Flat paint isn't a good option for kitchen walls, although it could be the best paint finish for kitchen ceilings. Glossy paint is even more durable than semi-gloss; because it is so shiny, it's best saved for areas that require major durability, such as kitchen cabinets and exterior door trim.
While oil-based paints make a case for themselves with their reputation for easy application and a long-lasting finish that can be scrubbed and cleaned regularly, latex paint is widely regarded as the best choice for most kitchen cabinets, since it offers lower levels of VOCs and is quicker to dry.
Matte finish is the exact opposite of satin finish cabinets. This ultra sleek finish is trending now and most households are opting for matte finish for their kitchen cabinets. They do not reflect any light and are perfect for traditional-style kitchens.
Since glossy finishes are the quickest to show scratches and stains, matte finishes are ideal for those who want to hide their furniture's imperfections. On the other hand, cabinets with a matte finish absorb light instead of reflecting it. As a result, this finish will not help your space feel bigger.
When should I not be using flat paint? You shouldn't use flat paint on high-traffic areas, like bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms because it's the hardest to clean. But, if you're using a high quality flat paint, you'll be able to scrub away any imperfections on the wall after 30 days of painting the surface.
The lack of shine make the paint blend better with the previous paint. Builders do not like to have to paint walls edge to edge, so they use flat paint. During the building process, there are many trades that come into the home and damage the paint job. This makes it easier to fix.
Flat and matte
Providing a simple smooth appearance, flat paint is Henderson's go-to. “Because it doesn't reflect light directly, imperfections in walls and ceilings are much less noticeable,” Moran says. Flat paint works best in low-traffic areas, such as the master bedroom, a study, or a formal living room.
Since kitchens are such a busy part of a home and often need extra cleaning, a satin or semi-gloss finish is the best options. Satin and eggshell finishes are commonly believed to be the same, but in fact, satin is a bit shinier. Satin finishes are easy to clean and good at standing up to mildew, stains and dirt.
The paint layer can be worn off with even minor scrubbing. Flat or matte paints are best suited for ceilings and walls in low-use rooms. Because flat or matte paint absorbs rather than reflects light, flat paints tend to hide wall imperfections.
Matte finish for kitchen cabinets is very popular for a number of reasons. For instance, fingerprints, scratches and other imperfections are far less noticeable than on gloss-finish doors. The cabinet finish you choose will create a very different look regardless of the material.
High gloss finish reflects light on the surface whereas matt finish absorbs light. However, matt finish won't look dull, especially with light colour shades. A matt finish is perfect for traditional or country style kitchen cabinets having routed fronts.
While there are many types of paint to choose from, the best paint for kitchen cabinets is typically semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Matte is not practical in kitchens and baths where you will need durable paint you can easily clean.
Solid wood, laminate, and metal are the best materials for your type of cabinets. Cabinet paints can be used to give your cabinet a smooth finish, but you should use a high-quality paint. Vinyl is not the best choice for your paint. Paint made from acrylic latex is easy to clean and durable.
The two primary differences between oil-based paint and latex-based paint on kitchen cabinets are final texture and dry time. Oil-based is more traditional and popular with purists who like the “painterly” look of brush marks, while latex gives a more consistent finish.
Oil-based polyurethane will give your cabinets a lustrous finish, deepen the wood's color, and work well with almost any wood species. Needing three or four coats to ensure the maximum durability, semi-gloss finishes may take on a plastic-like finish, which some homeowners do not like.
Kitchen walls also require a durable, washable paint. Unless you want a shiny, glossy finish on the walls, opt for either eggshell or satin paint. Use eggshell paint in the kitchen for walls farthest away from the stove. Eggshell is durable and washable without showing many imperfections.
For wood, brushing is fine, but you may want to hire a professional for a good finish. Using a roller to paint cabinets is a lot faster than brush painting, however, the fabric on the roller will create a 'bobbly' texture on the surface. The texture a roller puts on cabinets makes it unsuitable for gloss paint.
Using a paint sprayer is one of the easiest ways to get a super smooth finish on your cabinets. By their very nature, paint sprayers eliminate brush strokes and roller marks completely. And painting with a paint sprayer is almost always faster than using a paint roller and paint brush.
If your cabinets are stained, apply at least two coats of quality primer. For me, there's nothing better than BIN, Zinsser's shellac-based pigmented primer. It dries fast and flat, without brush marks (unlike most oil-based primers). You can buy it at home and hardware stores, as well as online (view on Amazon).
“They help hide surface imperfections in a wall because light doesn't reflect off the high points — which is great if you have an older house with bumpy walls, like I do. And premium flat finishes like Duration Home® Interior Acrylic Latex Paint or Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex Paint are very washable.
In addition to being used as a primer for drywall surfaces, flat paint is also used as a primer for textured drywall. It is also used as a primer for latex paint products before they are applied. Flat paint is popular because it lacks sheen, which is why many people choose it.
Sometimes called satin finish, eggshell has slightly more luster than a flat finish, but you won't be left with shiny walls. It also resists stains better than flat and can be wiped with a wet rag. Eggshell finishes are often used in bathrooms, kitchens, kids' rooms, and other high-traffic areas.
Mixing flat paint with a higher gloss paint creates an intermediate finish. Satin paint is a higher gloss, so to get the look of a satin wall with a flat paint, you'll need a semi-gloss or a gloss sheen. Semi-gloss can be cleaned with soap and water, and will not have the blinding sheen of a pure gloss.
Flat, or matte paint can help disguise brush strokes, but it can be easily damaged when cleaning. Use a less abrasive sponge or washcloth and gently clean to avoid damaging the look of your baseboards.