Blog, Refinishing

Whether your cabinets are looking dated and worn out or you’re just tired of their current look, cabinet refinishing is a powerful way to turn things around. Well, you could also replace them with new ones, but that option is quite costly and can take longer. If your current cabinets are still in good physical condition, all you need is a coat or layer of a new finish. They will be as good as new.

In this article, we will be discussing five main types of kitchen cabinet finishes and what to expect with each option. Here you go;

Types of Kitchen Cabinet Finishes

1. Kitchen Cabinet Painting

Painting is probably the most common type of cabinet refinishing, especially for homeowners looking for more color options. Paint forms a protective layer on the surface of the wood, preventing moisture from penetration and minimizing minor surface damages. The most commonly used type of paint is the semi-gloss paint which allows you to scrub the cabinets lightly during cleaning.

Paint also offers virtually unlimited color options, so you can get creative and choose colors that blend perfectly into your current kitchen color theme. Before the paint is applied, all the surface dirt, loose old paint, and moisture must be removed. 

2. Kitchen Cabinet Staining 

Wood stains are equally effective finishes for protecting the cabinets against water damage. They enhance the beauty of the cabinets too, especially if the wood is still physically intact. Stains are classified into three main types based on their level of opacity; 

• Transparent stains –these are absorbed into the wood and do not alter the color of the cabinets. They allow the grains and knots in the wood to show through but offers a lower level of surface protection compared to other stains. 

• Semi-transparent stains –these stains offer a slightly superior level of surface protection compared to transparent stains. They allow some of the wood grains and knots to show through. Semi-transparent stains are a balanced compromise between solid and transparent stains

• Solid stains –these stains don’t penetrate the wood grains; rather, they form a solid film on the surface like paint. They offer the highest level of surface protection compared to the previous two.

3. Laminating Kitchen cabinets 

A laminate is a blend of plastic and paper materials made into a thin decorative hard sheet. It’s a commonly used finish material on pre-fabricated cabinets, but you can also add it on your existing wood cabinets. Laminates are available in all kind of shades like wood grain, stone, metal, etc. Laminate finishes are excellent at resisting abrasion and corrosive cleaning chemicals, and they also tend to last longer. 

4. Glaze Finished Cabinets

A glaze is a transparent finish that is applied over an already finished surface. It creates an added depth and dimension that enhances the existing beauty and detailing on the cabinet surfaces. Both stained finishes and painted cabinets can be glazed to create a slightly different look.

5. Lacquer On Kitchen Cabinets

Lacquer is a bright material available in many colors and consists of a fiberboard panel coated with polyester and polyurethane paints. The lacquer finish can be matt, gloss or metallic, and covers the entire surface of the cabinets. It’s a little delicate than laminate, but it offers a more subtle sheen, and it’s also flexible. 

The Bottom Line 

Well, now you have five different ways to refinish your kitchen cabinets. Your choice will depend on your desired final results and the condition of your cabinets. If your cabinets have surface imperfections or you need more freedom with color choices, consider repainting or laminating. However, if you want to show off the natural beauty of the wood, stains, lacquers, and glazes might be your best options. 

If you need professional help refinishing your kitchen cabinets, The Painting & Wallpapering Co can help. We currently provide residential and commercial painting services in the areas of Moorestown, Mt Laurel, Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Voorhees, Evesham, Medford, Tabernacle, and Shamong. Give us a call on 609.953.0944 for a FREE cabinet refinishing estimate.