Painting your kitchen cabinets can give your space a quick and affordable facelift. But once you’ve painted them, should you add a clear coat for extra protection and shine? Here’s what you need to know about clear coating painted cabinets.
What Is a Clear Coat?
A clear coat is a protective, transparent layer applied over painted surfaces. Clear coats for cabinets are usually a water-based polyurethane, although some options like lacquer and shellac are also available.
Polyurethane is the most common type of clear coat used on cabinets. It provides:
- A smooth, glossy finish
- Enhanced protection from scratches, scuffs, and stains
- Resistance to water and heat damage
- Added durability and longevity of the painted finish
Applying a clear coat is an optional added step when painting cabinets. Some homeowners choose to use it, while others opt to skip it. So do you really need to clear coat painted cabinets? Here are the pros and cons.
Pros of Using a Clear Coat on Painted Cabinets
Extra protection. The main benefit of a clear coat on painted cabinets is increased protection. The clear top layer acts as a shield against damage from moisture, grease, daily wear and tear, and more. This can help your painted finish last longer without showing as many scratches or scuffs.
Enhanced durability. Along with protection, a clear coat offers improved durability. This tougher exterior lasts longer than paint alone. Solid wood cabinets with a clear coat can better withstand bumps, bangs, and other impacts of a busy kitchen without showing as much visible damage.
Richer, glossier finish. Clear coats provide a more glass-like, radiant sheen than paint alone. The gloss draws the eye to the depth of the color underneath for a more dynamic look.
Easier to clean. The slick surface of a clear coated cabinet repels water, oil, and dirt. Grease, spills, and splatters wipe off easily with just soap and water. You won’t need harsh cleaners that could degrade the painted finish over time. The added protection of the clear coat also prevents stains from setting in.
Higher resale value. Upgrading your cabinets with a clear coat allows you to recoup more money when selling your home. The added protection keeps your kitchen looking newer longer compared to using paint alone.
Cons of Using a Clear Coat on Painted Cabinets
Extra time. Adding a clear coat tacks on more time to your cabinet painting project. The application process needs all the proper preparation, priming, sanding, and drying time of the paint job, plus the added clear coating steps. This extra effort may not fit into your schedule.
Higher cost. A clear coat adds more expense to the cost of materials. You’ll need to purchase the polyurethane or other top coat product in addition to primer and cabinet paint. Tack on a few more supplies like sandpaper, brushes, rags, etc. This raises the budget for your painting project.
Potential yellowing. Oil-based polyurethanes and varnishes may develop a yellowish tint over time, especially with exposure to sunlight. This could alter the appearance of your painted color. Water-based options are less prone to yellowing.
Risk of drips. Applying a smooth, even clear coat layer without drips takes skill and practice. The thin liquid can drip down vertical surfaces and leave unsightly streaks if you aren’t careful.
Longer drying time. Clear coats require several hours of drying time between coats, and a full curing time of 2-3 days after the final application. Factor this into your timeline for the project. Rushing the process could ruin the final result.
Noticeable brush strokes. Poor application technique shows under the clear coat, so brush strokes, uneven coverage, and drips will be magnified. A sprayed finish achieves the smoothest results.
Potential cloudiness. Too many coats or applying over improperly prepared paint can lead to cloudiness, haziness, and uneven spots under the clear coat that detract from the finish.
How to Apply a Clear Coat to Painted Cabinets
If you decide the pros outweigh the cons for your kitchen, applying a clear coat well takes careful attention to detail. Follow these best practices:
Prep the Cabinets
- Allow the cabinet paint to cure fully, at least 24-48 hours. Test that it feels hard, not tacky.
- Lightly sand the painted surfaces with 220 grit sandpaper to roughen it up and remove any dust or debris.
- Wipe and tack cloth the cabinets to remove all dust.
- Use painter’s tape to mask off any areas you don’t want clear coated, like cabinet interiors.
- Work in a dust-free space with proper ventilation.
Choose Your Clear Coat
- Select a water-based polyurethane designed for wood cabinets and interior use. Oil-based options work too but require mineral spirits for cleanup.
- Opt for a satin, semi-gloss, or gloss sheen to get the most enhancement from the clear coat.
Apply Thin, Even Coats
- Stir the clear coat well before using. Thin with water or polyurethane thinner if needed for better flow.
- Use a good quality synthetic bristle brush or a sprayer for the most seamless finish.
- Apply thin, smooth, uniform coats to avoid drips and runs.
- Let each coat dry 2-4 hours before sanding lightly and applying the next.
- Build up 3-5 total coats for best durability, allowing the final coat to cure 48-72 hours.
Maintain the Finish
- Allow 1-2 weeks for the clear coat to fully cure before cleaning the cabinets.
- Use only mild soap and water. Avoid harsh cleaners, acids, or abrasives.
- Re-apply a fresh clear coat every 2-3 years or as needed to refresh the protective top layer.
FAQs About Clear Coating Painted Cabinets
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about adding a clear coat finish to painted kitchen cabinets:
Should you clear coat cabinets painted with latex paint?
Yes, you can apply a water-based polyurethane clear coat over latex painted cabinets. Latex paint provides a durable, protective base layer, while the clear coat gives added shields against wear. Make sure latex paint has fully cured before applying the clear coat.
Can you clear coat cabinets painted with chalk paint?
Chalk paint has a matte, porous finish that requires a top coat sealer like wax, lacquer, or polyurethane. A clear coat gives chalk painted cabinets extra durability and washability. Apply 2-3 thin coats of water-based polyurethane for the best protection and sheen.
How long does it take for clear coat to dry on cabinets?
At 70°F and 50% relative humidity, each coat of water-based polyurethane will dry to the touch in 2-3 hours. Between coats, sand lightly after 4 hours. Allow the final coat to cure for 48-72 hours before use. Cooler temperatures or higher humidity can extend drying times.
Can you use water-based polyurethane on cabinets?
Yes, water-based polyurethanes are ideal for use on wood cabinets, including over latex paint or stains. Compared to oil-based, they dry faster, emit less fumes, and clean up with soap and water. Modern water-based formulas offer great durability for high-traffic areas.
Do you have to sand between coats of clear coat on cabinets?
Lightly sanding between coats of clear coat ensures proper adhesion and a smooth finish. Use 220 grit sandpaper to gently scuff up the surface. This prepares it for the next coat to bond tightly. Avoid over-sanding, which could cut through the finish.
How do you apply clear coat smoothly without brush strokes?
To minimize visible brush strokes in the clear coat finish:
- Use a high-quality synthetic bristle brush made for polyurethane
- Apply thin coats and resist the urge to overbrush
- Brush along the wood grain, maintaining a wet edge
- Finish each stroke in the same direction without going back over dried areas
- Sand lightly between coats
Spraying the clear coat yields the most seamless result.
Should you clear coat over chalk painted cabinets?
Chalk paint has an ultra-matte look but lacks durability on its own. Apply 2-3 coats of a water-based or wax clear top coat to seal and protect the finish. The clear coat also provides a smoother, more washable surface. Be sure chalk paint is cured before clear coating.
How long will clear coat last on kitchen cabinets?
With proper prep and application, a quality polyurethane top coat will last 2-5 years on kitchen cabinets with moderate use. High-traffic areas may need touched up more often. Periodically check for wear and reapply clear coat as needed to keep cabinets looking their best.
Alternatives to Clear Coating Painted Cabinets
A clear coat isn’t your only option for protecting painted cabinets. Consider these other top coat finishes:
- Wax – Provides durable protection with a smooth, matte look. Requires more frequent application than polyurethane.
- Lacquer – Quick drying and ultra durable, but requires spraying for an even finish.
- Shellac – Traditional option that dries quickly but doesn’t offer as much protection as polyurethane.
- Oil – Penetrating finish like Danish oil that protects wood with light golden tone. Shows underlying paint color.
- Gel stain – Pigmented top coat adds color while sealing the paint underneath.
- Glaze – Translucent colored top coat for an antiqued painted finish.
For many homeowners, water-based polyurethane is the ideal choice for clear coating painted cabinets. But weigh the pros and cons against your particular goals to pick the best top coat for your kitchen’s needs.
Conclusion
Applying a clear coat finish offers valuable protection and longevity to painted kitchen cabinets. But it also requires careful application and dries slower than paint alone. Consider how your cabinets will be used, your desired look, and project timeline to decide if clear coating is right for you. When in doubt, a polyurethane top coat is a smart way to safeguard your painted investment against the rigors of a busy kitchen. With the proper prep and application, a clear coat allows you to enjoy your refreshed cabinet color for years to come.