Faux Painting on Kitchen Cabinets

[FatimaandAhmed]

Hi everyone!

Can I use faux painting techniques on kitchen cabinets? Will it handle regular cleaning and everyday use? Thank you in advance!

[Alpha]

Hi there!

Yes, you can absolutely use faux painting techniques on kitchen cabinets, and it can give them a really unique, custom look. Techniques like color washing, distressing, or glazing can transform plain cabinets into something with a lot more character. The key is in the prep and the top coat.

Before painting, make sure the cabinets are thoroughly cleaned and lightly sanded so the paint adheres well. After applying your faux finish, it’s super important to seal everything with a durable, kitchen friendly top coat, usually a clear polyurethane or polycrylic. A satin or semi gloss finish tends to work best because it’s easier to wipe down and stands up better to moisture, grease, and daily wear.

With the right sealer, your faux painted cabinets should handle regular cleaning just fine. Just avoid harsh abrasives or chemical cleaners, and you’ll be good to go!

[FatimaandAhmed]

Thanks so much for the helpful response! Can you recommend any sealer brands that have worked well for you on kitchen cabinets? I’m especially looking for something that won’t yellow over time and can handle heat and steam.

[Alpha]

Products like General Finishes High Performance Topcoat, Minwax Polycrylic, and Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane are all good options. These sealers are durable, stay clear, and work well in a kitchen environment. Applying two to three thin coats with light sanding in between helps create a smooth, long-lasting finish. Just make sure the painted surface is fully dry before sealing to get the best results.

[FatimaandAhmed]

That’s super helpful, thank you! Do you think a satin or semi-gloss finish is better for a faux finish in a kitchen, especially when it comes to balancing durability with the look of the paint effect?

[Alpha]

You're very welcome!

Between satin and semi-gloss, satin usually hits that sweet spot for faux finishes in a kitchen. It has just enough sheen to be easy to clean and durable, but it’s not so shiny that it takes away from the texture or depth of the faux effect. It keeps things looking warm and natural, which works great for finishes like glazing, antiquing, or color washing.

Semi-gloss is a bit more reflective, so it's tougher and even easier to wipe down, which can be nice in high-traffic areas or if you’re worried about grease. But sometimes that extra shine can make a faux finish look a bit too “done” or artificial, depending on the style you’re going for.

If you're leaning toward something rustic, vintage, or soft, go with satin. If you’re after a more polished or modern take on faux, semi-gloss might be the way to go.

Either way, as long as you use a quality topcoat and let everything cure properly, both finishes will hold up really well.

[FatimaandAhmed]

Thanks a lot for the advice!