Recommendation: For most kitchens, a semi-gloss finish is the best choice. It strikes the perfect balance between durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal. Satin finishes are also a good choice if you prefer less shine, while gloss finishes are great for a more modern, high-impact look.
For Kitchens and Bathrooms: Semi-gloss is often preferred due to its durability and ease of cleaning. For Living Areas or Bedrooms: Satin can provide a softer, more inviting look while still being functional. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs and the style you want to achieve.
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.
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.
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.
One of the most essential tools to have is a paint roller for a smooth finish. DIY enthusiasts and professionals have grown fond of using high-density foam rollers. This makes them a great choice is their ability to provide a flawless, smooth surface, making them ideal for use on cabinets and furniture.
Satin finish paint has a slightly glossy finish and is a good choice for cabinets in high-traffic areas like a kitchen or bathroom. It's more durable than eggshell, too, despite having a slightly shinier quality.
Urethane Trim Enamel
The best choice for most durable results.
The most popular hardware finishes are satin or matte black, brushed or polished brass, and copper.
The best clear coat for kitchen cabinets is typically a polyurethane finish, which is known for its durability and resistance to scratches, heat, and moisture. Both oil-based and water-based polyurethanes are popular choices, with water-based options being favored for their lower odor and faster drying time.
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.
They reflect light well
One of the biggest benefits of high gloss kitchens is their ability to reflect light. Whether it's natural or artificial lighting, gloss kitchens can reflect light back into the room, making the space feel brighter and more open.
Key Takeaway: When you paint kitchen cabinets, satin finish is a good choice due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and smooth velvety appearance. It offers a luxurious alternative to high gloss or matte finishes while also hiding minor imperfections effectively.
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.
These high-gloss doors are more expensive than conventional doors due to their popularity among homeowners. This means you must set aside a significant portion of your budget for this area of your kitchen, both during purchase and maintenance. Glossy kitchen doors are definitely worth the investment.
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.
We usually use professional-grade lacquer because it has a lovely, silky-smooth feel to it, and is what cabinet manufacturers use. We think it's the best paint for cabinets, hands-down (although there are some great pro-level water-based options as well).
One of the benefits of satin paint that gives it a bit of edge over eggshell is that it's highly reflective, which makes it ideal for creating a sense of space and light in smaller rooms. It also provides a smooth, even finish that's perfect for creating a uniform look across your walls and woodwork.
The special ingredient that makes Dulux Easycare the best paint for kitchens. Our Easycare Kitchen wall paint resists all sorts of everyday cooking stains. The special ingredient is a grease-proof formula that stops greasy splashes soaking in.
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.
Avoiding roller marks is easier than preventing brush marks–just add enough paint to the roller and overlap each stroke of the roller whenever possible. Once you've applied the first coat, check your work thoroughly for any paint drips and brush marks and rectify them before the paint dries.