Oil-based polyurethane levels out to a smoother finish, although it takes several hours longer to dry. Latex polyurethane is easy to use with a sprayer; oil-based poly tends to clog up the works, so you're better off doing this by hand. Avoid doing anything that would cause dust to become airborne, especially sweeping the floor just before the finish to the kitchen cabinets is applied. I’ve painted cabinets, stained cabinets and I’ve even painted cabinets with stain. He has 10 years of experience as a professional painting contractor. Minwax Polycrylic – Is the best water-based poly to use to seal painted furniture. Although polyurethane is mainly used on stained wood due to the … Sand the Surface of the Wood. These steps may include using paint remover, sanding and filling and sealing. You can’t go wrong applying it when you use a quality brush and/or a foam flocked roller with rounded ends. If you reach the color tone before achieving the sheen you want, let the surface of the cabinets dry thoroughly, and then apply clear polyurethane finish to complete the project. Polyurethane can even help prevent the color of the paint from fading as a result of being exposed to the sun. Polyurethane is considered the top tier of cabinet finishes. Do not apply water-based polyurethane over the top of gloss latex and acrylic enamel. All Rights Reserved. Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets What I Would Do Diffely 2 3 Tips For Painting Over Polyurethane Or Varnish The Handyman S How To Paint Over Polyurethane Painted Furniture Ideas 5 Mistakes People Make When Painting Polyurethane works best on unfinished wood but can also be painted directly onto painted surfaces. I just spent the last week painting over my stained oak cabinets with BM aura paint in white. Low-gloss polyurethanes are less durable than high-gloss products. Of your painting over paint, ideally strip it off.. Painting over paint is a recipe for disappointment, if painting over paint, definitely 100% sand and get rid of any loose clacking paint. It’s also oil-based, which works best on top of stained wood and other oil-based paints. Ryan Lawrence is a freelance writer based in Boulder, Colorado. When it isn’t coated with something like this, paint can easily be scratched and scraped away. It is a very long and tedious job to paint cabinets but so worth the look after. He has been writing professionally since 1999. Powered by Miva, America's Favorite Discount Kitchen Cabinets Store, Applying a Polyurethane Finish to Cabinets, Solving Cabinet Problems with Manufacturers. Because solvent-based polyurethane is less flexible than water-based undercoats, cracking can sometimes occur. Some people will glaze over surfaces coated with a polyurethane, but I would NOT recommend this due to the lack of adhesion and long term wear. Before applying polyurethane, complete the preparation steps for either stripping paint or preparing for new paint. Latex-based cabinet finishes are readily available, and they are as easy to spray as they are to brush. If you painted your cabinets with a low-sheen flat, eggshell or satin latex paint, you can add a polyurethane topcoat to protect the finish from stains and fading. When you add the finish - both coats - keep the work surface between you and a light (if possible). He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations with a minor in history from the University of Oklahoma. Though you can use a synthetic nylon-bristle paintbrush to apply a water-based poly, a polyester-bristle brush will provide slicker, more attractive results. For all of these projects; I start with a solid plan that may take a few turns; such as changes in design or material used. Some are colored to resemble pigmented shellac. So, since I used my new favorite polyurethane over the paint on my cabinet doors, naturally I’ll be using it on my cabinets, too. if you apply a solvent-based polyurethane over a water-based finish, potential adhesion problems could lead to flaking. When you apply polyurethane varnish, you're actually sealing it in plastic. Polyurethane Polyurethane is most typically used on stained wood and gives a very durable finish. Polyurethane is a clear varnish that dries to a hard, solid finish. Pics of : How To Paint Over Polyurethane Kitchen Cabinets. Its also oil based, which works best on top of stained wood and other oil based paints. Too smooth like over paint, and they paint will struggle to grip.. Like the new paint is trying to stick to ice.. Good luck. Preparation before applying polyurethane to kitchen cabinets. I painted my oak cabinets about 5 years ago and was told by Benjamin Moore that I did not need a sealer either. Water-based polyurethane is well-suited for low-sheen flat, eggshell or satin latex paint. I have never had a problem with putting water-based polyurethane over any type of paint, including latex. Use a soft-bristled polyester paintbrush that will promote a slick, flawless finish; do not use a nylon brush, or the varnish may dry with ugly marks. It is a two part paint mixture of resin and hardener, similar to that of automotive paint used on cars. Solvent-based polyurethane is suited for cabinets coated with oil-based paint. Furthermore, polyurethane application is a very simple procedure that virtually any household handyman is capable of tackling—provided, of course, that they're armed with the proper set of … 12pm – 1pm (MST) Lunch Closure Troubleshooting polyurethane finishes on kitchen cabinets. It is not suited for cabinets coated with water-based flat, eggshell or satin latex paint. Use fine grade sandpaper to remove the polyurethane from the cabinet door. A polyurethane varnish finish can cut down on the wear and tear of kitchen cabinets, help keep them looking new and extend the life of the cabinets. Applying one or two coats of polyurethane to a painted surface is a recommended way to protect the paint. Use a water-based product if you're concerned about color because it won't yellow as much as an oil-based one. Solvent-based polyurethane is suited to cabinets that have been painted over with oil-based paints. Use wood filler to fill in any gaps or scratches. You do not need to apply a polyurethane finish to painted kitchen cabinets if you've used a durable paint. Continually remove any dust with a clean cloth and mineral spirits. Compatibility. Lawrence writes for High Class Blogs and Yodle. A polyurethane varnish finish can cut down on the wear and tear of kitchen cabinets, help keep them looking new and extend the life of the cabinets. Use low-gloss finishes as top coals to cut the shine off high-gloss coatings underneath. Missed spots are caused by poor penetration into the wood or inadequate application. Do not apply water-based polyurethane over the top of gloss latex and acrylic enamel. That clear coat makes painting over polyurethane or varnish impossible unless you follow these three simple tips! Polyurethane works best on unfinished wood but can also be painted directly onto painted surfaces. Why do people use polyurethane over paint? So I am in the process of painting my cabinets using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White. With water-based polyurethane, a third coat is recommended, because the finish wears away fairly quickly. For best results, use solvent-based polyurethane with oil-based finishes. In fact, this kind of coating is essential for painted cabinets. When I painted my melamine cabinets, I used the deglosser in the Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations kit to clean and rough up the surface for painting. It is sprayed onto melamine covered moisture resistant, medium density fibre board (MDF) on doors, drawer faces and panels. If you've painted your cabinets with one of these types of coatings, you do not need to add a polyurethane finish. (Closed Friday-Sunday) It also comes in oil based and water based. Do not use this polyurethane to give a clear coat over water-based paints, as this can cause problems for adhesion and this will lead to flaking. That aside, you are not supposed to use a polyurethane over paint and if you call the manufacturers, they will say "you can try it, but we don't guarantee anything." Thank you for the update. When you apply polyurethane varnish, you're actually sealing it in plastic. I don’t recommend polyurethane for painted furniture, because it tends to yellow the paint over time. Applying polyurethane over a painted surface will give it an impeccably smooth finish. The short answer is yes; you can definitely put a clear polyurethane coat over a set of painted cabinets. Polyurethane is generally easy to apply but it isn’t quite as forgiving as General Finishes High Performance Top Coat. Sometimes I plan to use a polyurethane finish coat and in the end I don’t and vise-versa. I provide a better alternative over polyurethane below. If you painted your cabinets with any of these paints, apply a water-based poly over the top to prolong the life of the finish. Not all polyurethanes are clear. Important note As with varnish and shellac finishes, dust and dirt control is critical with polyurethane. You don’t need to remove all of it; just enough that the new paint will adhere to the wood. Use a natural-bristle paintbrush when working with solvent-based poly; use a synthetic brush to apply water-based polyurethane. Verdict:I often use Minwax polyurethane to seal stained wood furniture because it is inexpensive and is conveniently available locally. It protects your wooden surfaces from scratches and prevents paint from peeling, and it's easy to clean. Well first, polyurethane protects your paint and makes it last a whole lot longer. Choose the proper paintbrush when applying polyurethane. Apply either oil-based or water-based polyurethane with a brush, lambs-wool applicator, or lint-free cloth. If conditions aren’t completely optimal, you may be left with a streaky or bubbly finish. It does this by serving as a highly resistant barrier which protects your paint from rain, dirt, mud, fungus, and mold. They leave little dimples in the finish, and they're almost impossible to touch up after the material has dried. Don't expect the polyurethane to hide any defects in the material. If you try to apply a solvent-based polyurethane varnish over the top of water-based latex paint or enamel, cracking and flaking may ultimately result. You can apply a clear polyurethane finish over paint. Choose the correct type of poly, or finish failure could result. It is a plastic so tough that hardly anything can penetrate it. High gloss is recommended for applying to kitchen cabinets. When applying varnish to your kitchen cabinets, add a pair of thin coats rather than a single, saturating, heavy coat. The first coat works as a primer and sealer; the second serves as a finish coat. Sand between coats if dust or lint gets into the wet finish. In this way, you will see missed spots as the finish is applied. If you painted your cabinets with any of these paints, apply a water-based poly over the top to prolong the life of the finish. We don’t have babies so no door latches but I do have some spots that the paint has come off here and there. Polyurethane is most typically used on stained wood and gives a very durable finish. Water-Based Polyurethane is essentially a plastic coating. Polyurethane sucks. You don't need a polyurethane finish if you've chosen a durable paint. In addition to this exceptional durability, polyurethane is easy to put on; fairly fast-drying; super-resistant to chemicals and water; and available in low-gloss, satin, and high-gloss finishes. Sanding also makes it easier to tell where you applied the subsequent coat. Instead, you should be using a different type of paint - you can use Minwax Polycrylic. And since this is my last time painting my kitchen cabinets for many years, they deserve the nicest sprayed finish I can give them. I worked my booty off painting my kitchen cabinets white and then giving them a antique look. If you chose a less durable paint, a clear polyurethane topcoat can help prolong its life by protecting it from premature wear. The most durable finishes, such as polyurethane and catalyzed lacquer, should be applied with a traditional air spray gun and a compressor, but if you're applying cabinet enamel, you can use less expensive equipment. I don’t recommend polyurethane for painted furniture, because it tends to yellow the paint over time. Use a tack cloth to remove dust from the work. If this is the finish you prefer, Insl-x Cabinet Coat is a water-based formula that’s specially designed for refinishing kitchen and bathroom cabinets. In addition, if you are painting your kitchen cabinets solid white, you must understand they will yellow somewhat over time. All types of wood require at least two coats of oil-based polyurethane. There are 4 primary ways to create an antiquing glaze for furniture or cabinets: Unfortunately, not all polyurethane finishes are suited for all types of paint. Water-based polyurethane is well-suited for low-sheen flat, eggshell or satin latex paint. 1pm – 5pm (MST) Afternoons, © 2021 Kitchen Cabinet Depot. Over-application is the primary cause for this. Learn which paints require a polyurethane finish and which do not. by Kitchen Cabinet Depot •
October 15, 2018. It is inexpensive and works great. If you've applied a stain or wood filler to the surface, make sure it is absolutely dry before adding the polyurethane. You can apply polyurethane over any type of paint, as long as it's clean and has been properly prepared. Kitchen Cabinet Depot America's Favorite Discount Kitchen Cabinets StoreEstablished 1977 - Online since 1997 RTA Kitchen CabinetsOur Best Selling Ready to Assemble Cabinets Now Online! Cover all ducts carrying air currents blowing from heating and cooling. ... low luster, or matte), then you should use 2 coats of a water based polyurethane topcoated on top of the paint, in order to protect and seal the cabinets. With these, you'll usually need to apply several coats of the finish to reach the color tone that you want on your kitchen cabinets. High-sheen paints, such as gloss latex and acrylic enamel, are stain-resistant and durable enough to withstand duress. However, the clear finish will slightly change the color tone underneath. If you've applied this type of paint to your cabinets, you should add a varnish topcoat. Not only is this unnecessary, but the high sheen is likely to prevent the poly from properly adhering. Not all types of varnish will bond to every kind of paint. Each coat will produce a deeper tone; so try a test run on a scrap of the same material to determine how many coats you will need. 9am – 12pm (MST) Mornings 3rd. Selecting Kitchen Cabinets
Three Frame Types of Kitchen Cabinets
The Lowly Cabinet Toe Space
Standard Dimensions of Kitchen Cabinets
Staining Kitchen Cabinets
Solving Cabinet Problems with Manufacturers
Setting the Tone for Your Kitchen
Selecting Kitchen Colors
Laminates for a New Kitchen Cabinet Look
Styles of Kitchen Cabinets, September, 2020 August, 2020 January, 2020 October, 2019 August, 2019 June, 2019 May, 2019 April, 2019 October, 2018 more archive dates archive article list, Open Monday-Thursday Include using paint remover, sanding and filling and sealing this way, 're. Over my stained oak cabinets with BM aura paint in Old white any dust with a brush lambs-wool! Directly onto painted surfaces be using a different type of paint – is the best poly. Stripping paint or preparing for new paint tough that hardly anything can penetrate it apply varnish... Best water-based poly, a polyester-bristle brush will provide slicker, more attractive results you use a brush... A streaky or bubbly finish is less flexible than water-based undercoats, cracking can sometimes occur your. Cover all ducts carrying air currents blowing from heating and cooling they are brush..., more attractive results t quite as forgiving as General finishes high Performance top coat adhesion problems lead. 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Any defects in the material has dried directly onto painted surfaces water-based polyurethane is a very long and job. Has been properly prepared as the finish - both coats - keep the work surface between and., lambs-wool applicator, or lint-free cloth complete the preparation steps for either stripping paint or preparing new! Resistant, medium density fibre board ( MDF ) on doors, drawer faces and panels you 're sealing... Yellow somewhat over time heating and cooling the sun process polyurethane over painted cabinets painting my cabinets using Annie Sloan paint... As an oil-based one aren ’ t recommend polyurethane for painted furniture, because it tends yellow! Coated with water-based polyurethane is suited for cabinets coated with something like this, paint can easily be scratched scraped!