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.
Because glossy finishes are the most likely to show scratches and fingerprints, matte finishes are good for hiding flaws in furniture. Matt-finish cabinets do not reflect any light and appear flatter than gloss-finish cabinets. Cabinets with a matte surface, absorb light rather than reflect it.
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.
A gloss finish is often preferred for modern kitchens due to its sleek and contemporary appearance. It adds a high-end, polished look to the space. while semi-gloss finishes are more traditional and classic.
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. Semi-gloss paint is also easy to clean, making it a good choice for busy kitchens.
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.
As these high-gloss doors are quite popular among homeowners, they tend to be more expensive than the other types of doors. This means you must spare a good part of your budget for this particular aspect of your kitchen – not only during purchasing but as well as for maintenance.
Disadvantages of high gloss kitchens
Since marks are more visible, you may need to wipe them a little more regularly. This can be annoying if you're constantly leaving fingerprints on the doors, but it's quick and easy to fix – especially if they're handleless.
It's a fickle business, but if there's one thing we know to be true it's this: decorate for you, and you only. High gloss, contemporary, slab front cabinetry was all the rage not so long ago. But they've taken a dip in popularity over the last few years, making way for more traditional-style kitchen trends.
While gloss kitchens are easier to clean, they also need to be cleaned more often as those dirty marks and fingerprints will show up more easily. Another downside, particularly with acrylic gloss units, is that they're quite easy to scratch. While they will buff out, it takes time and effort to buff out scratches.
A satin cabinet finish is more long lasting and provides slightly less reflectiveness. Such features gives the material a brighter finish compared to matte. When applied to kitchen custom cabinets, it will result in a soft, silky, and a little glowy appearance.
Soft sheen paint is a perfect choice for high traffic areas such as hallways and kitchens.
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.
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.
Matt kitchens: Cons
Because matt kitchens absorb light, they aren't always the best option for small or dark kitchens. For particularly small spaces, a high gloss finish is a good alternative, as the light reflection from these surfaces will bounce light around the room, brightening the space up.
Matte finishes feel updated and sleek compared to traditional glossy surfaces. Homeowners looking to create a stylish kitchen remodel are increasingly drawn to matte surfaces for cabinets, quartz counters, and backsplashes.
Two-tone and contrasting cabinets are a timeless way to add visual interest to any kitchen. You can install wall cabinets in one color and an island in a contrasting hue or choose one color for the lower cabinets and another for the upper cabinets.
The 'dated' high gloss kitchen is also being reimagined for 2025. Futuristic, space-age, glossy kitchens first gained popularity back in the '70s, with a small resurgence in the 2010s, before we all fell for the matte cabinet styles that are so popular today.
Matt finish kitchens are great for making kitchens seem smaller than they really are. The high gloss kitchen does the opposite. Your kitchen will appear more spacious by reflecting light, making it an ideal choice for a high gloss small kitchen.
Lacquer: Commonly found in commercial cabinets, lacquer has an intense high-gloss finish that is suitable for almost any type of wood. Smooth to the touch, lacquer is usually applied via a sprayer as it is much thinner than other finishes.
Drawbacks of High Gloss Kitchen Cabinets
Visible smudges and fingerprints - Due to the reflection of so much light fingerprints, dirt and scratches are much more noticeable on high-gloss kitchen cabinets than they are on matt or semi-gloss cabinets.
Glossy paint provides a sleek and modern look, reflecting more light than its matte counterpart which tends to provide a smoother and softer aesthetic. Both glossy and matte kitchen cabinet finishes can be combined to create interesting visual effects.
Lowe's offers a variety of custom cabinets and semi-custom cabinets from several different manufacturers to meet your style and construction preferences and exceed your every expectation. Shop KraftMaid cabinets, Shenandoah cabinets, Diamond cabinets and Schuler Cabinetry cabinets.
Lacquer cabinets are known for their durability, scratch resistance, and vibrant color options. However, lacquer cabinets can be more costly than other materials and may require professional installation and maintenance to maintain their glossy finish.