Deciding the type of sheen when painting your kitchen
The two most common types of paint sheen are semi-gloss and satin. A standard scheme uses satin paint for the cabinets and matte for the walls.
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. No matter the types of paint you choose, prepping is an important step in the process.
The larger the space, the more likely it is that a glossy finish will help reflect light and provide an overall brighter feel to the room. On the other hand, if your kitchen is on the smaller side, then matte paint can be a great choice to add some texture and depth to your cabinets.
Paint is the most popular finish for kitchen cabinets because it's easy to clean and maintain. It also has a wide variety of colors to choose from, so you can easily find a shade that matches your décor.
If you're looking for a finish that will shine and reflect light once it hits it, opt for a semi-gloss finish. As the most popular sheen, semi-gloss provides your kitchen cabinets with a nice shine that is not overbearing.
CONVERSION VARNISH vs LACQUER
For the best custom cabinet finish, our choice is Conversion Varnish (CV) over Lacquer, and here's why… The CV topcoat is extremely durable and easy to clean. It is resistant to heat, water, wear, solvents, acids, and alkalis.
Use satin paint for higher-traffic areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways. Because it contains more gloss than eggshell or matte, it's also more durable.
Some might say that raised panel cabinet doors are more "traditional," while flat-panel options like shaker-style doors are more "timeless." We find both kitchen cabinet door styles stand the test of time and work well in a variety of kitchen design styles.
Matte cabinets are typically easier to clean because they are less prone to scratches and fingerprints. If you have small children or pets, it's probably best to go with matte cabinets. But be sure to check for heat resistance; vinyl laminates can give you a beautiful smooth finish, but some have poor heat resistance.
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.
However, if you want a highly reflective finish that will make your kitchen feel more spacious, glossy is the way to go. If you prefer a slightly more subdued shine that's still highly durable, then semi-gloss is the better option.
Satin is a paint sheen that falls directly in the middle of the range of interior or exterior paint sheens. Satin paint is glossier than eggshell finish paint, but flatter than semi-gloss paint. Unlike gloss or semi-gloss paint, satin paint won't produce reflections in low light.
SEMI-GLOSS
Glossy and sleek, this sheen shines, but does not compete, allowing other colors near it to have their moment. Ideal for: Cabinets.
Eggshell or flat finish paint: Avoid using either of these finishes when painting kitchen cabinets. Eggshell and flat paints aren't as washable as semi-gloss or gloss finishes, and you risk rubbing through your paint job the next time you need to scrub your cabinet doors clean.
Tip: Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel, Gloss, Semi-Gloss or Satin Sheen is among the best paint for kitchen cabinet top coats because it has excellent flow and leveling characteristics, which means a smooth and durable finish on cabinets, doors and trim.
Shaker-Style Cabinets
Known for their simple design and recessed-panel doors, Shaker cabinets have been in style for more than 100 years. Shaker cabinets are popular in farmhouse kitchens, but they also work with a variety of home decor styles.
Flat panel kitchen cabinets always make their way back into the trends. They'll fade in popularity for a few years and then crop up again with a new design style.
"Two-toned cabinets are gaining popularity as homeowners seek to add a touch of personality to their kitchens," Bravo says. "Black and white cabinets are a classic combination that can create a stunning look, while other popular choices include blue and white, grey and white, and even green and white."
Kitchen walls and especially kitchen cabinets require a paint finish that's tough, easy to wipe down, and attractive. Satin and eggshell paint finishes work well for kitchen walls, while semi-gloss proves best for kitchen cabinets.
For kitchens, we recommend semi-gloss or satin paints. Satin is a great choice as long as you have a backsplash surrounding surfaces that may be splattered by water or grease. If you don't have a backsplash in these areas, we recommend a semi-gloss for better durability and easier cleaning.
Pros: A satin finish reflects more light than matte and stands up well to washing. Use in high-traffic areas such as bathrooms, the kitchen and a kid's room as well as on trim and molding throughout the house. Cons: This finish does not hide imperfections in surface or application; any touch-ups will stand out.
Polyurethane, which is a type of varnish, is one of the most commonly used wood finishes today. It can be used in high traffic areas like floors and creates an incredibly hard and resilient coating.
IKEA cabinet boxes are made of fiberboard and melamine foil. Cabinet doors and drawer fronts are made of fiberboard. They are covered in melamine foil, paint, wood, or glass.