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.
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.
Glossy vs matte finish: Durability
Darker matte finish cabinets are your best choice if you want a long-lasting and timeless appeal. Fingerprints, dirt, and scratches are more visible on glossy finish cabinets than on matte finish cabinets.
But if having kitchen cabinets that are long-lasting and durable, we'd suggest opting for a gloss finish. Even though both satin and semi-gloss finishes are both durable, both have minor disadvantages that gloss does not have. At the end of the day, the finish that you choose is a personal preference.
Glossy cabinets are known for their sleek and modern look. They are easy to clean and maintain, and they reflect light, making your kitchen appear brighter and more spacious. However, glossy cabinets can show fingerprints and smudges more easily than matte cabinets. be a better choice for you.
They were used in modern kitchens with a space-age aesthetic – but it was a style that fell out of fashion for the flattest, most-matte cabinetry styles which are, by in large, still in fashion today. However, we're now starting to see high gloss return to kitchen design, albeit in a different form.
Satin-finish paints will give your kitchen cabinet a modern look because it is not quite matt nor shiny, which is ideal if you have trouble choosing between the two. The perfect combination between matte and gloss bounces just enough light in the room without overpowering or overwhelming it.
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.
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.
Oil-Based Varnish
They are popular because they are durable and resist stains and moisture. Polyurethane is resistant to heat, chemicals, water, fungus, and mildew. It also protects your cabinets from scratches, dents, and smudges. There are some disadvantages.
Matte finishes are harder to clean
Continuing from the "bad" aspects, the initial smudges, bumps and scratches might not show up to begin with, but they're more difficult to eliminate when they do show up.
The bottom line for glossy vs matte photos is that glossy is better when you won't be framing behind glass and when your photos have lots of contrast or vibrant colors. Matte is better for classic black and white photos that need to last and might be displayed in a gallery.
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.
Disadvantages To Matte Finish
As we mentioned before, the matte finish absorbs light which means it won't help to make small spaces feel bigger, unlike glossy finishes that reflect light. Therefore, for kitchens that are very small, a matte finish may not be the best option.
Matte finishes are also a bit more susceptible to streaking or absorption of stains. Small spaces: For smaller kitchen spaces, matte finishes may make the area feel compressed due to absorbing light. If you're trying to increase the perception of size, you might want to look elsewhere.
Caring for matte paint isn't necessarily difficult, though it does require some extra effort . Special cleaners, sealants and polishes are required to maintain the texture and finish, meaning most matte cars are hand-wash only, and that drive-thru car washes are typically off limits.
White kitchen cabinets are enduring and versatile, appearing in cottage, traditional, and even modern kitchens. Especially on simple Shaker-style doors, the right white paint color can create a light, fresh look in a kitchen. Choose modest hardware with clean lines to keep with the classic look.
Conclusion. In conclusion, the decision between lighter and darker kitchen cabinets and walls depends on various factors. Lighter cabinets can make a small kitchen appear larger and more spacious while darker cabinets can add warmth and depth to a kitchen.
Bright white, off-white, soft white and cream will always be a popular choice for kitchen cabinets of every style, from ultra-modern to country cottages. The beauty of these laid-back neutrals is that they can be given a bespoke look with different worktop materials, brassware and wall colors.
Overall, the best finish for painting cabinets is semi-gloss. It ensures maximum durability and is ideal for high moisture areas like bathrooms and basements. I have painted all the natural oak cabinets in my home in a variety of colors using semi-gloss.
Satin/Brushed Nickel (Warm Undertone)
One of the most popular finishes, it is an available finish option for nearly every hardware design.
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.
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.
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.
'The main differences between eggshell and satin are the level of sheen and durability,' adds Helen Shaw, director at Benjamin Moore. 'Satin is more reflective and delivers a glossier finish. It has better stain resistance and durability than lower sheens, including eggshell.