What Sheen Paint Is Best For Kitchen Cabinets

What Sheen Paint Is Best For Kitchen Cabinets?

When it comes to painting kitchen cabinets, choosing the right sheen is essential. The sheen will affect the overall look and feel of your cabinets, as well as their durability. Here is a guide to help you choose the best sheen paint for your kitchen cabinets:

Flat or Matte Finish

Flat or matte finishes are the least reflective, giving them a soft, velvety look. They are also the most durable finish, making them a good choice for high-traffic areas. However, flat finishes can be difficult to clean, so they are not the best choice for areas that are prone to spills or grease.

Eggshell Finish

Eggshell finishes have a slightly higher sheen than flat finishes, but they are still relatively low-gloss. They are more durable than flat finishes and easier to clean, making them a good choice for most kitchen cabinets. Eggshell finishes are also a good choice for cabinets that are painted a dark color, as they will help to hide brushstrokes.

Satin Finish

Satin finishes are more reflective than eggshell finishes, but they are still not as glossy as semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes. They are easy to clean and relatively durable, making them a good all-around choice for kitchen cabinets. Satin finishes are also a good choice for cabinets that are painted a light color, as they will help to reflect light and make the cabinets look brighter.

Semi-Gloss Finish

Semi-gloss finishes are more reflective than satin finishes, giving them a more polished look. They are also more durable and easier to clean, making them a good choice for high-traffic areas. However, semi-gloss finishes can be more difficult to apply evenly, so it is important to use a high-quality paint and brush.

High-Gloss Finish

High-gloss finishes are the most reflective, giving them a very shiny look. They are also the most durable and easiest to clean, making them a good choice for areas that are prone to spills or grease. However, high-gloss finishes can be difficult to apply evenly, and they can show every fingerprint and smudge.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sheen

In addition to the durability and cleanability of different sheens, there are other factors to consider when choosing a sheen for your kitchen cabinets:

The style of your kitchen: Flat or matte finishes are best for traditional or rustic kitchens, while satin or semi-gloss finishes are better for modern or contemporary kitchens.
The color of your cabinets: Darker colors look best with flat or matte finishes, while lighter colors look best with satin or semi-gloss finishes.
The amount of light in your kitchen: Flat or matte finishes will absorb light, making them a good choice for dark kitchens. Satin or semi-gloss finishes will reflect light, making them a good choice for bright kitchens.

Ultimately, the best way to choose the right sheen for your kitchen cabinets is to experiment with different samples. Apply different sheens to a small area of your cabinets and see how they look in different lighting conditions. This will help you make an informed decision about the sheen that is right for your kitchen.