Introduction
When installing new kitchen cabinets or refacing existing ones, one of the decisions that come up is whether or not to finish the inside of the cabinet boxes. There are pros and cons to finishing the interiors, and the best option depends on your specific needs and preferences. This article will examine the factors to consider when deciding if you should finish the inside of cabinets.
What Does “Finishing the Inside” Mean?
Finishing the inside of cabinets refers to applying a surface coating to the interior walls of the cabinet box or carcass. This is typically done after the boxes are constructed and before the doors and drawers are installed.
The goal of finishing the interior is primarily aesthetic – it creates a more finished look to the inside of the cabinet. But it also serves practical purposes like protecting the raw wood from moisture, spills, warping, and wear over time.
An unfinished interior is simply the raw wood surface (often plywood or particleboard). While functionally fine, it lacks a refined, complete look.
Common finishes used inside cabinets include:
- Paint – Any type of cabinet paint can be brushed or sprayed inside. Enamel paint is most common for its durability.
- Stain – Penetrating stains add color while showcasing the wood grain. Multiple coats of polyurethane are applied over the stain as a protectant.
- Melamine – Melamine is a plastic laminate coating fused directly to the wood. It is highly resistant to scratching, moisture, and wear.
- Thermofoil – A thin PVC film applied with heat adhesion. It offers a seamless plastic-coated finish.
Pros of Finishing the Inside of Cabinets
There are several benefits that can be gained from taking the time to finish the interior surfaces:
Enhanced Aesthetics
The main advantage of finishing the inside of cabinet boxes is the more refined, finished look it provides. The coat of paint, stain, or laminate gives a smooth, uniform appearance compared to the utilitarian look of raw wood.
For cabinets with glass doors, interiors with an attractive finish are visible and become part of the overall kitchen decor. Even for solid cabinet doors, glimpses of the interior are seen when doors are open. So the interior finish contributes to the overall aesthetic.
Better Protection from Wear and Tear
An interior finish serves as a protective barrier against moisture, spills, scrapes, and scratches. Over years of use, the inside of cabinets experience a lot of wear and tear from storing dishes, appliances, pots, pans, and more.
An interior paint or laminate finish helps preserve the look and integrity of the wood or cabinet material. Unfinished boxes are more vulnerable to warping, staining, and degradation over time.
Easier Cleaning
A smooth painted, stained, or laminated interior surface is much easier to clean than porous raw wood. Spills and messes can be simply wiped away rather than penetrating into the fibers of the wood.
Melamine and thermofoil finishes, in particular, have very non-porous surfaces that resist grime buildup. This is especially beneficial for cabinets near cooking surfaces that get exposed to lots of splatters and grease.
Potentially Higher Resale Value
A kitchen with finished cabinet interiors may potentially recoup a higher resale price one day. The added refinement shows the cabinets were professionally installed and maintained.
However, this is just one of many factors that determine resale value. But quality finishes usually improve desirability and perceived value.
Cons of Finishing the Inside of Cabinets
While there are numerous benefits to finishing the interiors, there are also some downsides to consider:
Added Costs
The primary drawback is the added costs in both materials and labor. Each step of preparation, priming, and finishing with paint, stain or laminate products adds expense. There are also considerations for proper safety equipment and ventilation for working with chemical coatings.
DIY projects can help reduce labor fees, but the process is time consuming. Spray applications are the most efficient method, requiring an investment in spray equipment.
Potential Cabinet Damage
Painting or staining involves some degree of prep sanding along with applying wet finishes. These processes can potentially damage cabinets if proper precautions are not taken. Over-sanding can wear away cabinet materials, while moisture can warp or disfigure wood.
Thermofoil and melamine laminates require adhesives to bond them to the wood substrate. If improperly applied, they can delaminate or bubble over time. Care must be taken to avoid damage during application.
More Difficult Repairs
Should any damage occur to a painted, stained or laminated interior surface, repairs tend to be more complicated compared to raw wood. Touch-ups may be hard to blend invisibly. Delaminated plastic coatings also cannot be repaired easily.
With raw wood, scratches and gouges can often be directly patched, filled, and refinished if needed. But with other finishes, repairs often require stripping and refinishing entire surfaces to look uniform.
Potential Off-Gassing from Finishes
Some interior paints, stains, adhesives, and laminates continue off-gassing voc’s or chemical vapors long after application as they fully cure. These emissions can be problematic for those with chemical sensitivities.
Raw wood cabinets avoid any concerns about VOCs or residual odors. Green or zero-VOC finishes are available, but cost more. Proper ventilation during and after finishing application is key.
Added Installation Work for Countertops
Laminated countertops require a raw wood edge for finished results. This means if melamine or thermofoil cabinet interiors are being used, any exposed cabinet edges where countertops meet must be masked off to remain unfinished. This creates additional installation work.
For painted interiors, the unfinished reveal must be professionally repainted to conceal the uncoated edge after countertop installation. Again, more time and effort is required.
Key Factors to Consider
When evaluating whether finishing the inside of your cabinets is worthwhile, here are some key factors and questions to think through:
Cabinet Construction Quality
- What materials are the boxes made of? Particleboard and lower density materials benefit more from protective finishes than plywood.
- How will edges be finished? Plastic edgebanding helps minimize exposed side wood grain.
- Are corners joined tightly? Gaps allow more moisture intrusion needing interior protection.
Kitchen Usage Levels
- Is this a busy kitchen with heavy daily use? More wear and tear make durable finishes worthwhile.
- Are specialized storage needs required, like dishes or appliances? Added interior protection helps preserve storage spaces.
- How prone is the family to spills, grease splatters or condensation inside cabinets? Non-porous finishes prevent stains and moisture damage.
Aesthetic Priorities
- Will cabinet interiors be visible behind any glass doors? A refined interior finish improves appearances.
- Is a light, bright interior desired to help contents stand out? White painted interiors aid visibility.
- Are coordinating, attractive interiors needed to complement counters or floors with matching colors?
Budget Considerations
- What is the total kitchen budget? Finished interiors may be cost prohibitive for some.
- Is the labor DIY or professional? Professional spray finishing is fastest but adds expense.
Availability of Finish Options
- Does the cabinet supplier offer factory finished interiors? If so, this may be the easiest option.
- Can the cabinets accommodate site finishes like painting or laminating? Prefinishing often limits further options.
- Is proper PPE, ventilation, and climate control available for finishes done on-site? This equipment helps ensure a quality outcome.
Future Plans
- Are changes to cabinets expected later, like re-facing or re-painting exterior colors? Versatile finish options help facilitate future change.
- Might cabinets be relocated to a new home later? Durable finishes protect cabinets for potential re-use.
Carefully weighing all of these factors helps determine if finishing the inside of your cabinets is worth the effort and expense or not. The “right” choice depends entirely on your specific kitchen and needs.
What Are the Best Finish Options for Inside Cabinets?
If you decide that finishing the interiors is right for your kitchen, choosing an appropriate finish material is essential for the best results. Here are some of the top options:
Paint
Painting the inside of cabinets is one of the most common and cost-effective choices. Options include:
- Enamel paint – Provides a smooth, durable finish that resists moisture, stains, and dirt. Often used for cabinets.
- Acrylic latex paint – Dries faster than enamel with less odor but is more prone to scuffs and wear over time.
- Epoxy paint – Extremely durable two-part coatings resistant to solvents, chemicals, and moisture. Requires professional application.
For any paint, proper prep and primer along with two finish coats are recommended for a quality outcome. Spraying paint yields a smoother finish than brushing. Proper safety gear for fumes is essential.
Stain & Polyurethane
Penetrating stains allow the wood’s natural pattern and texture to show through. Polyurethane is brushed over the stain as a protective topcoat. Oil-based versions are more durable than water-based options. Staining takes more skill and practice to achieve an even, consistent color.
Melamine
Melamine laminate sheets provide a durable plastic coating fused directly to the raw wood using heat and pressure. No adhesives are required. The finished surface resists scratching, stains, moisture, and impacts while cleaning easily. Melamine provides a seamless look and feels smooth to the touch. It is more expensive than other options but lasts a very long time with care.
Thermofoil
Thermofoil is a thin layer of PVC that is adhered to raw cabinet boxes using heat rolling and non-toxic adhesive. When bonded successfully, it creates a durable plastic interior surface that mimics a seamless lacquered finish. Thermofoil resists moisture, spills, and wear and provides consistency across all interior surfaces. But poor adhesion can lead to bubbling or peeling over time.
Factory Finishing
Many cabinet suppliers now offer fully finished interiors as an upgrade option when ordering cabinets. Materials like melamine, thermofoil, or spray-on paints are applied under controlled factory conditions for consistent, quality results. The tradeoff is less customization flexibility versus site finishing the cabinets. But it certainly simplifies installation.
Do’s and Don’ts for Finishing Cabinet Interiors
If you take on finishing the inside of cabinets yourself, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:
Do:
- Remove doors, drawers, and hardware before finishing to simplify the process and prevent damage.
- Use painter’s tape to mask off any edges or sections that should remain unfinished.
- Ensure surfaces are clean and lightly sanded to aid adhesion.
- Ventilate the space and allow finishes to cure fully before using cabinets.
- Apply finish coats in thin, even passes avoiding drips or brush marks.
- Allow adequate drying time between coats as specified by the product.
- Carefully follow all manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
Don’t:
- Rush through the preparation and application steps. Patience pays off.
- Over-sand cabinet materials prior to finishing. This can damage the wood stability.
- Allow moisture into unfinished cabinet interiors. Seal any unfinished sides as well.
- Apply finishes too thickly or unevenly in an effort to speed up the process.
- Neglect proper PPE like gloves, goggles, masks, and ventilation as needed.
- Install countertops before refinishing any exposed cabinet edges to match.
Maintaining Finished Cabinet Interiors
Whichever interior finish is used, some basic maintenance practices help keep the interiors looking their best:
- Wipe up spills promptly to avoid stains setting into the finish.
- Use cleaners and degreasers formulated for kitchen cabinets. Avoid abrasive cleansers.
- For painted finishes, gently clean with a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid abrasive pads.
- Check periodically for any signs of damage and address right away to avoid bigger problems.
- Consider adding contact paper, shelf liners, or foam pads in high wear areas to protect interiors.
- Use organizer trays, bins, and racks to minimize direct contact of stored items with cabinet interiors.
- Touch up any nicks, scratches, or problem areas in finishes as soon as they are noticed.
- Have professionals refinish interiors if significant staining, wear, or damage occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common questions homeowners have about finishing their cabinet interiors:
Is it worth the extra cost to finish the inside of kitchen cabinets?
The added cost may be worthwhile if you desire the more refined look, need to protect weaker cabinet materials, or have glass doors showing interiors. For low budget projects or cabinets inside closets, skipping interior finish may be fine.
Does finishing the interiors make cabinets harder to clean?
On the contrary, it makes them easier to clean. The smoother painted, stained or laminated surface can be wiped clean more easily than raw wood which absorbs spills.
Can I just paint the inside of cabinets without prepping or priming first?
While it will adhere initially, the paint will likely peel or bubble up over time without proper sanding, cleaning, and priming first. Proper prep ensures long-lasting adhesion.
What kind of paint works best for finishing cabinet interiors?
Enamel paints provide the hardest, smoothest finishes. Latex paint adheres easily but is not quite as durable long-term. Avoid chalk and milk paints inside cabinets.
Is it okay to just stain the inside of cabinets without a topcoat?
For longest protection, a clear polyurethane topcoat over stains is recommended. The topcoat prevents wear and fading of the stain color over time.
How are thermofoil and melamine finishes different inside cabinets?
Melamine is a plastic coating fused directly to the wood. Thermofoil is a thinner PVC film adhered with adhesive. Melamine is more durable but thermofoil costs less.
Can I finish just part of the cabinet interior like only the upper shelves?
While possible, it risks an uneven, mismatched look. Fully finishing interiors provides the most seamless, cohesive aesthetic.
Is it necessary to finish the interiors of sink base cabinets?
Yes, since these interiors are very visible when doors are open. Water exposure also makes a durable finish here especially important.
Conclusion
Deciding whether or not to add a professional finish to your cabinet interiors is an important choice to make during kitchen remodeling or new cabinet installation. While adding cost and labor, it also provides beauty, protection, and longevity. Consider the pros and cons and evaluate your specific needs realistically. Seek advice from cabinet and painting professionals as well. If done properly, a quality interior finish can enhance both the appearance and functionality of your cabinets for years to come.