The Best Kitchen Cabinet Finishes That Keep Them As Grease-Free As Possible

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Cleaning and degreasing kitchen cabinets can feel impossible. Sticky fingerprints left by cooks in a rush or children searching through pantries for a snack make the task even more difficult. As a result, you might find yourself wiping cabinets down multiple times a day to clear grime away. Did you know that your cabinet finish might be part of the problem? There are certain kitchen cabinet finishes that work better than others at keeping grease stains from sticking onto the surface. It's best to opt for a varnish finish, polyurethane, or laminate.

All three of these finishes resist stubborn grease stains thanks to their low absorbency. They are great options for anyone who doesn't want to have to take time out of their day to scrub these stains away. If your cabinets are coated in a finish that leaves them prone to grease spots, consider making the switch. What's even worse is leaving your cabinets unfinished altogether. Without the extra protective layer, your cabinet material will be more difficult to clean and easier to stain. This is only one of the many downsides of installing unfinished kitchen cabinets. Homeowners with unprotected cabinets will benefit from applying one of these finishes the most.

Varnish, polyurethane, and laminate all have features that make them grease-resistant. Varnish — such as Furniture Clinic Store's wood varnish – has a combination of solvent, resin, and oils to make a protective coating. The glossy finish is resistant to both humidity and moisture. Oils and grease will have a harm time seeping into this material. This makes it much easier to clean grease off of wood cabinets; just wipe up any spills with a damp cloth after they make contact with the finish. 

Polyurethane is a synthetic type of varnish. It works as a plastic-type seal that's nonabsorbent. If grease comes into contact with this finish, it won't be able to sink in. You can even find varnishes specifically formulated with polyurethane, such as the Minwax polyurethane protective wood finish, online or in home improvements stores. Some people choose polyurethane over traditional varnish because its fumes are less pungent during application.

Laminate is a smart choice because it is also resistant to staining, scratches, and heat damage. If you do spill grease, you can simply wipe it away. For more stubborn stains, go in with a mild detergent and gentle cleaning sponge or towel. Unlike varnish or polyurethane, laminate comes in sheets that need to be installed over your kitchen cabinets. They are incredibly versatile, so you don't have to stress over finding a design that suits your design style. Some of the many laminate finishes available include woodgrain, matte, gloss, satin, and even metallic.