Most polyurethane coatings that you might use on your cabinets fall into one of two categories: Oil-based or water-based. Water-based coatings tend to be a little harder, and they also don’t turn yellow over time, as many oil-based coatings will do. Water-based coatings are the most popular choice for most people, and it’s easy to see why that is so. Unlike oil-based finishes, they will dry crystal clear and will add nothing but the water resistance you are looking for…and also a little bit of shine.
An oil-based coating, on the other hand, offers a unique kind of beauty. Wood that has been treated with an oil-based polyurethane will be much glossier than any water-based equivalent. Not only that, but oil finishes tend to last a little bit longer. Some people really love the look of an oil-based finish, but they do alter the color of the wood somewhat. Oils will usually darken the wood and will also acquire a yellowish shade as they age.
While water-based coatings are the better choice for most applications, you should also consider the color of the wood that you are coating. If your cabinets have a very pale color that reminds you of fresh-sawn lumber, you might want to use an oil-based coating to add some color.
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