A glossy cabinet finish can make any kitchen feel larger by reflecting light back into the room, giving the impression of more space. This is advantageous in smaller kitchens where you want to create a more open and airy feel. Semi-gloss finishes are also an excellent choice for kitchen cabinets.
To sum up, a gloss finish will give your kitchen an expensive, sophisticated, and modern look. A matte finish is more subtle, soft, and cozy, and works well if your kitchen has a more traditional look. So, consider the style of your kitchen when deciding between gloss and matte cabinetry.
While typically reserved for minimal, slab front cabinets, using a glossy finish on Shaker kitchen cabinets is the way to go in 2024. It can elevate the entire feeling of a classic kitchen, creating a sleek and polished look that appeals to those seeking a mix of timeless charm with a little contemporary edge.
INDUSTRY STANDARD FOR CABINETS
Typically most semi-custom and custom cabinet companies use about a 20 – 25 degree sheen as a topcoat finish. The result is what some might define as a semi-gloss finish.
Semi-gloss: As one of the most popular paint finishes for kitchen cabinets, semi-gloss has a medium shine that reflects light well, making the cabinets look brighter and more polished. Semi-gloss paint is also easy to clean, making it a good choice for busy kitchens.
Satin finish paint has a slightly glossy finish and is a good choice for cabinets in high-traffic areas like a kitchen or bathroom. It's more durable than eggshell, too, despite having a slightly shinier quality.
The 'dated' high gloss kitchen is also being reimagined for 2025. Futuristic, space-age, glossy kitchens first gained popularity back in the '70s, with a small resurgence in the 2010s, before we all fell for the matte cabinet styles that are so popular today.
While gloss kitchens are easier to clean, they also need to be cleaned more often as those dirty marks and fingerprints will show up more easily. Another downside, particularly with acrylic gloss units, is that they're quite easy to scratch. While they will buff out, it takes time and effort to buff out scratches.
Consider lacquering them. Lacquer is a clear coating that can give your cabinets a super-glossy finish, making them look like they're straight out of a glossy magazine.
Cons: The Disadvantages of High-Gloss Kitchen Cabinet Doors
Because of its reflective property, light fingerprints, dirt, and even scratches can be easily spotted on these kinds of cabinets in comparison to matte or semi-gloss cabinets.
Drawbacks of High Gloss Kitchen Cabinets
Visible smudges and fingerprints - Due to the reflection of so much light fingerprints, dirt and scratches are much more noticeable on high-gloss kitchen cabinets than they are on matt or semi-gloss cabinets.
These high-gloss doors are more expensive than conventional doors due to their popularity among homeowners. This means you must set aside a significant portion of your budget for this area of your kitchen, both during purchase and maintenance. Glossy kitchen doors are definitely worth the investment.
Both finishes are durable, but gloss finishes are more susceptible to showing scratches and fingerprints. Semi-gloss finishes are more forgiving and easier to maintain.
Lacquer cabinets are known for their durability, scratch resistance, and vibrant color options. However, lacquer cabinets can be more costly than other materials and may require professional installation and maintenance to maintain their glossy finish.
Matte finishes feel updated and sleek compared to traditional glossy surfaces. Homeowners looking to create a stylish kitchen remodel are increasingly drawn to matte surfaces for cabinets, quartz counters, and backsplashes.
This finish is considered stylish and modern. Because glossy finishes are the most likely to show scratches and fingerprints, matte finishes are good for hiding flaws in furniture. Matt-finish cabinets do not reflect any light and appear flatter than gloss-finish cabinets.
White is the color of choice for most homeowners because of its simplicity and elegance. It can pretty much go with any kitchen. Even if the cabinet gets scratches, the damage will not be evident in this color. It's the main reason why this is the color of choice for traditionally designed homes.
Satin: Satin finishes are a favorite because they provide a soft shine that adds a touch of elegance without being too flashy. They are durable enough to handle the wear and tear of a kitchen while still being easy to clean. Satin finishes help cabinets look fresh and modern while maintaining a classic appeal.
The smooth, frameless surface and reflective quality of slab front gloss cabinets make them a perfect choice for modern or European-style kitchens. As we step into 2024, one kitchen trend that captivates homeowners and designers alike is the resurgence of slab front gloss cabinets.
In 2024, cabinet finishes will trend towards warm natural wood tones, matte finishes for durability, and bold colors like emerald green. Metallic accents in gold and silver will also enhance personalization and style in kitchen designs.
Experts agree that the primary thing making your cabinets look dated is their color — but those same experts are divided on what, exactly, that color is. Erica Lugbill of Chicago-based interior design firm Lugbill Designs says all-white cabinets are a dead giveaway that your kitchen is stuck in the stone ages.
Semi-Gloss Finish
As the most popular sheen, semi-gloss provides your kitchen cabinets with a nice shine that is not overbearing.
The special ingredient that makes Dulux Easycare the best paint for kitchens. Our Easycare Kitchen wall paint resists all sorts of everyday cooking stains. The special ingredient is a grease-proof formula that stops greasy splashes soaking in.