When it comes to home renovations, one of the first things a Pinterest-enthusiast homeowner wants to change is the paint or sheen of the cabinets. Whether they are in the kitchen or bedroom, glossy and satin finishes can change the whole vibe.
But there pops the big question of what sheen do you paint cabinets with? That’s just what we’re here to tell!
Sheen is more than just a finish. It can shift the entire mood of the place from gloomy to bright. Yes, even if you choose the best color palette, a wrong sheen can make the whole look chalky or like a job done by an amateur. Let’s dig into more details.
Why the Sheen Matters?
Sheen is like choosing the personality of your cabinets. It’s not only about the looks. It’s also about keeping the exterior safe from food splashes, stains, or handprints.
So when you are wondering, “What sheen do you paint cabinets,” we have two main categories of sheen. Higher sheen, with more shine, and very easy to clean. It’s sometimes preferred because it lasts longer.
Then, we have the lower sheen. It is pretty soft and has less of a shine. But the only thing is, if you have little kids or pets around, it’s not your best bet. Any stain or even fingerprint will show up sharply over it.
Types of Sheen You Need to Consider
Now, let’s take a look at the types of paint that are available in the market and the right pick for your kitchen cabinets. Remember, this will set the tone for your entire kitchen, so spend the time and choose wisely.
High-Gloss Paint
High gloss, as the name suggests, is very bright and reflective. It has an almost mirror-like finish and reflects light like anything. So that means it’s less forgiving for the stains, marks, and scratches.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss is also very durable and best for kitchens and other high-traffic places. It also has more shine compared to satin. But the only problem is that any scratch or stain on it will be boldly displayed, maring the whole look.
So maintenance can be a headache.
Satin Finish
The most talked about and chosen sheen paint is satin. No wonder! It ticks all the right boxes as it’s durable, subtle, and has the right shine and touch. It also needs less maintenance and can hide minor imperfections and stains like second nature.
Eggshell Paint
eggshell for cabinets
Eggshell is less shiny and softer in look compared to satin. It can also hide minor flaws on the surface. But it’s not the best for the kitchen; rather, it’s better left to the walls than cabinets.
Matte Finish
Last, we have the matte option. Matte looks amazing on Pinterest photos and Instagram reels. But unless you love to scrub in your free time, never opt for it!
That is best for walls and pictures. Otherwise, it’s just a hassle to clean and doesn’t even look stylish.
Chalk Paint
You might have seen some cabinets with a vintage chic look. It’s a matte kind with a velvety finish. It’s not very lasting, so it is usually sealed with wax for protection. But still, it can scratch and chip off, so it’s not the best for high-usage areas like the kitchen.
Milk Paint
Many people prefer milk paint as it is a natural, eco-friendly option. It’s powder-based and matte but not ideal for the kitchens. Again, just like chalk paint, it chips off easily and is not resistant to water.
The Battle of Sheens: Semi-Gloss, Eggshell Vs Satin
Most people looking for sheen usually juggle their options between semi-gloss, eggshell, and satin. Well, you’re not going to change the sheen every other day. So you need to weigh all your options and have firm knowledge about what sheen do you paint kitchen cabinets.
The eggshell finish looks really pretty, which is why it is often preferred for walls, not cabinets! Also, it’s not ideal for high-traffic places like the kitchen. Any small stain, touch, or scratch will show up brightly on it.
On the other hand, we have satin that brings with it a bit of shine and is extremely easy to clean. The best part is that it goes with most cabinet styles and with acrylic enamel and alkyd-based paints.
So yes, satin seems to win the battle for most people looking for convenience and style. It gives you just the right amount of shine you need. It balances a polished look without overdoing it.
Then there’s semi-gloss; a showstopper indeed. It is often the most preferred option for those looking for durability and easy cleaning. It does make the whole place pop as it has more shine than satin.
It is also a champ at handling splashes and scrapes which make it a great choice for the kitchen cabinets. But one downside is that it can highlight the imperfections beneath the surface so you’ll have to double check the prep work before applying it.
How to Choose the Right Sheen for Your Cabinets?
It’s not going to be every day that you change the sheen of your cabinets. So here are some tips to make sure you make the right choice and have the best looking cabinets.
- If you have bright kitchen lighting, choose satin. Likewise, for a dim setting, select semi-gloss.
- If your home is blessed with kids and pets, satin sheen can be a lifesaver.
- Keep in mind, sheen sticks and lasts longer on properly sanded and primed surfaces.
- If the surface of the cabinet is uneven or its an old cabinet, satin works best. But if you have smoother MDF cabinets, go semi-gloss on it.
Verdict: What Sheen Do You Paint Cabinets?
It all comes down to satin or semi-gloss. These are the best paint finishes for your kitchen cabinets as they can survive the stains, splashes, a touch here and there, and all the heat.
Now you know what sheen do you paint cabinets with: from satin to eggshell and semi-gloss.
When you know exactly what sheen to use for painting cabinets, you are less likely to make mistakes and can make the whole space look like your dream kitchen.
If you need any help choosing the right color, contact us at Paintman NY for cabinets painting services today. We will give you a free consultation, guidelines, and help you choose the right shade for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sheen for kitchen cabinets?
The winner for kitchen cabinets is satin. It’s durable, mild on stains and scratches, and easy to maintain. It also looks classy and chic and goes with all types of cabinet styles.
What sheen does Paintman NYC use on cabinets?
Our experts at Paintman NYC analyze the mood, lighting, and surface of the cabinets before making any decision. Although we mostly recommend satin and semi-gloss, as they are most durable and give you the ultimate finish, we are open to your preferences.
What paint do professional painters use for cabinets?
Most professionals use acrylic enamel and alkyd-based paint as these are the best paint for cabinets. They are both self-level and give you a smooth factory-style finish.
Should cabinets be satin or semigloss?
That depends on your style and preference. Like if you are looking for something classy yet subtle, we recommend satin. But if you want the extra shine with durability, semi-gloss will be the best choice.
Mychal Diachenko
Mychal Diachenko, Author at Paintman NYC blog. Started Paintman NYC company and has been painting for more than 10 years throughout Europe and New York City. Since 2017, he has created a family-run painting company that people trust and that is recognized for doing a great job painting apartments all around New York.