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. Key Takeaway: When you paint kitchen cabinets, satin finish is a good choice due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and smooth velvety appearance.
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.
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.
Cons: The Disadvantages of High-Gloss Kitchen Cabinet Doors
Because of its reflective property, light fingerprints, dirt, and even scratches can be easily spotted on these kinds of cabinets in comparison to matte or semi-gloss 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.
While satin finishes tend to be fairly durable in high traffic areas, they're not as durable and versatile as semi-gloss against mildew and mold. Kitchen cabinets in high moisture environments can, therefore, do better with semi-gloss paints.
This type of kitchen finish is great because it is relatively cheap, very durable, and is extremely resistant to delamination. For this reason, this option is attractive for those looking to renovate their kitchen for the long-term. The downside to matt laminate is that the surface could be a little smoother.
In 2025, high-gloss cabinets are setting the stage for sleek, modern kitchens. With their reflective surfaces and contemporary appeal, glossy finishes are a game-changer for homeowners seeking a modern vibe. Discover how Home Decorators Collection Cabinetry can help you achieve this cutting-edge look below.
The Cons of a Gloss Finish
Another downside, particularly with acrylic gloss units, is that they're quite easy to scratch.
The semi-gloss finish has some light-reflective qualities, and so the light will bounce around the kitchen. A semi-gloss surface is not as highly reflective as a high-gloss surface, and so it won't give you as many reflections in your kitchen cabinet fronts but will provide you with a more consistent-looking colour.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are gloss kitchens dated? Gloss kitchens rose to popularity in the 1970s. However, they're still extremely popular today, particularly for their ultra-modern style.
One practical benefit of black cabinets is their ability to conceal smudges and fingerprints. Unlike lighter-colored cabinets, which can quickly show signs of wear from greasy or sauce-covered hands, black cabinets are less likely to display these blemishes.
They reflect light well
One of the biggest benefits of high gloss kitchens is their ability to reflect light. Whether it's natural or artificial lighting, gloss kitchens can reflect light back into the room, making the space feel brighter and more open.
Below, we discuss the best cabinet color options for a kitchen remodeling project for a beautiful aesthetic that's always on point. Arguably, the most timeless kitchen cabinet color is white. Bright white cabinets suit a variety of beautiful kitchens, including modern, contemporary, and farmhouse styles.
White kitchens remain an indispensable choice for renovations in 2024, combining versatility and timeless elegance. Our kitchen designers know how to maximize the potential of white kitchens to create spaces that suit all tastes, from classic to modern, trendy, and contemporary.
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.
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.
Cons of Shaker Kitchen Cabinets
Here are a few things that might make you think twice about investing in them: Simple Design: Shaker kitchen cabinets can be a bit “plain vanilla” – classic but maybe too simple. If you want fancy, shaker cabinets are not for you. They don't have intricate designs, patterns, or styles.
Solid wood cabinets, particularly oak, are the most durable kitchen cabinet material due to their strength, resistance to wear and tear, and ability to withstand moisture without warping. Plywood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) are also durable, economical options.