Whether you are looking to transform existing cabinets or order new ones, you’ll need to know the basic terms and concepts to make informed decisions related to cabinet finish. We’ll take an introductory look at some of these. 

Penetrating Finishes

These refer to various oils and stains that are designed to soak into the wood and seal from the inside out. Oils and stain products can enhance or change the look of wood, but typically do not offer much protection.

Topcoat Finishes

These are created to sit on top of the wood and offer protection from the outside, and can be clear or pigmented. Common clear topcoats include varnish, lacquer, and polyurethane. Clear coats are often used over natural or stained wood for protection. Pigmented finishes include the paint you’ll find at your local paint store, and come in various sheens ranging from flat to high gloss.     

Professional Grade Finishes

Professional grade finishes are designed to be sprayed on with an automated machine or a highly skilled finisher. They are extremely durable, are very smooth to the touch, and often come with extended warranties. Products used for this type of finish are not typically found at your local store. Finishes of this type are common in kitchen and bath cabinetry, and hold up well to high wear and household cleaners. Not all paint contractors provide this level of finish, an important consideration when hiring someone to finish cabinets or furniture. Always get a physical sample and ask for product information when choosing someone to provide a professional grade finish.

DIY/ Homeowner Finishes

These are wipe-on and brush-on finishes that are designed to be applied with very little skill, and can be found at your local paint or hardware store. They tend to dry slowly and offer a level of protection, but are significantly less durable than their professional counterparts.  These types of finishes do not always hold up well over time.     

Still have questions?  Call your local team of professional finishers at Branson Paint Company and Wow My Cabinets at 417-231-6751, or visit us at bransonpaintco.com. We can help!