Your kitchen is the heart of your home, which means every little detail matters. The type of kitchen cabinet finish you choose is important—it will impact the entire look and feel of your kitchen.
With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which finish is best for your needs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most common options, and take a look at both durability and aesthetics to help you make the right decision for your kitchen.
1. Laminate Finish
What is a Laminate Finish?
A laminate finish involves applying a thin layer of laminate to the surface of the cabinet doors and drawers. This finish is popular for its ability to provide a sleek and modern look.
The process of applying a laminate finish is relatively simple and can be done with a few basic tools. The laminate is cut to size and then applied to the surface with a roller or brush. Once the laminate is applied, it is then sealed with a clear coat of varnish to protect the finish. The result is a durable and attractive finish that is easy to maintain and can last for many years. Laminate finishes are also very cost-effective, making them a great choice for many homeowners.
If you need a hand to ensure your laminate cabinets are built and finished correctly, don’t hesitate to reach out to our professional team at Casvino Kitchen who are experts in building bespoke kitchen cabinets.
Pros and Cons of a Laminate Finish
Pros:
- Wide range of colour and pattern options
- Easy to clean
- Resistant to scratches and stains
Cons:
- Can be prone to peeling or chipping over time
- Limited repair options if damaged
Choosing the Right Laminate
When selecting a laminate for your cabinets, it’s important to consider your desired colour and pattern. Some popular laminate options include white, black, and wood grain. White and black laminates provide a modern and minimalist look, while wood grain laminates offer a more natural and rustic feel. Just like with a painted finish, the colour of your laminate really depends on personal preference and your kitchen style.
Maintenance and Durability
Caring for laminate cabinets is easy and straightforward. To keep them looking their best, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild detergent on a regular basis. You can also use a wood polish to keep the surfaces looking glossy and new. Laminate cabinets are also very durable, as they are made of a strong material that is resistant to scratches and dents. With proper care and maintenance, you can be sure that your laminate cabinets will last for many years.
2. Painted Finish
What is a Painted Finish?
A painted finish involves applying a coat of paint to the surface of your cabinet doors and drawers. This finish is popular for its ability to completely transform the look of your kitchen cabinets. Paints for your kitchen cabinets come in a variety of colours, allowing you to customise the look of your kitchen cabinets to fit your style.
When applying a painted finish, it’s important to use high-quality paint and a brush or roller with a smooth finish. This will help ensure a professional-looking result that will last for years to come. Also be sure to take the time to properly prepare the surface before painting. This will help the paint adhere better and reduce the risk of peeling or bubbling. Finally, make sure to apply several thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat for the best results. Here at Casvino Kitchen we use CNC cut, spray-painted doors with our kitchens to ensure the best, longest-lasting result.
Pros and Cons of a Painted Finish
Pros:
- Wide range of colour options
- Easy to clean
- Can hide imperfections in the wood
- Provides a smooth and glossy finish
Cons:
- Susceptible to chipping and peeling
- May require touch-ups over time
- Can be more expensive than other finishes
Choosing the Right Colour
When selecting a colour for your painted cabinets, it’s important to consider the overall style and colour scheme of your kitchen. Some popular colour options include white, grey, navy, and black. White cabinets provide a classic and timeless look, while grey and navy cabinets offer a more modern and sophisticated feel. Black cabinets can add a dramatic and bold touch to your kitchen.
To learn more about the different types of kitchen styles and colours that work well together, explore our 5 favourite kitchen designs of all time.
Maintenance and Durability
Caring for painted cabinets is easy and straightforward. To ensure their longevity, it is important to clean them regularly with a mild detergent and warm water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the paint. Additionally, it is important to avoid placing hot items directly against the cabinets, as this can cause the paint to bubble or peel. Painted cabinets are quite durable, and with proper maintenance, they can last for many years.
3. Vinyl Wrap
What is a Vinyl Wrap finish?
A vinyl wrap finish involves applying a vinyl wrap to the surface of your cabinet doors and drawers. This finish is popular for its ability to provide a durable and long-lasting finish. Vinyl wrap is also a great choice for cabinets because it has a classy, timeless look. It is also very easy to clean and maintain, making it an ideal choice for busy households. Additionally, vinyl wrap is available in a variety of sheens, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
For added flair, vinyl-wrapped doors come in various profiled options, so you can have the classic shaker profile or even something more modern. This will help to protect the finish from scratches and other wear and tear. If you’re looking for a unique finish for your cabinets, you can add a tinted varnish or a stain to the varnish to create a beautiful and unique look.
Pros and Cons of a Varnished Finish
Pros:
- Provides a durable and long-lasting finish
- Resistant to scratches and stains
Cons:
- Limited colour options
- Can be more expensive than other finishes
- Can be difficult to touch up if damaged
Choosing the Right Vinyl Wrap
There are a few different types of vinyl wrap to choose from. Semi-gloss is a good middle ground between satin and high gloss, providing a moderate shine that is still quite durable. It is also the most popular choice for kitchen cabinets, as it is easy to clean and maintain. No matter which option you choose, make sure to apply a few coats of varnish to ensure a long-lasting finish. Remember to use a high-quality vinyl wrap to ensure the best, most durable results.
Maintenance and Durability
Caring for vinyl-wrapped cabinets is relatively easy and straightforward. To maintain the cabinets’ original lustre and beauty, it is important to dust them regularly and use a damp cloth to wipe away dirt and grime. Additionally, it is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish. To protect your vinyl-wrapped cabinets, you can polish them with furniture polish, which will keep them looking new.
4. Acrylic Finish
What is an Acrylic Finish?
An acrylic finish involves applying a clear coat of high-gloss acrylic to the surface of your cabinet doors and drawers. This finish is popular for its ability to provide a durable and long-lasting finish. The acrylic finish is also resistant to staining, making it ideal for kitchen cabinets.
Acrylic is also easy to clean and maintain, requiring only a damp cloth and mild detergent to keep it looking like new. The glossy finish of the acrylic adds a modern, stylish look to any kitchen and is available in a variety of colours and textures.
Pros and Cons of an Acrylic Finish
Pros:
- Provides a durable and long-lasting finish
- Resistant to scratches and stains
- Can enhance the natural beauty of the wood
Cons:
- Limited color options
- Can be more expensive than other finishes
- Can be difficult to touch up if damaged
Choosing the Right Acrylic
When selecting an acrylic for your cabinets, it’s important to consider your desired level of shine and durability. Some popular acrylic gloss finish options include satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss. Acrylic also comes in a variety of colours, so it’s easy to find one that matches your design aesthetic.
Maintenance and Durability
Caring for acrylic cabinets is easy and straightforward. To keep them looking their best, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild soap. To prevent scratches, use a soft cloth when cleaning and avoid abrasive cleaners. Acrylic cabinets are incredibly durable and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. They are resistant to fading and discolouration, making them a great choice for any home.
5. Stained Finish
What is a Stained Finish?
A stained finish involves applying a stain to the surface of your cabinet doors and drawers. This finish is popular for its ability to enhance the natural beauty of the wood grain.
Staining the cabinet doors and drawers is a relatively simple process, although it does require a few steps. First, the wood must be sanded to ensure that the stain will be absorbed evenly. Next, the stain is applied with a brush or cloth, and then allowed to dry. Once the stain is dry, a protective finish such as a polyurethane or lacquer can be applied to seal and protect the wood. Finally, the doors and drawers can be reattached to the cabinet.
While our team here at Casvino Kitchen don’t offer this service, staining your own cabinets at home is relatively easy to do!
Pros and Cons of a Stained Finish
Pros:
- Enhances the natural beauty of the wood
- Provides a warm and inviting feel
- Can be more affordable than other finishes
Cons:
- Limited colour options
- Susceptible to fading over time
- Can be difficult to touch up if damaged
Choosing the Right Stain
When selecting a stain for your cabinets, it’s important to consider the type of wood and your desired colour. Some popular stain options include cherry, oak, and walnut. Cherry provides a rich and warm tone, while oak offers a more traditional and rustic feel. Walnut cabinets provide a sleek and modern look.
Maintenance and Durability
Caring for stained cabinets is relatively easy; all you need to do is clean them regularly with a damp cloth and mild detergent. You should also avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the finish. Stained cabinets are quite durable, with the only downside being that they can fade over time.
Need a hand with your kitchen cabinets?
Choosing the perfect finish for your kitchen cabinets is just one of many decisions that come with kitchen renovations Perth. While applying kitchen cabinet finish can be done by yourself, by getting the help of a professional you’ll ensure your dream kitchen cabinets will be created with quality in mind and to last a lifetime.
At Casvino Kitchen we are dedicated to crafting your dream kitchen, from your kitchen stone benchtops to your kitchen cabinets Perth. If you want a hand to create the perfect kitchen for your home, our expert team would love to help. Get in touch today to see how we can work together.
