13 Types of Cabinet Finishes: From Stain to Lacquer

By: Andrew Saladino | 11 min
Last Updated: April 30th, 2024

You've nailed down your kitchen layout and decided on your cabinet door style - now it's time to bring some personality into your space with cabinet finishes. From warm natural wood stains to standout paint colors, there are virtually thousands of options to suit your design.

Understanding the types of kitchen cabinet finishes available can help you choose one that not only matches your style but also your budget and durability needs. In this post, we'll cover the most popular types of cabinet finishes, including the pros and cons of each.

Types of Cabinet Finishes: Side-by-Side Comparison

1. Stain

A stained cabinet finish is a popular choice for those seeking to showcase the natural beauty of wood while adding depth and warmth to their kitchen. Unlike painted cabinets that conceal the wood grain, staining enhances the unique patterns and textures of the wood.

Stains come in a variety of hues, ranging from light tones that accentuate the wood's natural characteristics to darker shades that provide a rich, luxurious appearance. Common wood species for stained cabinets include oak, cherry, maple, and walnut.

2. Glaze

A glaze cabinet finish involves applying a translucent layer of glaze over a base paint or stain on kitchen cabinets. This process adds depth, dimension, and a subtle aged appearance to the cabinets, enhancing the details of the woodwork.

The glaze, typically a tinted liquid, settles into crevices and corners to highlight the contours of the cabinet doors and drawers. The result provides a touch of antiquity and vintage charm to traditional and transitional kitchen designs.

3. Natural

A natural wood cabinet finish embraces the inherent beauty of the wood itself, leaving it largely untreated or sealed with a clear coat to preserve its original appearance. This minimalist approach lets the wood's unique grain patterns, knots, and color variations take center stage, creating a warm and organic kitchen aesthetic.

Natural finishes are often chosen for their simplicity, as they provide a timeless and versatile look that can complement various design styles, from rustic and traditional to modern and Scandinavian.

4. Paint

Paint is a versatile and popular type of cabinet finish that can easily be DIYed for a budget-friendly kitchen remodel. This finish offers a wide range of color options, so you can easily express your style and coordinate with your overall kitchen design.

Painted cabinets can be customized to suit various aesthetics, from classic and traditional to modern and eclectic. They provide a clean, consistent look that can instantly update a drab kitchen.

5. Varnish

A varnish cabinet finish enhances the unique grain patterns of wood cabinets while providing a protective layer against moisture, scratches, and daily wear.

Varnish is known for its durability and resistance to damage, making it a popular choice for kitchen cabinets. Varnish finishes are perfect for homeowners who appreciate the authenticity of wood but prefer additional protection and a glossy or satin sheen.

6. Distressed

If you're drawn to cozy kitchens and antique aesthetics, a distressed cabinet finish can help you get the look. This technique creates intentional imperfections on the cabinet surfaces, giving them a worn, aged, or rustic look.

Common distressing methods include sanding edges, applying dents or dings, and adding glaze or paint to mimic the effects of natural wear over time. Distressed finishes are popular in farmhouse, cottage, or shabby chic kitchen designs, as they evoke a sense of history and add character to the space.

7. Waterborne

Eco-friendly manufacturers, like Forevermark Cabinetry, offer a waterborne ultra-violet (UV) finish. You'll find this finish on most of our RTA and stock cabinets, like our Nova Light Gray and Ice White Shaker cabinets. This product is manufactured using Sherwin-Williams coatings to offer a smooth, high-performance finish and reduce environmental impact.

8. Laminate

Laminate is loved for its durability, moisture resistance, and affordability. This cabinet finish involves applying a synthetic material, typically a resin-saturated paper, onto the cabinet surfaces, which is then bonded using heat and pressure.

Laminate cabinets come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, offering a limitless variety of design options for all tastes and styles. Laminate can mimic the appearance of natural materials, such as wood or stone, making it a cost-effective alternative for those who desire a luxury aesthetic without the high price tag.

9. Thermofoil

Thermofoil is another popular and cost-effective cabinet finish similar to laminate. To achieve this finish, a layer of heat-infused vinyl is wrapped around medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particle board, creating a smooth and seamless surface that resembles painted wood or other materials.

Thermofoil finishes are known for their uniform appearance and are available in a wide array of colors and styles, making them a top choice for various kitchen designs. Many homeowners choose this finish for its affordability, easy maintenance, and resistance to moisture, so it's also great for high-traffic kitchens and families with small children or rambunctious pets.

10. Melamine

Melamine is one of the most durable cabinet finishes, outranking both thermofoil and laminate in terms of moisture and scratch resistance. Melamine has a similar construction to laminate cabinets but offers a thicker and more robust covering.

Melamine cabinets have a smooth and uniform surface that can mimic the appearance of wood grain, solid colors, or other patterns. They're another practical choice for high-traffic areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms, because of their affordability and easy maintenance.

11. Wood Veneer

Solid wood cabinets are expensive, but you can still get the same look at a fraction of the price with wood veneer cabinet finishes. This type of cabinet face is created by applying a thin layer of real wood onto a substrate, usually plywood or particle board.

Wood veneer can be sourced from various hardwood species, such as oak, maple, cherry, or walnut, offering a range of design options. The result is a cabinet finish that captures the authenticity of solid wood while minimizing environmental impact and cost.

12. Lacquer

Lacquer is a fast-drying and durable finish that provides a smooth, high-gloss sheen. Clear lacquer can be applied over wood cabinets to enhance their natural beauty while providing a uniform finish. In contrast, colored lacquer can add a bright personal touch to a contemporary kitchen.

While lacquer provides a stunning visual effect, it may require careful maintenance to prevent scratches and maintain its glossy appearance over time. This finish is particularly popular in modern and high-end kitchen designs due to its ability to create a sophisticated and polished look.

13. Two-Tone

One of the biggest kitchen design trends in recent years is mixing and matching two-tone cabinets. This visually dynamic design choice uses two distinct cabinet colors or finishes for the upper and lower cabinets, adding depth, contrast, and a personalized look to the space.

The two-tone trend often involves pairing light and dark colors, contrasting neutrals, or even combining materials like wood and painted surfaces. This design strategy can also be used to highlight specific features, such as an island or a set of open shelves, making them stand out in the overall kitchen composition.

Types of Cabinet Finishes FAQs

The finish you choose on your cabinets can accentuate your kitchen color scheme, enhance the wood grain of your cabinets, and even provide protection from normal wear. For everything in between, refer to the frequently asked questions and corresponding answers below.

What is the best finish for kitchen cabinets?

Waterborne UV finishes are best for creating the most durable cabinetry. With its eco-friendly composition and fast-drying features, waterborne UV cures are the top-of-the-line cabinet finish in the marketplace. Whatever finish you choose, add a polyurethane varnish on top. The finish is easy to apply and lengthens the lifespan of your cabinetry while accentuating the color of the wood.

Is there a special paint for kitchen cabinets?

Different paints will have a different effect on your cabinetry. Adding a polyurethane varnish as a top coat will help prolong the life of your cabinets while resisting yellowing and corrosion. It's important to note, however, that not every varnish will suit every species of wood.

Do you paint both sides of kitchen cabinet doors?

You should paint both sides of your kitchen cabinet doors. However, the inside of your cabinet boxes do not need to be painted.

Cabinet finishes are a focal point of your kitchen. Go bold with a bright color, or keep it uniform with a natural finish to complete the look in your space. Whatever cabinet finish you decide on, don't forget to choose a quality cabinet material so your kitchen is as functional as it is stylish.