Gloss paint is frequently used in modern kitchens and baths and complements both light and dark cabinet colors. Imperfections, scratches and fingerprints will be more visible on high-gloss cabinets, but if the paint is durable, it will also resist scratches and dents more easily. Gloss paint is easy to clean.
Each of these has its advantages and benefits. 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. All of the products we use at The Picky Painters in Cleveland, OH, are incredibly durable and washable.
Hybrid enamel paint is often considered the best for kitchen cabinets because of its low-maintenance properties. Hybrid formulations do not emit as many fumes or VOCs and are easier to clean up with soap and water. They are strongly adhesive. Alkyd paints require less prep work and without sanding.
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.
SEMI-GLOSS
Glossy and sleek, this sheen shines, but does not compete, allowing other colors near it to have their moment. Ideal for: Cabinets.
While much of Joanna's kitchen follows her traditional earthy color scheme, the designer has injected a notably darker hue across her kitchen cabinets – a deep, dark blue, which contrasts strongly with the softer green shiplap walls and cream countertops.
Semi-gloss or glossy paint is typically used on kitchen cabinets or on woodwork such as door and window casings. The higher the gloss of paint, the more visible the paint brush marks. Try adding water or linseed oil, as appropriate, or use an oil-based paint.
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.
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.
Semi-gloss paint enriches the color you choose to paint your cabinet, making it a perfect choice for lighter colors. Satin or eggshell paints, like matte, are typically not the best choice for kitchen cabinets. The flat finish makes the paint harder to clean and maintain.
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.
On the fronts and backs of drawers and doors, you can use a roller. This will apply the paint in a more smooth and even manner and is much faster than only using a paint brush. Then, use a brush for touching up small areas or for hard-to-reach spots.
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.
If your cabinets have a layer of paint or a clear coat already applied, it's important to strip and sand them before applying a new coat of paint. This will help ensure proper adhesion and prevent potential issues like peeling or chipping.
Typically most semi-custom and custom cabinet companies use about a 20 – 25 degree sheen as a topcoat finish. The result is what some might define as a semi-gloss finish.
Cabinet paints have higher costs because they contain more resins, which makes them more resistant to scratches, staining, and fading. In addition, they are often formulated with special pigments that help to camouflage imperfections and provide a high-quality finish.
Whichever type of paint you choose, our engineers recommend going with a semi-gloss finish (as opposed to flat or high-gloss). The hard, durable coating will stand up better to staining, fading and chipping, and its shine makes it easy to sponge clean without the risk of dulling.
Whether or not you sand the cabinets before painting, you will want to use an interior enamel paint designed for cabinets, doors, or trim. Most cabinet paints are satin or semi-gloss.
Joanna loves using grays in her homes for the main living spaces. Some of her favorites are Sherwin Williams Mindful gray, Oyster Pearl, and Passive Gray. Repose Gray is one shade lighter than Mindful and would look fabulous for an open living space.
1: White or Ivory
Shiplap has been put in and new wood floors have been installed, as seen on Fixer Upper. The ideal shade to use on living room walls, even if they're not covered in shiplap. Suggested Paints: Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams or Honeymilk by Valspar.
Using a paint sprayer is one of the easiest ways to get a super smooth finish on your cabinets. By their very nature, paint sprayers eliminate brush strokes and roller marks completely.
Invest in higher-quality foam brushes with dense foam, good-quality glue and a securely-attached head for larger projects. Because foam brushes are so affordable, many people prefer to use them with oil-based paints, which are often more difficult to remove from brushes.
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.