Pros and Cons of Lacquer Kitchen Cabinets

Almost every kitchen has cabinets that provide storage space. Most use some of them to support the weight of a countertop to create usable areas for cooking, baking, and numerous other activities. There are several finishes that you can consider for this essential component of the home, but lacquer tends to be the most popular one used in the United States.

If you are thinking about lacquer kitchen cabinets for your home, then you are considering a type of unique kitchen cabinets that is easy and fast to install that won’t kill your checking account. It is a way to achieve an adequate finish with moderate durability so that your kitchen can achieve an immediate sparkle.

Pros of Lacquer Kitchen Cabinets

1. Lacquer kitchen cabinets provide a tough surface for your home.

When you compare lacquer kitchen cabinets with varnish, shellac, natural oil stains, and polyurethane, you will discover that it will last longer than these competitors. Although it might not be the most robust product on the market today, it does have the capability of lasting longer without flaking issues. It will also remain clearer for longer than the yellowing that occurs with these other options.

You also have the advantage with lacquer in that it penetrates deeper into your kitchen cabinets to create a durable surface. The seal protects the wood from the inside-out instead of creating a hard top coat that eventually degrades. Most kitchens only need two layers to create the lacquer kitchen cabinets that can last for about a decade.

2. Recoating is a possibility with lacquer kitchen cabinets.

If you catch your lacquer kitchen cabinets before they start to yellow or fade, then you can apply a new coat or two of finish to preserve their appearance. You’ll want to inspect the areas around your sink, stove, and countertop appliances about once per month to ensure the condition of the finish meets your expectations. There can be issues around the dishwasher as well if you use a heated drying cycle. But don't worry, after recoating, you will have a brand new high gloss lacquer kitchen cabinet.

3. It works with any type of cabinet.

When you choose lacquer kitchen cabinets for your home, then you can choose any door style. Every color possibility is yours to consider with this option as well. It is one of the best-quality paint finishes that is available on the market today. Although you will need to apply the product in a contained environment (which often means off-site), there are some ways that you can get around that issue. When it does take damage and needs a repair, then all you need to do is spray on another coat to get the look you love.

4. There are three finish options from which to choose with lacquer kitchen cabinets.

If you decide that lacquer is the best option for your kitchen cabinets, then you have three finishes from which to choose. A dull finish is not very popular, but it can provide muted tones to your kitchen when you want other elements of your interior design to pop more when you walk into the room. The medium finish is the standard option, helping you to highlight the grain and hue of your cabinets without giving them too much shine. You can also choose a glossy option that provides you with a reflective surface that will also show dust and debris more readily because of the higher sheen.

5. Lacquer kitchen cabinets look attractive in most spaces.

The high sheen that you can achieve with lacquer kitchen cabinets makes them visually appealing in most environments. You can choose an ultra-matter option if you want less shine as well. That means you can match your current aesthetics in whatever way suits your personal preferences.

Cons of lacquer kitchen cabinets

1. Imperfections on the surface are easily seen, including scratches and dents

2. If not applied properly, lacquer may blotch once dry

3. Lacquer-finished cabinets require high levels of maintenance to keep it shining. You might need a furniture wax formulated for lacquer surfaces to clean them

4. Prone to staining in the long run