There are a few different options when it comes to kitchen cabinet finishes. The most popular finish is paint, followed by stained wood, and then laminate. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to choose the option that best suits your needs.
LACQUER. Lacquer is hard and resilient, creating a nonporous, protective layer that makes cabinetry easy to wipe clean. It's available in multiple shine and gloss levels, similar to paint, but may yellow over time, like varnish.
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.
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.
The most durable kitchen cabinet finish is a catalyzed conversion varnish. This is the most durable finish available for wood. It's chemical and moisture resistant, making it easy to clean. It's also more flexible.
There are many types of paint to choose from, but the best paint for kitchen cabinets is semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Matte is not practical in kitchens and baths where you will need durable paint you can easily clean.
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.
What is the most popular color for kitchen cabinets? Though trend reports may show that white is falling out of favor, interior designers say that, generally, homeowners are still most drawn toward white kitchen cabinets. “It's classic and great for resale value,” says Hattie Collins of Hattie Sparks Interiors.
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.
Lacquer paints are generally a tinted, opaque finish used most for cabinetry. Lacquer needs to be applied in very thin coats and almost always sprayed on with pressure sprayers since it dries so quickly. This stain provides an incredibly beautiful and rich finish.
Since kitchens are such a busy part of a home and often need extra cleaning, a satin or semi-gloss finish is the best options. Satin and eggshell finishes are commonly believed to be the same, but in fact, satin is a bit shinier. Satin finishes are easy to clean and good at standing up to mildew, stains and dirt.
Amber toned wood in pine, oak and maple are the new trend for stained kitchen cabinets. The MIX of wood tones and solid colors is the most important kitchen design trend in 2023. Warmer wood tones will be the forward trend to watch, as they are paired with dark moody hues and pops of bright jewel tones.
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.
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.
White is still the most popular kitchen cabinet color in 2023 and beyond. However, we are seeing a shift towards warmer and more natural tones. We cover the best colors for cabinets from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams like Simply White, Dove White, and Chantilly Lace.
Arguably, the most timeless kitchen cabinet color is white. Bright white cabinets suit a variety of beautiful kitchens, including modern, contemporary, and farmhouse styles. Brilliant whites work to give kitchens a light and airy feel, and off-white options, like the White Dove shade, provides warmth.
The Kitchen Color That Increases Value
Instead of a red kitchen, try white. White brings a fresh, bright palette to the kitchen and is the most attractive for potential homeowners.
Shaker-Style Cabinets
Known for their simple design and recessed-panel doors, Shaker cabinets have been in style for more than 100 years. Shaker cabinets are popular in farmhouse kitchens, but they also work with a variety of home decor styles.
If you have young kids in the house who are always tracking in mud and other outdoor debris, or if you simply don't want your kitchen cabinets looking dingy all the time, a darker neutral shade like grey can help to mask some of that dirt. Just be sure you're still cleaning them on a regular basis!
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.
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.
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.
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.