Painting kitchen cabinets can transform the look of your space. But once you’ve painted them, should you add a top coat for extra protection and shine? Here’s what you need to know about top coats for painted cabinets.
What is a Top Coat?
A top coat is an extra layer of clear paint or finish that goes over your colored paint. Top coats are formulated to provide additional durability and create a smooth, even finish.
There are several types of top coats designed for different purposes:
- Polyurethane – This clear finish provides a robust protective barrier against moisture, heat, stains, and scratching. Polyurethane top coats come in various sheens from matte to high gloss.
- Acrylic – Acrylic top coats dry fast and resist yellowing. They provide good protection for cabinet paint and are easy to apply.
- Lacquer – Lacquer top coats offer strong protection with a fast drying time. But they contain strong fumes during application.
- Wax – Wax is sometimes used as a top coat for a soft luster. But it offers minimal protection compared to other options.
Benefits of a Top Coat for Painted Cabinets
Adding a top coat over painted cabinets provides several advantages:
- Extra durability – The top coat creates an added shield against scratches, dings, stains, and moisture damage. This helps your painted finish last longer.
- Enhanced stain resistance – Kitchen cabinets get a lot of wear and tear. A top coat makes the surface easier to clean and resists stains from grease, food, and dirt.
- Smoother finish – Top coats fill in any subtle imperfections in the painted surface for a more even, professional look.
- Richer color – A top coat can lend deeper, more vibrant color to the existing painted finish.
- Higher sheen – Top coats allow you to adjust the surface sheen from matte to high gloss.
When to Use a Top Coat on Cabinets
Here are the situations when a top coat is recommended for painted cabinets:
- If your cabinets get a lot of daily use and wear in a busy kitchen
- If your painted cabinets feel a bit rough or uneven to the touch
- If you used a lower-sheen paint and want a glossier look
- If you want added protection for the long-term durability of your painted finish
- If you need to even out or conceal any imperfections in the existing paint job
A top coat is particularly important for cabinets painted with latex or acrylic paints. These paints adhere well but are softer and less durable than topped coatings.
When a Top Coat May Not Be Necessary
In some cases, a top coat may not provide significant benefits:
- If you used a high-quality enamel cabinet paint that already has a smooth, durable finish
- If your cabinets are in low-use areas away from grease, moisture, and heavy handling
- If you prefer a matte, flat painted finish and don’t need extra shine
- If you refreshed cabinets with just a light colored glaze or stain
Well-prepped and applied enamel cabinet paints may not require a top coat for recreational cooks or light daily use.
How to Apply a Top Coat on Painted Cabinets
Follow these steps to properly add a top coat over painted cabinets:
- Make sure painted cabinets are fully cured first. Wait at least 2 weeks after painting.
- Lightly sand painted cabinets to roughen the surface for adhesion.
- Clean and dry the cabinets thoroughly to remove any grease, dirt or dust.
- Apply the top coat in a well-ventilated area. Carefully follow the product directions.
- Use a high-quality natural bristle or microfiber roller and/or brush.
- Maintain a wet edge and avoid drips, sags, or brush marks. Work methodically section by section.
- Allow each coat to fully dry as directed before adding more coats.
- Lightly sand and clean between coats for best results.
- Apply at least 2-3 coats for best protection, depending on product used.
Be sure to prep and coat cabinet interiors, doors, drawer fronts, and any trim or accents. Take your time to apply the top coat smoothly.
Top Coat Sheens for Painted Cabinets
Top coats come in a range of finish sheens from matte to high gloss:
- Matte – Provides a subtle sheen and is good for a worn, distressed look.
- Satin – Offers slight luster and is popular for surfaces like cabinets. Provides a soft glow without high shine.
- Semi-Gloss – Good compromise between durable gloss and satin smoothness. Works well on cabinets.
- Gloss – Very reflective, smooth and shiny. Best for high-traffic cabinet areas.
Consider the existing cabinet color and style when choosing a top coat sheen. Darker colors often look better with light gloss for contrast. For white or light cabinets, satin or semi-gloss are common top coat finishes.
Best Top Coat Products for Painted Cabinets
Some top-rated top coat options include:
- Minwax Polycrylic Clear Protective Finish
- Rust-Oleum Zinsser Triple Thick Polyurethane
- INSL-X Cabinet Coat Enamel
- Varathane Diamond Finish Water Based Polyurethane
- General Finishes High Performance Polyurethane Topcoat
- Cabot Clear Solution Interior/Exterior Waterborne Finish
Consult paint experts to select the right top coat for your painted cabinets based on application, desired sheen, and usage level.
Maintaining Top Coated Cabinets
A top coat keeps painted cabinets looking fresh longer. But chips, wear and discoloration can still occur over time. To maintain the finish:
- Handle cabinet doors and drawers with care to prevent scratching or gouges
- Immediately wipe up spills, drips or splatters
- Use cabinet door bumpers to avoid nicking walls or slamming
- Clean using a mild soap and soft cloth
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads
- Re-apply a fresh top coat as needed over time
Conclusion
Adding a durable top coat is highly recommended to get the most out of newly painted kitchen cabinets. The extra protective finish helps painted cabinets hold up beautifully against heavy use for many years. Consider your kitchen traffic, desired sheen, prep work and product choices to select the right top coat for your space. With proper application, a top coat can take your painted cabinets from fresh to flawless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a top coat on painted cabinets?
Yes, a top coat is highly recommended for painted cabinets. It provides extra protection against wear, moisture, stains and scratches. The top coat gives painted cabinets a more durable, professional finish.
What type of top coat is best for kitchen cabinets?
Polyurethane is the best top coat for kitchen cabinets. It provides the most durable, long-lasting finish. Other good options are acrylic, lacquer or specialty cabinet paint top coats.
Should I sand cabinets before applying a top coat?
Lightly sanding before applying a top coat allows for better adhesion. Be sure to thoroughly clean cabinets after sanding to remove all dust. Proper prep is key to a smooth top coated surface.
How long do you have to wait to top coat painted cabinets?
It’s crucial to allow painted cabinets a full 2 weeks to cure before applying the top coat. This prevents bubbling or lifting of the original paint layer.
How many coats of top coat should I apply?
For best protection, apply at least 2-3 coats of a polyurethane or cabinet-grade top coat. Adding multiple thin coats creates a harder finish than one thick coat.