Should I use gloss or satin paint for kitchen cupboards?

Author: Mafalda Lindgren  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 30, 2025

The Best Finish for Kitchen Cabinets Kitchens are heavy-use areas. They require a finish that can hold up to spills, are durable, and are easy to clean. Therefore, you may choose something like a gloss finish as the perfect option for your kitchen cabinets compared to matte and satin.

Should kitchen cabinets be gloss or satin?

Satin finishes are also preferred over glossier ones because they conceal dirt and flaws more effectively. Since fingerprints and smudges are typical in the kitchen and other high-traffic areas, these cabinets are a sensible solution.

What paint finish 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 paint for kitchen cupboards?

Tikkurila Helmi

Tikkurila Helmi is an acrylic high performance paint that is specially designed for use on trim and furniture. It is ideal for application to kitchen cabinets as it offers unrivalled opacity & adhesion, creating an incredibly tough film which can be cleaned and washed once dried and cured.

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.

Do foam rollers leave a smooth finish?

Walls, Wood, and Metal - Small 1/4″ roller covers or foam rollers will produce the smoothest finish. Light to Medium Textured Surfaces - Microfiber rollers are best. Smooth Surfaces - Use a white woven short nap roller for an ultra fine finish.

What do professional painters use for kitchen cabinets?

The answer to the question “Do professional painters use to paint kitchen cabinets?” is a resounding yes. Professional painters can create beautiful, long-lasting lacquer finishes for kitchen cabinets with the right primers, enamel paints, colors and semi-gloss finishes.

What is the most popular kitchen cabinet paint?

LIGHT HUES

White will always be a number one kitchen cabinet color however, white has taken many iterations over the years.

Can you use gloss paint on kitchen cupboards?

Advantages of Painted Gloss Kitchen Cabinets

Gloss kitchen doors are easy to clean as the more glossy the surface is, the less grime will stick to it. Gloss is a durable sheen and when we paint gloss kitchen cabinets, we guarantee that our coating will not crack, discolour, fade or peel for at least 10 years.

What is the best Sherwin Williams finish for kitchen 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 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.

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 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 is the best finish for painted kitchen cabinets?

High-gloss: This type of paint finish has the highest shine, making it the most reflective. High-gloss can make the cabinets look larger and brighter, but it can also highlight imperfections in the surface. High-gloss paint is also simple to clean, making it a good choice for kitchens prone to accidents or spills.

What is the best Benjamin Moore paint for cupboards?

Benjamin Moore recommends using Advance® Interior Paint on cabinets. It can be applied between 10 °C and 32 °C (50 °F-90 °F).

What color paint is timeless for kitchen cabinets?

Ever-versatile, white and off-white paint colors are timeless choices for kitchen cabinets. In addition to classic neutral kitchen cabinets, other popular timeless hues include light grays, soft greens and wood tones.

What color is replacing gray in 2024?

Beige is emerging as the new go-to neutral, adding warm and inviting tones to interiors. In this article, we'll explore why beige is taking over and how to use it in your home. Beige is replacing gray as a popular interior color, offering warmth and versatility for various design styles.

What paint to use for kitchen cupboards?

When it comes to painting your kitchen cupboards, you will want to choose a durable, long-lasting interior furniture paint. There are a few different paint finishes to choose from, including satin, matt, and gloss. The finish you choose depends on the kind of look you prefer.

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.

Which is better for cabinets, satin or semi-gloss?

Semi-gloss cabinets are an ideal choice due to their increased durability, resistance against fading, and reduced maintenance requirements. In comparison, satin paint may have a higher upfront cost but could result in long-term savings with decreased upkeep needs.

What do painters charge to paint kitchen cabinets?

On average, painting kitchen cabinets costs between $3 and $10 per square foot, or between $30 and $60 per linear foot. This price typically includes all the supplies, materials, and labor you'll need to get the job done.

What is the smoothest roller for painting cabinets?

For those looking for paint rollers for a smooth finish, high-density foam rollers should be your first stop. While high-density foam rollers are great, they are not the only option. Lint-free short nap rollers are another excellent choice for achieving a smooth finish.

What are the disadvantages of foam rollers?

There are certain conditions and circumstances where use of a foam roller could be detrimental or damaging to a person's body. Foam rolling exercises load and stress the underlying tissues, including nerves, skin receptors, blood and lymphatic vessels, as well as bones.

Do you wet a foam roller before painting?

Many painters “break in” a roller cover by priming it with water or thinner. In our lab we never prewet a cover before painting. If you choose to, you must spin it out with five or six strong pumps so it is only lightly damp. Then take even more moisture out by blotting the cover with a paper towel.

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