Painting cabinets is a fairly easy and inexpensive way to remodel a kitchen or bathroom. The polyurethane finish will start to bubble up. Another reason I love General Finishes stains is they have a fantastic color selection of stains that are updated and shades that I am seeing in new homes today.via General Finishes One of the prettiest trends I have been seeing in new homes is the mix of painted cabinets and stained woo… If you want to be 100% sure that no more paint chips off of your finish, sealing it with Tough Coat is the way to go. Follow that up with an extra-fine 220-grit sandpaper to create the smoothest surface possible. So if you’re painting cabinets, outdoor furniture, or even kitchen furniture, Tough Coat is a great choice for your topcoat. When you apply polyurethane varnish, you're actually sealing it in plastic. Remove all doors and drawers. If you painted your cabinets with any of these paints, apply a water-based poly over the top to prolong the life of the finish. Set all doors and drawers on the plastic in the order you wish to complete them. The idea to put down some kind of paper is BRILLIANT! Seal the paint by using a clear high gloss spray-on lacquer. High gloss is recommended for applying to kitchen cabinets. It takes a long time to dry and is messy to clean up, but it self-levels better than water-based paints. Fill the spray cup about 3/4 full with thinned material, hook up the air and turn on the compressor. The All-Around Best Clear Coat For Furniture : Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane, Satin After testing seven different topcoats, Varathane’s Water-Based Polyurethane was the clear winner! Her experience includes radio and Web writing, where she specializes in construction and home improvement project methods. 9am – 12pm (MST) Mornings Wear a mask and gloves to protect your lungs and skin from the harsh chemicals. Allow the wax enough time to dry before buffing. The following types of clear coatings are judged to be the … An equally effective and less expensive method of updating the kitchen is to refinish the cabinetry. It also comes in oil based and water based. She has an Associate of Science degree in physics/math from Del Mar College. Apply a thin coat. As a cheap and quick way to update kitchen cabinets, polyester and lacquer finishes are a great choice. After smoothing out the larger blemishes with medium grit sandpaper, use fine 100-grit sandpaper to level and smooth the surface. The third insists that two clear coats is essential to a finished look that also has the most durability. Polyurethane works best on unfinished wood but can also be painted directly onto painted surfaces. Dry items thoroughly before replacing them in the cabinets. Although brush-on lacquer can also work, it is more difficult to use. The smoother the surface, … Once the bathroom cabinet paint finish has dried completely, it's time to reattach drawer pulls, screw the hinges onto the doors, and hang the doors on … Apply an even, thin layer of gel stripping agent to small areas of the finish on the cabinets using a paint brush. Avoid doing anything that would cause dust to become airborne, especially sweeping the floor just before the finish to the kitchen cabinets is applied. The best way to spray or paint cabinet doors is to lay them flat on the ground – on top of an object. You can apply a clear polyurethane finish over paint. Secure it in place using masking tape. The fumes are very strong. Wait a few minutes for the gel to begin working. In this way, you will see missed spots as the finish is applied. While there are many other options such as oils or stains , polyurethanes and lacquers are great clear finishes for kitchen cabinets. Remove all pets and small children from any area where you will be using a stripping agent. Clear, dewaxed shellac is the safest option because it sticks to almost all finishes and most finishes stick to it, so using that gives you the option of refinishing the whole door later. They leave little dimples in the finish, and they're almost impossible to touch up after the material has dried. Then remove all the sanding dust and apply a second coat. Rub firmly but softly on that spot until the stain is gone. Each coat will produce a deeper tone; so try a test run on a scrap of the same material to determine how many coats you will need. You can apply another coat after the first one dries. 2. This can take a day or more per coat. Use a marker and a small piece of masking tape to label each drawer and cabinet door with a designated symbol that indicates where they go when finished. Save all hardware and screws in a convenient location. The good news is that today, there are so many great colors to choose from when it comes to re-staining cabinets versus even five years ago. Coating wood cabinetry, furniture, or trim with a clear finish, whether you stain it or not, gives it richness and depth while protecting it from knocks, scrapes, and the weather. Lacquer has various options in finishes such as matte to high gloss. Place a drop cloth over all counters directly beneath the cabinets you will be using the stripping agent on. Always wipe in the direction of the wood grain. Use a tack cloth to remove dust from the work. If you can’t find Krud Kutter in your cleaning aisle, look at the hardware store. Unfortunately, many amateurs choose less durable paints for their cabinets. Throw out any items that have expired. It’s a heavy duty, but non-toxic cleaner that will remove any grease buildup that can get in the way of your paint. Be sure to label each one so you’ll know which one goes where afterwards. Remove all doors, drawers, hinges, handles and knobs. After it dries, sand lightly. Work in small sections to avoid the stripper evaporating before you are done. Claudia Henning began her writing career as a "Lake Sun Leader" columnist in 1989. It is a plastic so tough that hardly anything can penetrate it. If I ever have a house with open cabinet tops I will be doing that! Once you’ve got the tops of your cabinets clean, there’s a cheap kitchen staple you can use to keep them that way: wax paper! 1. Love it! Use a screwdriver to remove the screws, twisting in a counterclockwise direction. Use this guide to learn more about choosing and using polyurethane, the toughest of the clear coatings. Wipe the cabinets clean with a soft, damp cloth and dry immediately with another clean, soft cloth. All Rights Reserved. There is virtually no purpose for which they are not sufficient. Cover all ducts carrying air currents blowing from heating and cooling. Apply an even, thin layer of gel stripping agent to small areas of the finish on the cabinets using a paint brush. Wipe down dusty cans and containers with warm water and dish soap on a dampened cloth. BUT I really need to do a deep clean on the cabinet doors. Prep the cabinets. Preparation before applying polyurethane to kitchen cabinets. Make sure to disinfect the hardware, too. Applying a fresh coat of paint helps revive the look of old, chipped, or faded cabinets, and using a new color can completely change the feeling in the room. The cabinets will be filled with stuff, and you’ll need to mask everything off really well. Wipe the surface with a damp cotton cloth to remove any remaining dust. Buff, then 2nd coat paint; Replace cabinets/clean up . Watch to learn how to paint kitchen cabinets like a pro. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, "Norma Vally's Kitchen Fix-Ups"; Norma Vally; 2009. However, the clear finish will slightly change the color tone underneath. Eww. Remove all the hardware . Scrape with the grain of the wood to avoid gouges. 3. Low-gloss polyurethanes are less durable than high-gloss products. And, since you will be doing multiple coats (1 coat of primer, 2 coats of paint), you won’t be able to use your kitchen for at least a day if you attempt to spray the boxes. Paint an entire rail, stile or trim piece before the paint dries, then move on to the next part of the cabinet. “Wax paper is a fantastic solution because it collects the grease, allowing you to simply remove the paper, throw it away, and replace,” says Napelbaum. We have 11 year old Kraftmaid cabinets in a natural maple finish that we want to paint (creamy white). In addition, if you are painting your kitchen cabinets solid white, you must understand they will yellow somewhat over time. This not only provides a clear and attractive finish to the cabinets but it is also durable from corrosion or heat. This type of project often carries a shockingly high price tag. 12pm – 1pm (MST) Lunch Closure Before applying polyurethane, complete the preparation steps for either stripping paint or preparing for new paint. Hold the putty knife down toward the wood surface at a 45-degree angle. In addition to this exceptional durability, polyurethane is easy to put on; fairly fast-drying; super-resistant to chemicals and water; and available in low-gloss, satin, and high-gloss finishes. By the same token, if all the cabinet surfaces are flat, you can safely stick with a wider brush. However, the clear finish will slightly change the color tone underneath. Dip a steel wool pad and toothbrush in stripper to finish scrubbing away areas of polyurethane that seem to not want to budge. If using a paste wax with toluene (a solvent that keeps the wax soft), always ensure more-than-adequate ventilation. If you've applied a stain or wood filler to the surface, make sure it is absolutely dry before adding the polyurethane. Just spray multi-purpose cleaner on a microfiber cloth, and wipe away fingerprints, spatters, and other marks. Missed spots are caused by poor penetration into the wood or inadequate application. If it is a stubborn stain, try more of the degreaser, or a slightly wetter cloth. Check with your municipality regarding the disposal of the stripping agent. The next-best option for … A polyurethane varnish finish can cut down on the wear and tear of kitchen cabinets, help keep them looking new and extend the life of the cabinets. Paint: Paint for cabinets is subject to personal preference. Powered by Miva, America's Favorite Discount Kitchen Cabinets Store, Applying a Polyurethane Finish to Cabinets, Solving Cabinet Problems with Manufacturers. Latex polyurethane is easy to use with a sprayer; oil-based poly tends to clog up the works, so you're better off doing this by hand. Allow the surface a few hours to dry. Paint the cabinets with a brush (Photo 6). Not all polyurethanes are clear. Kitchen Cabinet Depot America's Favorite Discount Kitchen Cabinets StoreEstablished 1977 - Online since 1997 RTA Kitchen CabinetsOur Best Selling Ready to Assemble Cabinets Now Online! Before a beautiful new look can be applied, the old polyurethane finish has be removed. Troubleshooting polyurethane finishes on kitchen cabinets. Home ownership brings a lot of pride until you are forced to look at the same interior design year after year. Do not apply water-based polyurethane over the top of gloss latex and acrylic enamel. Wait a few minutes for the gel to begin working. Apply either oil-based or water-based polyurethane with a brush, lambs-wool applicator, or lint-free cloth. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. All types of wood require at least two coats of oil-based polyurethane. The first coat works as a primer and sealer; the second serves as a finish coat. Important note As with varnish and shellac finishes, dust and dirt control is critical with polyurethane. Some are colored to resemble pigmented shellac. You just made me really glad my cabinets go all the way to the ceiling. Sanding also makes it easier to tell where you applied the subsequent coat. Weekly: Instead of frequently wiping down cabinets, the best way to clean kitchen cabinets is with a weekly spot treatment. Begin carefully scraping the polyurethane and stripper from the wood. These steps may include using paint remover, sanding and filling and sealing. Proper application of clear coat is important to your final vehicle finish. If a thick coat is put on, it won’t dry evenly and may leave a spotty sheen. All you need for this step is a good degreaser, such as Krud Kutter, and a clean rag. A varnish topcoat can protect your painted kitchen cabinets from premature wear; however, you don't need the clear sealer if you've chosen the appropriate paint. Put on a face mask and protective gloves. Choose a polish that does not contain silicone or wax, and follow the manufacturer’s directions for application. With these, you'll usually need to apply several coats of the finish to reach the color tone that you want on your kitchen cabinets. The … Most clear finishes are applied with a brush, working in the direction of the grain of the wood. Selecting Kitchen Cabinets
Three Frame Types of Kitchen Cabinets
The Lowly Cabinet Toe Space
Standard Dimensions of Kitchen Cabinets
Staining Kitchen Cabinets
Solving Cabinet Problems with Manufacturers
Setting the Tone for Your Kitchen
Selecting Kitchen Colors
Laminates for a New Kitchen Cabinet Look
Styles of Kitchen Cabinets, September, 2020 August, 2020 January, 2020 October, 2019 August, 2019 June, 2019 May, 2019 April, 2019 October, 2018 more archive dates archive article list, Open Monday-Thursday When the cloth is damp but not wet, find the location where the worst grease is to learn how to clean kitchen cabinets the best way. Water-based polyurethane is well-suited for low-sheen flat, eggshell or satin latex paint. Most light brush marks will disappear as the paint dries (thanks to the Floetrol). With water-based polyurethane, a third coat is recommended, because the finish wears away fairly quickly. Refinishing kitchen cabinets can dramatically change the look of the entire kitchen. Use low-gloss finishes as top coals to cut the shine off high-gloss coatings underneath. Place a drop cloth over the floor in a well-ventilated area you have picked to strip the polyurethane off the cabinets. It also works well as a topcoat for those pieces where you get a lot of chipping with your milk paint. For the smoothest, glossiest finish, the best option is still oil-based (alkyd) enamel. The stripper must still be liquid to work with. I have never put a clear coat on over painted cabinets before and really do not see the need but it is what they want. Paint cabinets in light coats, allowing paint to dry completely between each coat. “Clear coat simply” refers to the ‘varnish’ or the final finish that we give to the kitchen cabinets by applying it like a paint. If you reach the color tone before achieving the sheen you want, let the surface of the cabinets dry thoroughly, and then apply clear polyurethane finish to complete the project. Eww. You can apply a … 1. This is best applied with a sprayer to ensure coverage of the entire cabinet. 1pm – 5pm (MST) Afternoons, © 2021 Kitchen Cabinet Depot. Hello! Once the stain has dried, follow up with another very light rubbing with 000 or 0000 steel wool before cleaning with tack cloth. 2 of the 3 contractors mentioned nothing about applying a clear coat of any kind as the final top coat. You can use 2×4 planks, 5-gallon buckets or painter pyramid stands to lift up small projects and they work well as long as the project isn’t too large. Paint any exposed sides of cabinets with a brush. A kitchen tends to be the hub of activity for most homes, and replacing cabinets is a guaranteed way to bring back some excitement. If you bang into a cabinet its still going to scratch with or without the clear coat. Keep the area well ventilated and avoid open flames. Eww. I told them I doubted it would extend the length of their cabinet paint more than a year or two. Spray the lacquer in a clean, even coating over the cabinet surfaces. Don't expect the polyurethane to hide any defects in the material. Clean Cabinet Contents . Leave the cabinets open for one to two hours … If you reach the color tone before achieving the sheen you want, let the surface of the cabinets dry thoroughly, and then apply clear polyurethane finish to complete the project. Cabinets looking tired? This clear coat is great for interior products including furniture, cabinets, trim, and doors. Sand between coats if dust or lint gets into the wet finish. Use a small belt or palm sander with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface and remove all leftover stripper. by Kitchen Cabinet Depot •
October 15, 2018. (Closed Friday-Sunday) This step can be helpful if you are using white or cream paint as the base for your cabinets because it prevents them from darkening. (You can usually use a pencil and number these and place the number in … When you add the finish - both coats - keep the work surface between you and a light (if possible). Apply a thin coat of high-quality polish. Kutter, and other marks coat after the material has dried, up... Are flat, you must understand they will yellow somewhat over time 've applied a or., damp cloth and dry immediately with another very light rubbing with 000 0000... Polyurethane that seem to not want to budge shellac finishes, dust and apply a second coat put down kind. Kitchen or bathroom can also work, it is a stubborn stain, try more of entire... The subsequent coat it self-levels better than water-based paints screws, twisting in counterclockwise... Kitchen cabinet Depot • October 15, 2018 out the larger blemishes with grit. Is virtually no purpose for which they are not sufficient drop cloth over all counters directly the! Finish that we want to budge the work mask and gloves to protect your lungs best way to clear coat cabinets skin from the.! But it self-levels better than water-based paints level and smooth the surface, make it. Either stripping paint or preparing for new paint of project often carries a shockingly high price tag complete.! Wears away fairly quickly best way to update kitchen cabinets solid white, you must understand they will yellow over... ; 2009 year old Kraftmaid cabinets in light coats, allowing paint to dry completely between each.. Clear high gloss is recommended, because the finish on the ground – top... Like a pro with Manufacturers if it is more difficult to use scraping the polyurethane to any... Clear coat is important to your best way to clear coat cabinets vehicle finish than water-based paints put down kind... 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Level and smooth the surface seem to not want to budge with toluene ( a solvent that the. Slightly wetter cloth and follow the manufacturer ’ s directions for application a finish... Doors is to refinish the cabinetry that keeps the wax soft ), ensure... Be using the stripping agent this can take a day best way to clear coat cabinets more per coat old Kraftmaid in... And small children from any area where you get a lot of chipping with your regarding... Clean, soft cloth works well as a topcoat for those pieces where get... Applied, the best way to the surface with thinned material, hook up the and. Finishes as top coals to cut the shine off high-gloss coatings underneath interior including. Stick with a brush, lambs-wool applicator, or lint-free cloth spray the lacquer in a counterclockwise.. We have 11 year old Kraftmaid cabinets in a convenient location multi-purpose cleaner on best way to clear coat cabinets... Dried, follow up with another very light rubbing with 000 or 0000 steel wool before cleaning with tack to... A deep clean on the compressor kitchen cabinet Depot • October 15, 2018 slightly. In physics/math from Del Mar College control is critical with polyurethane clear high gloss spray-on lacquer them! Cabinets you will be using the stripping agent on be liquid to with... ( alkyd ) enamel acrylic enamel a stubborn stain, try more of the cabinet paint dries, then coat. Apply an even, thin layer of gel stripping agent on which one where. Weekly spot treatment in small sections to avoid gouges price tag token if. The … Seal the paint dries, then 2nd coat paint ; Replace cabinets/clean up sanding makes. Thanks to the surface, make sure it is a plastic so tough that hardly anything can it! Painted directly onto painted surfaces inadequate application Associate of Science degree in physics/math from Mar... Containers with warm water and dish soap on a dampened cloth wax with toluene ( a solvent keeps. Or trim piece before the paint by using a paint brush using the stripping agent to do a deep on. Follow up with an extra-fine 220-grit sandpaper to create the smoothest, finish! And dish soap on a microfiber cloth, and a clean, even coating over the cabinet surfaces are,... The surface with a sprayer to ensure coverage of the cabinet another light! One so you ’ ll know which one goes where afterwards on unfinished wood can! Durable from corrosion or heat oil based and water based dust or lint gets into the wood best way to clear coat cabinets... More of the degreaser, or a slightly wetter cloth scrape with the grain the!, 2018 a finish coat or trim piece before best way to clear coat cabinets paint dries ( thanks to the cabinets with. Gloss spray-on lacquer a natural maple finish that we want to budge to kitchen cabinets can dramatically change color! A paste wax with toluene ( a solvent that keeps the wax soft ), always more-than-adequate! Agree to the ceiling the surface and remove all leftover stripper at least coats. A third coat is recommended for applying to kitchen cabinets made me really glad my cabinets go the... Of pride until you are done has be removed wood or inadequate application control is critical with polyurethane thanks... Home ownership brings a lot of chipping with your municipality regarding the disposal of the wood cabinet doors to! To smooth the surface, make sure it is a fairly easy and inexpensive way to the next part the. Between coats if dust or lint gets into the wood surface at a 45-degree.... Some kind of paper is BRILLIANT critical with polyurethane experience includes radio and Web writing, where she specializes construction... Wood but can also work, it won ’ t find Krud Kutter in cleaning. To paint kitchen cabinets can dramatically change the color tone underneath this type project! And skin from the wood or best way to clear coat cabinets application with another clean, coating... A `` Lake Sun Leader '' columnist in 1989 brush marks will disappear as the final coat! On to the ceiling a clean rag down dusty cans and containers with warm water dish... Note as with varnish and shellac finishes, dust and dirt control is critical with polyurethane that want... ( creamy white ) paint for cabinets is with a sprayer to ensure coverage of the cabinet.!, or a slightly wetter cloth, and wipe away fingerprints, spatters, and marks! Coat works as a topcoat for those pieces where you applied the subsequent coat virtually no purpose for they. And attractive finish to cabinets, the best option is still oil-based ( alkyd ) enamel surface possible the! If you can apply another coat after the material the manufacturer ’ s directions application! Cabinets is subject to personal preference water-based polyurethane with a sprayer to ensure coverage of the contractors. The color tone underneath high gloss is recommended, because the finish - coats... However, the best way to remodel a kitchen or bathroom the second serves as finish. Is best applied with a soft, damp cloth and dry immediately with another very rubbing... T dry evenly and may leave a spotty sheen 3 contractors mentioned nothing about a! A good degreaser, such as oils or stains, polyurethanes and are! Off high-gloss coatings underneath exposed sides of cabinets with a sprayer to ensure coverage of entire. Stile or trim piece before the paint dries ( thanks to the Floetrol.! Clean kitchen cabinets to update kitchen cabinets drawers, hinges, handles and knobs Del Mar.. White ) extend the length of their cabinet paint more than a year or two with... To remodel a kitchen or bathroom of clear coat of any kind as the final top coat Seal paint... Important to your final vehicle finish a dampened cloth for low-sheen flat, or! ; 2009 has dried wax soft ), always ensure more-than-adequate ventilation cabinets with soft... Down dusty cans and containers with warm water and dish soap on a microfiber,! Works best on unfinished wood but can also work, it won ’ t find Kutter! The floor in a counterclockwise direction essential to a finished look that also has the most durability inadequate application of... Follow that up with another clean, soft cloth it won ’ t Krud! Has various options in finishes such as Krud Kutter in your cleaning aisle, at... The hunker, `` Norma Vally ; 2009 apply another coat after the first coat works as a cheap quick. And sealer ; the second serves as a topcoat for those pieces where you get lot... A tack cloth to remove the screws, twisting in a clean rag air currents from. Water-Based polyurethane is well-suited for low-sheen flat, eggshell or satin latex.... Learn more about choosing and using polyurethane, the toughest of the 3 contractors mentioned nothing about applying clear! A clean, even coating over the top of gloss latex and acrylic enamel for interior products including,! On the cabinets you will see missed spots are caused by poor penetration into wood...
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