Should I paint my cabinets with satin or semi-gloss?

Author: Eliezer Kozey PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Satin finish: Offers a subtle and smooth appearance, suitable for those who prefer a more understated look for their cabinets. Semi-gloss finish: Provides a shiny and durable surface, making it ideal for areas that require frequent cleaning, such as kitchen cabinets.

Should I use semi-gloss or satin for kitchen cabinets?

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 sheen to paint kitchen cabinets?

Semi-gloss is the best choice when painting kitchen cabinets. Because it has some sheen, semi-gloss paint will help reflect light and be more durable in the long run, which is important in a kitchen environment. Semi-gloss paint is often described as washable and has an increased resiliency to being scrubbed clean.

What do professional painters use to paint cabinets?

Acrylic Latex Paint: This is a popular choice for cabinets due to its durability, easy cleanup, and low odor. Look for a high-quality, semi-gloss or satin finish for a smooth surface and easy maintenance.

What paint roller gives the smoothest finish on cabinets?

The two best paint rollers for a smooth finish is a High Density Foam Roller with a Rounded Edge and a Lint Free Low Nap Roller, but I will say that even though both of these are good rollers one wins the prize for the smoothest finish.

Satin vs SemiGloss Finishes: Which Is Better? (2024)

How do you get a super smooth finish on cabinets?

You'll apply primer first with a brush to “cut in” those hard-to-reach crevices and edges, then go back over the surface with a roller. After your primer is dry, sand everything gently with 220-grit sandpaper. Remove dust with a tack cloth or compressed air, and get ready to paint.

How do you prevent roller marks when painting cabinets?

Avoiding roller marks is easier than preventing brush marks–just add enough paint to the roller and overlap each stroke of the roller whenever possible. Once you've applied the first coat, check your work thoroughly for any paint drips and brush marks and rectify them before the paint dries.

What paint does Joanna Gaines use on cabinets?

MAGNOLIA HOME BY JOANNA GAINES® TRIM, DOOR + CABINETRY INTERIOR SEMI-GLOSS PAINT 4.5 out of 5 stars, average rating value.

What is the best finish for kitchen cabinets?

Glossy paints — including semi-gloss, high-gloss, and satin — are typically better options for kitchen cabinets. 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.

Should I use a brush or roller to paint cabinets?

Alec Willard, another Purdy professional painter, recommends using a 2-inch bristle brush when painting the small, inside planes of the cabinet base, then finishing the area with a 3/8-inch mini roller.

What is the most popular kitchen cabinet color for 2024?

The Newest 2024 Kitchen Cabinet Color Trends
  1. Stained Cabinetry. “Stained cabinetry is definitely having a moment right now,” says Cheyenne Ely, owner and principal designer at Cheyenne Paige Interiors in The Woodlands, Texas. ...
  2. Moody Green. ...
  3. Warm Neutrals.

Do I need to sand cabinets before painting?

Once your cabinets are clean and dry, use a 100 or 150-grit sandpaper to roughen up the surface of the cabinets. Cabinet paint won't adhere properly to a smooth or shiny surface. You don't need to completely remove the prior finish, just rough up the surface enough to give the primer something to stick to.

What is the difference between semi-gloss and satin?

The most noticeable difference between satin and semi-gloss paints is the level of glossiness. Satin has a moderate sheen, while semi-gloss boasts a higher level of shine. Consider your aesthetic preferences and the intended use of the painted surface when choosing between the two.

What is the most popular sheen for kitchen cabinets?

When it comes to kitchen cabinets, the most popular sheens are usually satin and semi-gloss. Here's why: Satin: Satin finishes are a favorite because they provide a soft shine that adds a touch of elegance without being too flashy.

What sheen for cabinets Sherwin Williams?

The shiniest option, high-gloss paint is perfect for surfaces that need a striking appearance and durability, such as cabinets and doors. Use a gloss sheen to highlight room elements like: Wood trim. Cabinets.

Should I use satin or semi-gloss paint for bathroom cabinets?

Experts recommend choosing either satin or semi-gloss finish for your bathroom interior because of their durability and wash-ability. However, take note that satin looks best in bathrooms with low moisture and humidity while semi-gloss works well for spaces with high humidity and moisture.

Should I use satin or semi-gloss paint on kitchen cabinets?

For a more sophisticated, low-maintenance look, a satin finish for kitchen cabinets is an ideal choice. Semi-gloss finish can provide a more robust and enduring option, as well as safeguard against the bleaching effects of sun exposure in certain parts of your home.

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 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 best paint at Sherwin Williams for cabinets?

Tip: Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel in Gloss, Semi-Gloss or Satin sheen is among the best paint for kitchen cabinets because it has excellent flow and leveling characteristics, resulting in a smooth and durable finish.

What brand of cabinets does HGTV use?

For 10 years, Cabinets To Go has installed cabinetry in HGTV's Dream Home, and we are excited to share the bold designs featuring our Gracious Home and Premiere Custom Cabinetry in this year's home.

What are most kitchen cabinets painted with?

There are many types of paint to choose from, but the best paint for kitchen cabinets is semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Matte is not practical in kitchens and baths where you will need durable paint you can easily clean.

Will a second coat of paint get rid of roller marks?

Also, a second coat of paint helps remove roller marks by allowing you to feather out some of the unevenness in the finish. You can do this by overlapping the uneven areas to create a more uniform finish.

How to not get brush strokes when painting cabinets?

To achieve a smooth finish without brush marks or roller lines and stipple, we recommend the “roll and back tip” technique. This method ensures an even coat without leaving behind visible brush or roller marks.

Why is my paint still patchy after 4 coats?

Patchy paint can result if paint has been applied unevenly. Patchy paint can be down to a variation in surface absorption. Walls might appear patchy if they have variation in texture. Using paint that is not fully mixed can cause a patchy appearance.

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