What is a 2PAC kitchen?
2PAC (two-pack polyurethane) refers to a sprayed paint finish applied to cabinet doors and panels in a controlled spray environment. The "two-pack" describes the two components mixed immediately before application — a base coat and a hardener catalyst. The result is an extremely hard, durable surface finish that is far more resistant to chipping, yellowing, and moisture than conventional paints.
2PAC is the standard finish specification for custom kitchen cabinetry at the mid-to-premium end of the Australian market. When someone describes a kitchen as having "painted doors," in trade context they typically mean 2PAC polyurethane unless otherwise specified.
2PAC vs thermolaminate vs melamine
| Finish type | Cost level | Durability | Repair | Colour range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2PAC polyurethane | Premium | Excellent | Touchable on site | Any colour mixed to spec |
| Thermolaminate (wrapped) | Mid | Good | Difficult | Wide but fixed range |
| Melamine (flat board) | Entry | Moderate | Replacement only | Standard range |
What 2PAC costs
2PAC doors typically add $1,500–$4,000 to a kitchen project cost versus comparable thermolaminated doors, depending on the number of doors and the supplier. For a premium kitchen where the quality and finish of the cabinetry is important, this is generally the right investment.
Gloss vs matt 2PAC
Gloss 2PAC was the dominant choice for modern kitchens through the 2010s. Matt and soft-sheen finishes now dominate new specifications. Gloss is stunning when new but shows fingerprints, scratches, and light refraction more than matt. For daily-use kitchens, matt or satin is the more practical specification.