes have a high gloss finish, while others are designed to enhance the natural color of the wood. However, not all aesthetic finishes are as durable.
• Cost: Some finishes are more budget-friendly than others. Some also require extra tools and materials, which can factor into the total cost.
• Wood Type: Solid wood cabinets pair well with conversion finishes or polyurethane finishes. MDF cabinet doors are ideal for water-based or oil-based paints, providing a smooth and durable surface.
• Wood Alternatives: Prefabricated options like laminate and Thermafoil offer budget-friendly and low-maintenance solutions but lack the versatility of traditional finishes.

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The Most Durable Kitchen Cabinet Finishes

If durability is your main priority, there are five different finishes for kitchen cabinets to consider for your next project. When exploring the advantages, it's important to consider the type of wood your cabinets are made of and your budget for the project.

Here are the top five best finishes for kitchen cabinets:

1. Polyurethane Finish

This cabinet door finish is made of a blend of polymers and resins. This combination creates an ultra-durable coating resistant to moisture, humidity, and everyday kitchen oils. Polyurethane finishes also come in various sheens, including high gloss and matte.

Polyurethane tends to yellow over time, making it ideal for stained wood as it enhances the natural ambering process. However, it can cause a yellow tint when applied over painted finishes. For a clearer option, consider crystal-clear polyurethane.

Polyurethane finishes tend to have a strong odor and can be relatively expensive. Before applying a polyurethane finish to your cabinets, ensure you have an area in your home with proper ventilation. When using this finish, it's recommended to apply it outdoors with protective gear.

Advantages:

• Perfect for high-traffic areas
• Easy to apply and easy to maintain
• Water and chemical-resistant
• Scratch resistant
• Ideal for custom cabinet doors

2. Conversion Varnish

Conversion varnishes are designed to offer a durable and protective finish to your cabinet doors. It's made with a blend of resin, isocyanates, and other additives to ensure a high-performing finish. Conversion varnishes are also typically made with UV inhibitors to protect your cabinet doors from direct exposure to sunlight.

These types of cabinet finishes are not only durable and protective but also designed to enhance the overall appearance of the natural wood grain and hue.

Even though conversion varnishes dry quickly, they can be challenging to apply for beginner DIYers. If you're unsure, consider doing a test piece on a piece of wood before completing the project.

Advantages:

• Offers a high-gloss finish
• Fast-drying and easy to apply
• Easy to clean
• Protects cabinets against water, humidity, and general wear and tear
• Ideal for custom cabinet doors

3. Laminate

Laminate is a long-lasting, heat-resistant cabinet finish. It's typically made of various laminate layers and applied to kitchen cabinets made of MDF board. This cabinet finish is ultra protective and comes in different colors, designs, and styles.

While laminate is durable, it's not as durable as a solid wood cabinet door with a conversion varnish. The look of the laminate can also be impacted in extreme heat.

Advantages:

• Moisture and dent-resistant
• Ideal for MDF cabinet doors
• Comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and designs
• Easy to maintain and clean

4. Thermofoil

Thermofoil is another cabinet finish that can be applied to MDF cabinet doors. It's a budget-friendly option that protects your cabinets from general wear and tear while offering a professional finish. However, it's important to note that Thermofoil is less resistant to moisture and heat. It's also not recommended for high-traffic areas.

Advantages:

• Affordability
• Adds a limited lifespan protective layer
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Simple installation process

5. Water-Based Polycrylic Finish

Water-based polycrylic finishes are a great choice if you're looking for a more eco-friendly alternative to polyurethane or conversion varnish. Unlike the other options, this cabinet finish has a mild odor so that you can apply it indoors. It also offers the same level of durability and protection.

Advantages:

• Non-toxic
• Beginner friendly
• Less prone to cracking or yellowing
• Available in satin, matte, semi-gloss, and high-gloss

Finishes that Enhance Wood Grain

Is your main priority aesthetic, not durability? Here are two finishes to consider instead:

• Oil-Based Finishes: These cabinet finishes are typically made from tung or linseed oil. They are easy to apply and also offer some durability.
• Lacquer Finishes: These lightweight finishes offer a high-gloss finish. Once applied, they also add a hard, protective layer over the natural wood. However, these finishes are ideal for aesthetics, not durability.

Invest in Custom Replacement Cabinet Doors

Ready to start your next home renovation project? At CabinetDoors.com, we prioritize superior materials and craftsmanship so you can feel good about the longevity of your cabinet door investment.

Once you find an unfinished cabinet door style, send us your desired measurements. Our team will handle the rest.

If you don't want to apply the cabinet finishes yourself, you can order your cabinet doors pre-primed with a clear, natural finish. Pick out a specific door style here and select the wood species you prefer with a natural clear finish. This will be custom-made to your required size and shipped directly to your home. It’s that easy when you order from CabinetDoors.com!

How to clean kitchen cabinets without removing the finish?

To avoid stripping the finish from the cabinets, clean them with warm water and a gentle soap.

How to finish unfinished cabinets?

Before applying the finish, you must properly prep and sand your cabinets. This will help you avoid chipping and achieve a smooth, even finish.