Is matte or eggshell better for kitchen cabinets?

Author: Kaylin Schuppe  |  Last update: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Because of their higher sheen and durability, eggshell paints are typically easier to clean. This makes them perfect for high-traffic areas that are prone to moisture, grease, and dirt. Kitchen and bathroom walls are popular contenders for hard-wearing eggshell paint.

Is eggshell or matt better for kitchen cupboards?

Remember we always recommend using a hardwearing eggshell or diamond matt, it will stand the test of time in a cooking environment while also been scrub-able, meaning you can easily give it a wipe and clean. Transforming your kitchen cabinets is as simple as Pick, Prep & Paint.

Which sheen is best for kitchen cabinets?

Recommendation: For most kitchens, a semi-gloss finish is the best choice. It strikes the perfect balance between durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal. Satin finishes are also a good choice if you prefer less shine, while gloss finishes are great for a more modern, high-impact look.

What is the best finish coat for kitchen cabinets?

The best finish for kitchen cabinets is a paint that is satin or semigloss in sheen for easy cleaning. The shineness of the paint protects the surface best. Also use an alkyd paint like Benajmin Moore Advance after you've properly prepped or Sherwin Williams ProClassic Urethane.

Should kitchen cabinets be shiny or matte?

For most kitchens, a semi-gloss finish is the best choice. It strikes the perfect balance between durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal. Satin finishes are also a good choice if you prefer less shine, while gloss finishes are great for a more modern, high-impact look.

Best Finish for Kitchen Cabinets Compared by Kitchen Infinity

Are matte kitchen cabinets hard to clean?

They can be more difficult to clean

Wiping them with a damp cloth can also sometimes leave streaks, so extra care and attention will be needed when it's time to clean them. For best results, use a microfibre cloth to clean your matt kitchen cabinets.

Should kitchen cabinets be eggshell or satin?

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.

What is the most popular kitchen cabinet finish?

The Most Popular Cabinet Finishes: What Dealers Should Stock
  • Matte Black. Trend Overview: Matte black has become a top choice for contemporary kitchens. ...
  • Warm Wood Tones. ...
  • Soft White. ...
  • Bold Blue Hues. ...
  • Matte Gray. ...
  • Textured Finishes.

What finish do professional cabinet makers use?

In addition, cabinet painters choose paints with the optimal shine. High-gloss and semi-gloss paints work best on cabinets because they have a stronger finish when compared to other sheens. They are also easier to clean and maintain than a matte finish.

What kind of paint is best for kitchen cabinets?

Semi-gloss or satin: Semi-gloss is the best finish for painting kitchen cabinets. It has some sheen to help reflect light. It's durable, washable, and more resilient when scrubbed clean.

Should kitchen cabinets be flat or satin?

Key Takeaway: When you paint kitchen cabinets, satin finish is a good choice due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and smooth velvety appearance. It offers a luxurious alternative to high gloss or matte finishes while also hiding minor imperfections effectively.

What is better, eggshell or satin?

Of the two, satin is more durable and is slightly less likely to scuff or mark than eggshell and it's easier to clean when it does get marked. This makes it a better choice, especially for woodwork such as painting skirting boards, than eggshell for high traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.

Is Matt or soft sheen better for kitchen?

Soft sheen paint is a perfect choice for high traffic areas such as hallways and kitchens.

Should I do matte or eggshell?

We recommend matte paints for bedrooms and as living room paint finishes where the walls are exposed to less moisture, choosing a glossier eggshell finish for kitchens and as a paint finish for bathrooms, which are more prone to moisture, as well as children's rooms, which might need more regular cleaning.

What is the most common sheen for cabinets?

What is the Most Popular Sheen for Kitchen Cabinets?
  • Satin: Satin finishes are a favorite because they provide a soft shine that adds a touch of elegance without being too flashy. ...
  • Semi-Gloss: Semi-gloss is also a popular choice because it offers a bit more shine and durability.

What do professional painters use to paint cabinets?

We usually use professional-grade lacquer because it has a lovely, silky-smooth feel to it, and is what cabinet manufacturers use. We think it's the best paint for cabinets, hands-down (although there are some great pro-level water-based options as well).

What is the standard finish on kitchen cabinets?

Semi-Gloss Finish

As the most popular sheen, semi-gloss provides your kitchen cabinets with a nice shine that is not overbearing.

What is the best clear coat to put on kitchen cabinets?

The best clear coat for kitchen cabinets is typically a polyurethane finish, which is known for its durability and resistance to scratches, heat, and moisture. Both oil-based and water-based polyurethanes are popular choices, with water-based options being favored for their lower odor and faster drying time.

What is the most popular finish for kitchen cabinet hardware?

The most popular hardware finishes are satin or matte black, brushed or polished brass, and copper.

Should kitchen cabinets be glossy or matte?

Gloss Finish/High Gloss Finish: A lifesaver for smaller kitchens! Reflective surfaces make compact spaces feel larger while brightening up dim corners effortlessly. Matte Finish: Ideal for open, airy kitchens with ample natural light. It keeps the look understated and elegant without adding unnecessary shine.

What is the new color for kitchens in 2024?

After all, the Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year for 2024 is Upward, which is described as "breezy, blissful blue." This shade of blue is inherently calming, but there is also a playful element that will appeal to many.

What is the toughest finish for kitchen cabinets?

Polyurethane: A type of varnish that is made from a mixture of resin and polyurethane. It's the most durable type of wood varnish, and it's also resistant to water, scratches, and fading.

When should you not use eggshell paint?

Avoid using eggshell paint in high-contact, high-traffic areas such as door and window trim, baseboards, cabinetry, and doors. It's best to use semi-gloss paint in these areas.

What are the disadvantages of eggshell paint?

Cons:
  • May not provide as much reflectivity as satin paint, which can make smaller rooms feel more cramped.
  • Not as suitable for creating a modern or contemporary look due to its low sheen finish.
  • May require more coats than satin paint to achieve full coverage.

What looks better, satin or eggshell?

The lower-gloss finish of eggshell paint makes it better at hiding imperfections like uneven brushstrokes on the surface of your walls. The higher-gloss finish of satin paint makes it the best paint for highlighting the definition of decorative surfaces such as cabinets and moldings.

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