We are also refinishing our kitchen cabinets. We used minwax indoor/outdoor Helmsman spar urethane clear gloss. We found it for protecting from sunlight, moisture, and temperature changes. It is in a spray can so it is easy to apply even in the small groves, and really leaves a nice look on the wood. We are using it directly on the wood with no staining and the cabinet doors look brand new even though they are over 50 years old.