Paint vs. Stain. Which is Best?

Finish often dictates the look, feel and performance of kitchen cabinets. Paint and stain are the two types of finishes applied to almost every cabinet. They are substantially different and offer unique bites of the apple. Which is better? There is no better per se. Selecting paint versus stain is a matter of personal preference.

Homeowners in the Lehigh Valley that prefer a sleeker finish, with clean lines and a smooth service like paint. Another advantage of paint is that it offers a much broader range of color options. There are not a lot, if any, stains that can provide the same look as blue, gray, yellow, red, teal or other colored paints. A significant difference in paint and stain is how it reacts to a wood surface. Paint covers the wood, whereas stain soaks into a wood surface, and this makes paint more flexible and more customizable.

Paint is also more resistant to water and shows less dust but more dirt than stained counterparts. Painted cabinets tend to cover the natural grain of a cabinet and in doing so can also hide imperfections and knots in the wood. Another consideration when selecting paint is that it can be, at times more difficult to touch up if nicked.

Homeowners in the Lehigh Valley are drawn to stain because it does allow for the natural character and grain of the wood to shine through. That also makes it easier to touch up if scratched or nicked. On the other side of the spectrum, stain also shows imperfections and knots in the wood.

Which finish would work best in your dream kitchen? Can’t decide? Maybe you don’t have to. Many of our jobs include more than one finish, and a combination of paint and stain may be just the look you want. In fact, stop by and see this great display. Please give us a call at 610-262-7235 to schedule a  visit our showroom at 5585 MacArthur Road Whitehall, PA 18052.