How to Make Kitchen Cabinets Look Glossy? [A Complete Guide]

Undoubtedly, kitchen cabinets are an integral part of the kitchen. They play a crucial role in the overall outlook of your kitchen.

It’s no wonder that of all the homeowners who choose to renovate their cabinets, 65% refinish the exterior. Compare this to only 14% who choose to refinish the interior.

Source: houzz.com/magazine

Despite the importance of kitchen cabinets, they are always taking a beating daily. They get exposed to drips, spills, grime, and even grease.

I haven’t even mentioned the dust, sticky fingers, and food particles that stick during cooking.

All these leave your cabinets looking dull and needing a retouch to make them look glossy again.

In this article, I will share with you simple methods that you can use to restore the shiny look of your cabinets.

JUMP TO: Natural Methods for Glossy Cabinets | Glossy Paints On Kitchen Cabinets | Using Varnish on Cabinets

How Can I Shine My Kitchen Cabinets Naturally?

You can quickly and naturally make your kitchen cabinets look glossy. It’s a sure way of ensuring that you avoid damaging the wood or altering the stain or paint.

Here are some easy DIY methods.

Use of Vinegar Solution

A mixture of distilled white vinegar and olive oil works exceptionally to make your cabinet look glossy.

Mix the two in equal portions and use them to clean the kitchen cabinet, then buff with a clean, soft cloth.

White vinegar will provide a thorough cleaning action, while the olive oil will give your cabinet doors a shiny finish.

I love using white vinegar because it serves multiple purposes for my glossy cabinets. Besides cleaning and shining my cabinets, white vinegar is an excellent degreaser and a disinfectant.

As such, I can achieve several goals at once; I kill any germs and get clean cabinets.

Other users also suggest that you mix vinegar with vegetable oil in equal measures. To shine your cabinet apply the mixture on the cabinet surfaces lightly, then buff until it shines.

By Using Dish Soap

Source: Foodal.com

Do you know that a simple mixture of water and dish soap can make your cabinets glossy?

Soap is readily available; moreover, it’s less costly. Cleaning dirty kitchen cabinet doors with this simple mixture will result in smooth and glossy cabinets.

Besides, most dish soaps have a degreaser ingredient. Consequently, they will remove all the grease and oil stains on your cabinets.

What’s the appropriate ratio?

Mix one tablespoon of dish soap to one cup of water, then stir the mixture properly. You can then apply the mixture to your cabinet using a toothbrush or a cloth to allow it to get into the crevices.

Caution: Avoid rubbing sponges because they can scratch your cabinets, making them more prone to dirt.

I have looked at feedback from several homeowners, and there seems to be an agreement that warm water works best. You can also make use of microfiber towels.

Important note: Make sure you rinse the cabinet properly and dry it to avoid any moisture content from getting into the wood material.

Use of Baking Soda Scrubber

Baking soda is an excellent degreaser that absorbs oil and grease, leaving your cabinets looking glossy.

And it’s so easy to apply,

Simply dip a smooth sponge in hot water and scrub the cabinet surfaces. Then, apply the baking soda and continue scrubbing.

Additionally, you can use a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and warm water to remove a yellow tinge on the cabinet.

Using Mineral Oils

Another super-effective way to make your kitchen cabinets and cupboards glossy is using mineral oils.

The best thing about oils is that you can still use them after applying other treatments like vinegar, baking soda, and borax.

They are perfect for polishing your cabinets and giving them a shinier appearance. Moreover, you can use them in other areas of the home.

Orange and lemon oil can help bring your old-looking existing cabinets back to life. However, be sure to use the specific concentrations recommended.

Using Glaze Mask

What is a glaze mask?

It’s a type of medium for applying on painted or stained kitchen cabinets. A glaze mask is one of the sure ways to keep your kitchen cabinets looking glossy for long.

You can opt for spray glaze or the liquid. If you choose the latter, you can apply it using a paintbrush or an old rug.

Important note: The thinner consistency of glaze is much more than that of paint. Consequently, it stays wet for a longer time.

How do you achieve optimum results with a glaze mask?

Apply it at least once a month if you so desire. Your kitchen cabinets will remain look new and glossy.

Caution: Healthy safety research shows that inhalation of glaze is hazardous and can cause skin irritation. Always use a mask or a respirator.

Using CA Glue

Do you need to see your kitchen cabinets glossy again? Cyanoacrylate glue (CA) has got you covered.

This Multipurpose Medium that is superfast thin will give your cabinets a shiny appearance.

The best news is that you only require a modest amount of it.

Follow these steps to achieve the best results:

• Clean any dust or debris that may be on the surface
• Apply a sizeable amount of CA glue on a serviette or rug
• Spread the glue on the cabinet’s surface
• Spray accelerator
• Apply several layers until the cabinet acquires your desired shine

Source: starbondca.wordpress.com

 Tip: Since CA glue dries fast, you can still choose to skip using the accelerator.

Can You Use Glossy Paints On Kitchen Cabinets?

Yes, you can use semi-glossy and high glossy paints on your cabinets. You don’t need any other chemical treatment because these paints leave a perfect shiny appearance.

They also leave a clean, smooth surface that is easy to clean. Better yet, food splatter does not stick on these paints.

These paints give your kitchen an elegant look and make it appear bigger and brighter.

Examples of High Gloss Paints You Can Use

I took time to look at the recommendations from real users, and many of them propose using Benjamin Moore advanced paint.

Source: store.southernpaintandsupply.com

According to several users, this paint evens out nicely, leaving your cabinet looking glossy. You can also thin it just a tad to help it flow and make it smoother.

Besides Benjamin Moore advanced paint, you can also consider using:

• Farrow and Ball Full Gloss Paint
• Behr Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel Paint
• Valspar Cabinet Enamel Semi-Gloss Latex Interior Paint
• Fine Paints of Europe Eurolux Acrylic Paint

Using Varnish to Make Your Cabinet Glossy

Do you know you can have gleaming kitchen cabinets by applying a coat of varnish?

A gleaming varnish gives your cabinets a more lustrous, younger appearance.

No worries if you don’t have the time or resources to varnish all the cabinets. You can just varnish the areas that desperately need it.

Cabinet varnishes come in different types. Some are ideal for places that don’t get wet frequently, while others are suitable for high-traffic areas.

The Best Way to Apply Varnish

First, apply a primer, then apply the varnish.

You can apply the varnish in two ways; spraying it on the surface or using a brush.

I prefer to spray paint because it gives me a more even finish.

However, using a brush is the most common varnish application method. A brush is easier to handle and is ideal when you want to apply a thick coat of varnish.

If you use a regular varnish, you will need to apply more than one coat to achieve a perfect gloss.

Finish the process by applying a thin coat of shiny wax.

Key Factors to Consider When Varnishing Kitchen Cabinets

The Type of Varnish You Want to Use

Varnish is available in two forms; solid and liquid.

Solid varnish does not create a mess and is easy to apply. On the other hand, liquid varnish covers a wider area and lasts longer but is pricier.

If you are a beginner, you can consider a solid varnish such as shellac. It is easier to apply and produces excellent results in no time.

Source: hgtv.com

Choose the Correct Polish.

If you want to get a matte look, consider purchasing a satin varnish.

A semi-gloss varnish will bring out the actual appearance of your surface.

A clear varnish will make your cabinets shiner.

Most importantly, ensure that you choose a varnish signed for kitchen cabinets. This way, you can be sure it will last longer.

Drying Time

How long can you wait for your varnish to dry? You can use a paint sprayer to help speed up the drying time.

Other important factors to consider include: 

• The size and brand of cabinets
• The color of your cabinets 

What Is the Best Polish for Kitchen Cabinets?

Do not mistake cabinet polishes for furniture finishes! A polish cleans, shines, and renews the appearance of your cabinet surfaces.

I have compiled for you a table showing some of the best cabinet polishes and the pros of using them.