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.
Two of the most popular finishes for cabinets are gloss and semi-gloss. Both of these finishes offer significant benefits in terms of durability, ease of cleaning, and visual impact in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen.
Higher sheen means more enamel, which means more durability. Since cabinets get a lot of daily touching and wear, Satin was the best option for us. If we went any higher in sheen, the dings and dents in the cabinets would have stood out even more.
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.
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.
Matte finishes feel updated and sleek compared to traditional glossy surfaces. Homeowners looking to create a stylish kitchen remodel are increasingly drawn to matte surfaces for cabinets, quartz counters, and backsplashes.
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.
This finish is considered stylish and modern. Because glossy finishes are the most likely to show scratches and fingerprints, matte finishes are good for hiding flaws in furniture. Matt-finish cabinets do not reflect any light and appear flatter than gloss-finish cabinets.
Tip: Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel in Gloss, Semi-Gloss or Satin sheen is among the best paint for kitchen cabinets because it has excellent flow and leveling characteristics, resulting in a smooth and durable finish.
Use satin paint for higher-traffic areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways. Because it contains more gloss than eggshell or matte, it's also more durable.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eggshell is the most commonly used sheen for interior walls. It is a good middle ground, having enough sheen so that it is easily washable, but not too much to where any wall imperfection will stand out. The look of the eggshell finish is quite attractive for interior painting projects.
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.
With their non-reflective surface, matte prints offer a softer, more natural look compared to their glossy counterparts. This finish is particularly adept at showcasing photos in a more understated, yet profoundly artistic manner.
Semi-Gloss Finish
As the most popular sheen, semi-gloss provides your kitchen cabinets with a nice shine that is not overbearing.
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).
Solid wood cabinets, such as those crafted from oak, maple, or cherry, are renowned for their timeless beauty, and unparalleled longevity. These premium cabinet materials are often pricey, making them an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a high-end, custom look.
INDUSTRY STANDARD FOR CABINETS
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.
The Cons of a Gloss Finish
Another downside, particularly with acrylic gloss units, is that they're quite easy to scratch.
Shellac-Based Primers: Shellac-based primers are known for their superior adhesion, which makes them an excellent option for surfaces that are challenging to paint, such as lacquered or oil-based finishes.