Tips for Choosing the Right Finish for Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Tips for Choosing the Right Finish for Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Your choice of kitchen cabinet style and design has an immense impact on the look, feel, and usability of your kitchen. However, custom kitchen cabinets can take on different aesthetics depending on the finish that you choose. For instance, in all-white, a cabinet might be bright and airy. The same cabinet in gray might be sleek and modern, while a natural wood finish could be considered classic. How do you choose the right finish for your custom kitchen cabinets? It doesn’t have to be hard. We’ll walk you through what you need to know below.

Wood Stain Finish

Staining is the best option for those who want the natural beauty of custom wood cabinets to show through. Staining is a semi-transparent coat of color that enhances the natural grain pattern of the wood while lending a slight tint of color. Of course, some stains are really more about augmenting the actual color of the wood than about tinting it a different color. Staining is usually the most economical finish for custom kitchen cabinets, but that doesn’t mean it’s a low-end option. Staining can also offer protection for the wood. Note that staining can also be combined with other finish options to create even more depth and beauty.

Waterborne UV Finish

A similar option to staining, waterborne UV finishing adds a touch of color to cabinets while allowing the wood’s natural grain to shine through. It is applied through a water-based formula and then cured with UV light. It offers protection against scratches, and is low-VOC, ensuring a more healthful home and a positive environmental choice.

Clear Finish

For some homeowners, the choice to go with custom kitchen cabinetry is all about the beauty of natural wood. In this case, a clear finish is probably the best choice. You’ll see this trend frequently highlighted in Nordic kitchen design, but it has made inroads in many other areas, too. True to its name, clear finishes do not bring any color to your cabinets. It’s all about highlighting the natural beauty of the cabinets. Note that clear finishes do not impart the same level of protection as thicker finishes, so the durability of the cabinets will largely come down to the species of wood chosen.

Glaze Finish

Do you like the idea of stained kitchen cabinets, but want to bring a little more depth and detail out? If so, glazing is the finish for you. Glazing is a bit like using an ink pen to outline an illustration and to bring out fine details more boldly. It is usually combined with staining, but can also be combined with other finishing methods, such as paint. The glaze is applied to the entire cabinet and then rubbed off by hand. The result is an uneven application that adds visual depth, amplifies design and grain details, and may bring additional color to the party.

Distressed Cabinets

If you love the look of aged or antique kitchen cabinets, then distressing might be the finish option for you. This consists of applying multiple finish types and then artistically distressing them to give the appearance of age and use. Distressed finishes can be created with single coats, or with two coats of paint, stain, or glaze. Note that because of the amount of work by hand, no two installations will be identical, so this is an excellent option for those who want custom kitchen cabinetry found nowhere else.

Painted Cabinet Finish

Paint is a great option for many homeowners who want to achieve a unique aesthetic. If you want color in your kitchen, then paint is probably the best way to go about achieving that goal. From yellow to red, gray to white, paint offers the ability to create a unique, personalized space. However, it does hide the natural beauty of the wood in your cabinets, so if you want to see the grain and imperfections, glazing or staining may be a better choice for your needs. Note that paint is subject to some issues, including showing dents, chipping, and even rubbing off in areas that see frequent use. For these reasons, painted surfaces may not be ideal for use without handles or pulls.

Wood Laminate Finish

In some cases, painting may not be the way forward for you. If you want color but don’t want to use paint on your cabinets, a laminate overlay may be the way to go. These are essentially solid sheets of colored laminate material that are adhered to the outside of your cabinets to help you achieve the color you want without problems that sometimes come with a painted cabinet finish. With that being said, laminate completely covers the natural grain of the wood, so it is not well-suited for situations where you want the wood to show through.

Combining Colors and Finish Options

In the past, it was pretty common to use the same finish and color across all the cabinets in your kitchen. However, more and more homeowners are finding the joy of combining colors. For instance, a darker blue for your island and a lighter blue for the cabinets and drawers on the wall can provide are more interesting aesthetic. It is also possible to use two completely different colors, rather than different shades of the same color. You can also combine different finish types to create a kitchen that is uniquely your own.

We Can Help Finish Your Custom Cabinets

At Knotty Nuff Wood, we work with clients in Orange County and Los Angeles County to create the custom kitchens of their dreams. We can do the same for you. Contact us to learn more about your options when it comes to custom kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, built-ins, and other furnishings, as well as your options in terms of cabinet finishes, color choices, and other options. We’re happy to schedule a free consultation and explain all the choices available to you, what they bring to the table, and help you find a custom solution that fits your needs perfectly.