If you’ve spent hours transforming your wood cabinets with the best paint, the last thing you want is for your hard work to fade or chip over time. This is where you don’t need to skimp on the best top coat for painted kitchen cabinets. A good top coat ensures a durable finish that will last a long time, even in high-traffic areas like the kitchen. Whether you’ve used oil-based paint, latex paint, or acrylic paints, the right top coat will protect your surface and give you the best results possible.
The right paint and top coat combination depends on your personal preference and durability needs. For high-gloss, ultra-tough protection, an oil-based paint with a polyurethane top coat is hard to beat. For a softer, more modern aesthetic, acrylic paints sealed with a water-based polyurethane offer a durable finish that won’t yellow over time. Whichever route you choose, take your time, apply thin coats, and let each layer cure properly for the best results.
I’ve had a lot of personal experience with painting cabinets (and sealing them too) over the years. I’ve written about the Best Clear Coat for Wood for a Lasting Finish, and the Best Paint for Cabinets Without Sanding.
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Here’s a helpful list of top coats and sealers that work exceptionally well for painted kitchen cabinets, whether you’ve used oil-based paint, latex paint, or acrylic paints. Each option includes its key features, finish type, and best use case:
1. General Finishes High Performance Water-Based Topcoat
Type: Water-based polyurethane
Finish Options: Flat, Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss
Best For: Latex and acrylic paints
Why It’s Great: This is one of the most popular choices for kitchen cabinets because it dries quickly, resists yellowing, and provides a durable finish with a smooth surface. It’s also easy to apply with a foam roller or synthetic brush.
2. Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish
Type: Water-based polyurethane
Finish Options: Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss
Best For: Light-colored cabinets and wood surfaces painted with latex or acrylic paints
Why It’s Great: It’s a popular choice for DIYers since it’s affordable, low-odor, and provides a smooth finish without yellowing over time. There are a handful of options and even though they are all great, I do love the one coat finish.
3. Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane
Type: Water-based polyurethane
Finish Options: Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss
Best For: Painted wood cabinets and cabinet doors
Why It’s Great: It offers excellent scratch and stain resistance, making it ideal for kitchens. It levels well and minimizes brush strokes when applied properly.
4. Benjamin Moore Stays Clear Acrylic Polyurethane
Type: Acrylic polyurethane
Finish Options: Flat, Low Lustre, High Gloss
Best For: Cabinets painted with acrylic paints or chalk paint
Why It’s Great: This top coat provides a best finish that’s crystal clear and non-yellowing, perfect for maintaining bright whites and light colors.
5. Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane (Oil-Based)
Type: Available in oil-based
Finish Options: Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss
Best For: Oil-based paint or raw wood projects
Why It’s Great: The oil-based version gives a rich, warm tone and a durable finish, while the water-based version stays clear but might yellow just a bit.
6. Dixie Belle Clear Coat (for Chalk Paint)
Type: Water-based clear coat
Finish Options: Flat, Satin, Gloss
Best For: Chalk paint finishes
Why It’s Great: It’s designed specifically for chalk-painted furniture and cabinets, providing a smooth surface and protective seal without altering the matte look too much.
Side note; I normally would NOT suggest using chalk paint for cabinets. That being said, if you are looking for that matte look and want to use chalk paint, you need a good clear matte top coat. I would suggest this top coat.
🪄 Pro Tip:
For the best results, always let your paint cure completely before applying a top coat—typically 7–14 days depending on the type of paint. Use a foam roller for even coverage and minimal brush strokes.
🧾 Comparison Table: Best Top Coats & Sealers for Painted Kitchen Cabinets
| Product Name | Type | Finish Options | Durability | Drying Time | Best For / Paint Type | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Finishes High Performance Topcoat | Water-Based Polyurethane | Flat, Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | 1–2 hours between coats | Latex Paint, Acrylic Paint | Non-yellowing, smooth finish, easy to apply, professional-grade durability |
| Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish | Water-Based Polyurethane | Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High | 2 hours between coats | Latex Paint, Acrylic Paint | Affordable, low odor, resists yellowing, easy cleanup |
| Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane | Water-Based Polyurethane | Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High | 1–2 hours between coats | Latex Paint, Acrylic Paint | Scratch-resistant, smooth surface, great leveling |
| Benjamin Moore Stays Clear Acrylic Polyurethane | Acrylic Polyurethane | Flat, Low Lustre, High Gloss | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | 2–3 hours between coats | Acrylic Paint, Chalk Paint and WHITE paint! | Crystal clear, non-yellowing, durable professional finish |
| Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane | Oil-Based | Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High | 4–6 hours (oil), 2 hours (water) | Oil-Based Paint, Raw Wood and dark colors | Very durable, rich tone (oil) – will yellow with time |
A few side notes:
If you started with raw wood or sanded down existing cabinet doors, applying an oil-based primer first is always a good idea. It helps seal the wood surface and provides a strong foundation for your type of paint—especially if you’re aiming for a smooth surface with minimal brush strokes. For those who prefer a softer, matte look, chalk paint paired with a best clear coat can deliver a beautiful, timeless finish.
When it comes to application, using a paint sprayer works best but also using a foam roller instead of a traditional brush can make all the difference. Foam rollers help achieve a smooth finish with fewer visible marks, especially when working with cabinet paints or a water-based paint that dries quickly. I have found that water-based paint is a more popular choice because it’s easy to clean and produces a best finish without the strong fumes of oil-based paint.
💡 Quick Takeaways
- For light-colored cabinets, go with water-based polyurethane (like General Finishes or Minwax Polycrylic) to avoid yellowing.
- For maximum durability, oil-based polyurethane or lacquer delivers a tougher, longer-lasting finish.
- If you’re using chalk paint, a water-based clear coat like Dixie Belle is your best bet for a consistent, smooth surface.
- Always use a foam roller for fewer brush strokes and a smooth finish.
Here are some more posts on painted kitchen cabinets below.
The Magic of Painted Kitchen Cabinets: Before and After
Painting Cabinets Black with Heirloom Traditions All in One Paint
Paint It Black: Our Favorite Black Paint for Cabinets
Best White Paint for Kitchen Cabinets
How to Paint Melamine or Laminate Cabinets without a Paint Sprayer
How to Paint Laminate Kitchen Cabinets the Right Way without Sanding
I hope this has helped shed some light on the best sealer for those painted kitchen cabinets. As always, feel free to reach out with questions.
Lindsey**
