What Is the Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Finish?

The kitchen is the heart of your home, and it doesn’t beat without the cabinets. Your kitchen cabinets offer more than ample storage space for your cookware; they also significantly contribute to the overall look of your kitchen.

If you’re looking to update your kitchen cabinets, you might wonder, “What is the most popular kitchen cabinet finish?” As Knoxville’s top kitchen remodel contractor, we wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t help you answer this question! That’s why our Master Remodelers team put together this guide to help you explore the most popular finishes for kitchen cabinets and how to pick the right one for your home in Knoxville, Tennessee.

A Paint Finish

Paint gives you the chance to create a kitchen that truly reflects your unique style. It’s easy to apply and offers coverage that can hide minor imperfections.

Cabinet paints are available in nearly endless shades and sheens. You can even change up the finish of the paint to get exactly what you want for your cabinets. Once you know what color you want, consider which kind of finish you want for your painted cabinets.

Satin

Do you want to strike a balance between glossy and matte? Satin paint is ideal. Satin paints make great cabinet finishes for kitchens because they can withstand constant heat and humidity.

Enamel

Do you need something more durable? Enamel paints offer impressive durability and a smooth coat that can easily transform your cabinets. Plus, it’s easy to clean!

Matte

If you don’t want any gloss or need to minimize the light reflecting in your kitchen, opt for matte paint. This type of paint finish also produces a richer color to give your kitchen a uniquely sophisticated look. The only downside is that it can’t smooth the surface of your cabinets.

Semi-Gloss

Like satin, semi-gloss paint strikes a deal between glossy and matte, but the main difference is that it is better for bold colors. Keep in mind, though, that it can also make scratches more visible than with other paint finishes.

A Stain Finish

If you love the look of natural wood, a stain finish for your kitchen cabinets is perfect. Stain enhances the wood’s naturally stunning grain by using natural, water, or solvent-based pigments and dyes. 

Since the stain soaks into your wood cabinets rather than just covering the top, it won’t crack, peel, or chip over time. If you want to stain your cabinets, it’s important to make sure you have the right type of cabinet material. For instance, cabinets made of cherry, maple, oak, or walnut wood are great for staining. 

You can also choose from a wide range of stain colors, from lighter shades to deep, dark hues.

Using a stain also makes it easy to touch up your cabinets later if needed. The only downside to using stain for kitchen cabinets is that it doesn’t hide imperfections and can require more maintenance than other finish options. 

A Glaze Finish

Glaze is actually an additional finish you can use with painted or stained cabinets. It creates a more rustic, antique look that’s perfect for vintage-inspired kitchens. 

You can use colored or transparent glaze to enhance the texture and depth of your kitchen cabinets. When you use this over already-stained cabinets, the glaze further enhances the wood grain to create a stunning rustic aesthetic. It’s also great for hiding imperfections on your cabinets. 

Like a stain, however, glaze requires a little more maintenance. It’s also more prone to scratches. 

A Lacquer Finish

Lacquer is where durability and minimal maintenance meet. This solvent-based paint acts like a synthetic coating that you can brush or spray on your cabinets. Since it dries in just 15 minutes, you can enjoy your updated-finish cabinets sooner. 

It’s important to keep in mind that lacquer requires multiple layers to get the results you want. Like paint, you can get high gloss, medium gloss, or matte lacquer finishes. You can also choose from a wide range of colors and shades to perfectly fit your kitchen’s aesthetic.

Lacquer-finished cabinets are easy to clean and won’t flake over time. However, they might crack as your wood cabinets naturally expand with humidity. They also have very little to no resistance against chemicals.

A Natural Finish

Who says you have to actually finish your cabinets? If you want a unique look that embraces nature’s stunning beauty, opt for a natural finish. 

Natural kitchen cabinets can create a cozy rustic look or complement a wide variety of other kitchen designs. You can also easily resurface or refinish your cabinets later when you’re ready for an update. 

When opting for a natural finish for your cabinets, you need to consider the type of wood. Some popular options include:

• Maple
• Hickory
• Oak
• Pine
• Cherry

Each of these wood options offers the durability and longevity you need for functional kitchen cabinets. However, natural cabinets are more prone to discoloration and damage due to temperature changes. They also tend to be harder to clean. 

A Varnish Finish

If you’re organizing your kitchen cabinets and realize that you just want to improve their durability rather than change their look, varnish is the way to go. Varnish is a clear top coat that you apply to your cabinets and acts as a protective coating. 

Varnish is another great option for enhancing the natural grain of wood while creating more shine. It’s also water-resistant and easy to clean, which are essential for kitchen cabinets. 

You can typically choose from two types of varnish:

• Conversion varnish: This varnish consists of an acid catalyst and resin that dry together to create a varnish that’s even stronger than polyurethane. However, this type of varnish requires a professional application.
• Polyurethane varnish: This is an incredibly durable varnish that’s actually a type of plastic. It’s so strong that some people use it for their floors!

What are the potential drawbacks? Sometimes, varnish can yellow with prolonged sun exposure. You could also damage your varnished cabinets if you clean them with certain cleaning agents. 

How Can You Choose the Right Finish? Ask Master Remodelers in Knoxville!

What is the most popular kitchen cabinet finish? As you can see, you have quite a few options. While paint tends to be the go-to for many homeowners, our Master Remodelers team can help you explore the other options as well and see which one best fits your needs. 

Whether you want new cabinets or a whole new kitchen, our highly skilled remodelers know how to bring your vision to life. 

Are you curious about painting laminate cabinets or have questions about starting a kitchen remodeling project in Knoxville, Tennessee? Call 865-458-0416 to schedule a consultation with the professionals at Master Remodelers!

FAQ

What Are the Most Affordable Cabinet Finish Options?

The most affordable kitchen cabinet finishes are paint and natural finishes.

What Type of Paint Is Best for Kitchen Cabinets?

You can use multiple different types of paint on your cabinets depending on your needs and preferences. It’s also wise to apply a polyurethane varnish on top of the paint for maximum durability. 

Should You Just Paint the Front of the Cabinet Door?

You should paint both the front and back sides of your kitchen cabinet doors, but you can opt not to paint your cabinet boxes. 

What Is the Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Finish for Homes in Knoxville?

The most popular cabinet finish for homes in Knoxville, Tennessee, is paint due to its impressive versatility, easy application, and affordability