What is the most popular sheen for kitchen cabinets?

Author: Ms. Heloise Cummings  |  Last update: Friday, August 8, 2025

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.

What sheen looks best on kitchen cabinets?

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.

What is the most popular finish 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. Semi-gloss paint is also easy to clean, making it a good choice for busy kitchens.

Is satin or semi-gloss better for kitchen cabinets?

Satin finish: Better at hiding imperfections like scratches, dents, and dings, as it reflects less light and doesn't highlight surface flaws as much. Semi-gloss finish: Can highlight imperfections more due to its higher sheen and reflective properties.

What paint roller gives the smoothest finish on cabinets?

The two best paint rollers for a smooth finish is a High Density Foam Roller with a Rounded Edge and a Lint Free Low Nap Roller, but I will say that even though both of these are good rollers one wins the prize for the smoothest finish.

Best Finish for Kitchen Cabinets Compared by Kitchen Infinity

How do you get a super smooth finish on cabinets?

You'll apply primer first with a brush to “cut in” those hard-to-reach crevices and edges, then go back over the surface with a roller. After your primer is dry, sand everything gently with 220-grit sandpaper. Remove dust with a tack cloth or compressed air, and get ready to paint.

Do foam rollers leave a smooth finish?

Walls, Wood, and Metal - Small 1/4″ roller covers or foam rollers will produce the smoothest finish. Light to Medium Textured Surfaces - Microfiber rollers are best. Smooth Surfaces - Use a white woven short nap roller for an ultra fine finish.

What sheen for cabinets Sherwin Williams?

The shiniest option, high-gloss paint is perfect for surfaces that need a striking appearance and durability, such as cabinets and doors. Use a gloss sheen to highlight room elements like: Wood trim. Cabinets.

Should kitchen cabinets be shiny or matte?

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.

Is eggshell better than satin for cabinets?

A satin paint finish is slightly higher-gloss than eggshell while being less reflective than semi-gloss paint or high-gloss paint. A satin finish delivers higher durability than an eggshell finish.

What finish do professional cabinet makers use?

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.

Should I use gloss or flat paint for kitchen cabinets?

Gloss paint has the highest level of sheen, creating a reflective and smooth finish. It has one of the highest levels of stain and moisture resistance, making it a popular choice for bathroom and kitchen cabinets.

What kitchen cabinets are always in style?

Blonde and mid-tone browns are classic choices that never go out of style. Bleached or super dark stains tend to wave with trends and can make a kitchen appear very dated when not in style. Avoid stains with a heavy undertone like red, orange, or grey as these will also wane with kitchen trends.

What is the best finish for kitchen cabinets?

Satin Finish

A satin sheen is easy to care for and will show the least amount of dirt, grime, and imperfections on the face of your cabinets, compared to gloss and semi-gloss finishes. This type of finish is ideal for a busy kitchen.

Are shiny cabinets in style?

The smooth, frameless surface and reflective quality of slab front gloss cabinets make them a perfect choice for modern or European-style kitchens. As we step into 2024, one kitchen trend that captivates homeowners and designers alike is the resurgence of slab front gloss cabinets.

What sheen should a kitchen ceiling be?

Painters once encouraged using semi-gloss paint for a bathroom or kitchen ceiling (or a room with higher humidity) since semi-gloss paint has higher moisture resistance and sometimes holds up better, however, flat paint today works just as well, and tends to look better.

What is the most common sheen for cabinets?

What is the Most Popular Sheen for Kitchen Cabinets?
  • Satin: Satin finishes are a favorite because they provide a soft shine that adds a touch of elegance without being too flashy. ...
  • Semi-Gloss: Semi-gloss is also a popular choice because it offers a bit more shine and durability.

Should I use matte or satin finish for kitchen?

Satin Finish

This is because satin finishes are easier to clean and more durable than lower sheen paints like matte or flat. Additionally, satin is moisture resistant, which makes it the right finish for bathrooms or kitchens.

Should a kitchen backsplash be glossy or matte?

Both offer classic design styles, but their finishes significantly impact the overall feel of your space. Matte finishes, with their light-absorbing texture, foster a warm and inviting atmosphere. Glossy tiles, on the other hand, reflect light, making your kitchen appear brighter and more spacious.

What is the best color for kitchen cabinets?

Ever-versatile, white and off-white paint colors are timeless choices for kitchen cabinets. In addition to classic neutral kitchen cabinets, other popular timeless hues include light grays, soft greens and wood tones.

What paint finish do designers use?

Eggshell is always an interior designer's preferred paint finish, which is why we chose this as our ultimate finish for walls. The name eggshell stems from the fact the finish appears mostly flat with just a touch of luster... similar to a chicken egg!

What paint is best for kitchen cabinets?

Choose high-quality paint. Special cabinet paints are available that provide a smooth finish, but any high-quality paint should work. Make sure your paint is acrylic, not vinyl. Acrylic latex-based paint is durable and easy to clean up.

What are the disadvantages of foam rollers?

There are certain conditions and circumstances where use of a foam roller could be detrimental or damaging to a person's body. Foam rolling exercises load and stress the underlying tissues, including nerves, skin receptors, blood and lymphatic vessels, as well as bones.

What roller is best for cabinets?

Achieving a professional-quality finish on smooth surfaces such as cabinets or trim requires precision: White woven short nap rollers: These are specifically designed to leave a fine, lint-free finish on smooth surfaces, making them ideal for high-quality enamel and gloss paints.

What paint rollers do professionals use?

Quality 12mm nap rollers will apply an even paint film to your walls and ceilings and give you a great finish, without splattering paint all over you and the floor. Professional painters actually use 20mm nap rollers on ceilings, and 12mm nap rollers on walls.

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