People generally choose semi-gloss finishes because the light bounces off the cabinets creating this wonderfully illuminated look without much effort. However, what makes semi-gloss paint the most popular finish is its resistance to moisture, dents, scratches, and smudges.
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.
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.
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.
Semigloss: Provides a sleek, radiant sheen that's great for cabinets and trim, high-traffic areas and high-moisture areas like bathrooms or crown molding/trim.
Semi-Gloss Paint
Semi-gloss is available in most Benjamin Moore interior paints, but we especially love the look of Advance® Interior Semi-Gloss (793); it cures to a smooth, furniture-like finish, and its glossy look makes it one of the best paint finishes for kitchen cabinets.
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.
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.
Stain is the best finish for kitchen cabinet doors if you want to preserve the wood's appearance — knots, grains, discolorations and all. Some stains add subtle coloring or darkening to wood, but never as opaque as paint. Stains protect the wood from moisture, pests, and scratches.
Kitchen cabinets with a semi-gloss finish offer a balance between a matte finish and a high-gloss look. The Finish adds a subtle shine to the cabinets that aren't too overpowering, yet still provides a bright and clean feel to the space.
SEMI-GLOSS
Glossy and sleek, this sheen shines, but does not compete, allowing other colors near it to have their moment. Ideal for: Cabinets.
Chalk paints have become an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom cabinets thanks to their superior coverage, low VOCs, and durability. Many people view chalk paint as one of the best paints for cabinets, as it requires little to no prep work before you can get started.
Updating your kitchen cabinets has never been easier with Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel. Get started with these easy-to-follow instructions!
Natural light: Gloss cabinetry will magnify the natural light in your kitchen. Matte finishes soften the appearance of the cabinetry while adding depth and dimension. High-gloss cabinetry can make the room feel brighter and larger than it really is; in rooms that don't have great natural light, this can be a plus.
'Semi-gloss has a higher sheen level than satin,' confirms Helen Shaw, director at Benjamin Moore, 'meaning that it is more reflective. The extra levels of luminosity make it perfectly suited to highlight the architectural details.
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.
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.
Best Finish For Cabinet Paints
A high-quality satin paint will clean well and it will have enough shine to showcase your cabinetry while hiding imperfections. However, if you are like me, we always use semi-gloss on our cabinets. I don't think you can go wrong with either one.
Oil-based poly finishes and varnish are the best finishes for a wood kitchen table. Linseed oil and tung oil too are a food option but are slightly less durable.
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.
Steer clear of finishes that show fingerprints and water spots like stainless steel or chrome. They're also harder to clean. Oil-rubbed bronze, satin bronze, brushed or polished nickel and white hardware are all much easier to maintain. Choose the finish that matches your style and kitchen design.
High gloss cabinets are popular in contemporary kitchen design due to their modern and sleek appearance. Their stylish appearance, paired with vast customization options, allows homeowners to achieve a personalized and sophisticated kitchen décor.
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.
'High gloss cabinets are a trend that has come and gone,' says Andrea Rodman, 'they have a strong dated feel. Softer matt finishes take their place as the more desired look. ' Not only have matt finishes replaced gloss as the choice du jour, but unique textured finishes have become increasingly popular.