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How to Choose The Best Paint Finish

When it comes to painting cabinets, choosing the right paint finish is just as important as choosing the right color. Different paint finishes have different properties. Choosing the right one can make a big difference in how your cabinets look and how well they hold up over time. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular paint finishes and what makes them a good choice for different types of cabinets.

It is important to consider the room, usage and personal preference when making the decision of how to paint your cabinets. Gloss finishes are the easiest to clean, but may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas or for cabinets that will be frequently used. Satin finishes have a lower shine and more of a matte finish, which makes them less prone to showing scratches and wear and a better option for high-traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom. Finally, semi-gloss finish is a good balance between gloss and satin finishes.

cabinet door samples hanging with different paint finishes

What is the best paint finish on kitchen cabinets?

Flat Paint

Flat paint is a paint finish that has very little shine. It’s often used on walls and ceilings, but it can also be used on cabinets. It’s a great choice for cabinets in a bedroom or living room, where a low-gloss finish is desired.

Eggshell Paint Finish

Eggshell paint finish is a type of paint finish that has a slight sheen, similar to the finish on an eggshell. This type of paint finish is a great option for a variety of reasons.

One of the main benefits of eggshell paint finish is that it is more durable than flat paint. This makes it a great choice for cabinets in high-traffic areas like a kitchen or bathroom. The slight sheen helps to protect the surface from scratches and dings. This makes it more resistant to wear and tear.

Another benefit of eggshell paint finish is that it is easy to clean. The slight sheen of the finish makes it easy to wipe away dirt and stains. Your cabinets will look great even after years of use. This makes it a great option for areas that are frequently used, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Eggshell paint finish also gives a slight shine to your cabinets, which can add a touch of elegance to any room. It’s a great option to make your cabinets look more polished and refined.

Additionally, eggshell paint finish is a good option for those who want to avoid the high gloss of gloss paint or the low sheen of flat paint. It’s a happy medium between the two. It’s not too shiny or too dull, which makes it a versatile option.

Eggshell paint finish is a great option for cabinets in high-traffic areas like a kitchen or bathroom. It’s more durable than flat paint, easy to clean, and gives a slight shine to your cabinets, which can add a touch of elegance to any room. This versatile paint finish is a great balance between durability, cleaning and aesthetic.

painter spraying paint on cabinet doors

Satin Paint Finish:

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.

Gloss Finish Paint

When it comes to ease of cleaning, gloss finishes are the easiest to clean. Gloss finishes have a high shine and are very smooth, which makes it easier to wipe away dirt and stains. However, gloss finishes are also more prone to showing scratches and wear, so they may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas or for cabinets that will be frequently used.

The decision between gloss and satin finishes for cabinets depends on the specific room and usage of the cabinets, as well as personal preference. Gloss finishes have a high shine and are very smooth, which makes them easy to clean but more prone to showing scratches and wear. 

Satin finishes have a lower shine and more of a matte finish, which makes them less prone to showing scratches and wear but may be a bit harder to clean. For high-traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom, a satin finish may be a better choice as it’s more durable and easy to clean. 

However, in areas like bedrooms or living rooms, a gloss finish may be a better choice as it can add a touch of elegance to the room. Ultimately, it is important to consider the room, usage and personal preference when making the decision between gloss and satin finishes for cabinets.

It’s worth noting that there’s also semi-gloss finish which falls in between gloss and satin finish, it’s a good option for cabinets that need to be easy to clean but also not as shiny as gloss paint.

close up of painted cabinet doors with a slight sheen to the paint finish and shiny brass handles.

Remember, the right paint finish will not only improve the look of your cabinets but also make them more durable and easy to clean.