Shellac Or Polyurethane For Kitchen Cabinets

The moisture and especially heat and moisture are not something shellac can handle over long periods.

Shellac or polyurethane for kitchen cabinets. However each type of finish has a variety of pros and cons that you should consider to better determine which may be right for your application. Use a natural brush for oil-based poly and a synthetic brush for water-based poly. It is excellent for use as a finish on cabinets and countertops especially since it is not affected by acidic foods beverages and cleaning substances.

A tough resin made from the secretions of the Indian lac beetle shellac protects wooden cabinets and gives them a high-gloss finish. This type is used in upholstery. 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.

Fast-drying water-based polyurethane and its newer water-based oil-modified cousin can be applied with a fine-bristle brush foam roller spray or rag. As with varnish and shellac finishes dust and dirt control is critical with polyurethane. You can spray wipe or brush polyurethane onto surfaces.

Click to see full answer Correspondingly what is the best finish for kitchen cabinets. A varnish finish isnt subtle -- alkyd varnishes tend to yellow and polyurethane varieties have a plastic-like appearance -- so they arent ideal coatings for fine furniture. If applying over an oil-based stain rough.

Stiff polyurethane is used for thermal insulation. Polyurethane works best on unfinished wood but can also be painted directly onto painted surfaces. Where you get a clear finish with water-based polyurethane varnish the oil-based variety tends to impart a yellowish hue to the wood.

Step 3 Dip the corner of a clean soft rag into lacquer thinner. This will help it to show fewer fingerprints than the glossy surfaces of lacquer-finished projects. And polyurethane that contains water will take about two hours to fully dry.