Choose the Ideal Paint Sheen to Showcase Your Kitchen Cabinets

Giving your kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of paint can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. But choosing the right paint sheen is key to truly making your cabinets pop. The sheen you select can enhance the natural beauty of the woodgrain, brighten up the space with light reflection, or help disguise flaws and scratches. With so many options to consider, from flat matte paints to ultra-glossy enamels, it can be tricky to settle on the perfect finish.

We'll overview the characteristics of common sheens and provide tips to help you land on a finish tailored to your kitchen's unique style and needs.

Consider the Condition of Your Cabinets

The existing state of your kitchen cabinets should play a significant role in choosing the right paint sheen. Carefully inspect your cabinets and take note of any repairs needed. Are the cabinets brand new or were they previously painted or stained? Do they have minor blemishes like scratches and chips or more noticeable damage? The answers to these questions will help guide your sheen selection.

Hide Imperfections with Lower Sheens

If your cabinets show obvious signs of wear with deep scratches, gouges or discoloration, you'll want to opt for a lower sheen paint. Flat, matte or velvet finishes excel at hiding flaws because they reflect very little light. The velvety texture camouflages imperfections so cabinets appear smoother.

Enhance Pristine Cabinets with Higher Sheens

For cabinets in near-perfect condition or new installs, a glossier finish can help enhance their flawless appearance. Semi-gloss or high-gloss paints will showcase fine details and woodgrain thanks to their incredible light reflecting abilities. Just take care to thoroughly prepare surfaces so they are ultra smooth before applying the shiny paint.

Factor in Your Desired Aesthetic

Beyond concealing or accentuating the existing state of your cabinets, the sheen you select can dramatically impact the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. Consider your decor style and the mood you want to convey to guide your sheen selection.

Play Up Modern Elements with Glossy Paints

Nothing screams sleek, contemporary style more than glossy lacquered cabinets. The ultra-reflective finish gives kitchens a polished, upscale look. Gloss and semi-gloss enamels also make cabinets appear more streamlined and minimalistic. So if your kitchen skews modern, go for the shine.

Warm Up Traditional Kitchens with Satin Paints

For a more classic, traditional kitchen, satin and eggshell sheens are ideal choices. They offer a subtle luster that calls to mind rich wood furnishings and antique brass hardware. These midrange sheens provide a nostalgic Old World charm perfect for Tuscan, country or farmhouse decors.

Factor in Your Kitchen's Lighting

The natural and artificial lighting in your kitchen should also inform your paint sheen selection. How the finish interacts with light can mean the difference between a bright open space and one that feels dark and closed-off.

Play Up Natural Lighting with Semi-Gloss

Kitchens washed in abundant natural light present the perfect opportunity to take advantage of light-reflecting semi-gloss paints. The glossy finish will amplify sunlight streaming in from windows and make the space feel airy and bright.

Brighten Dark Rooms with High-Gloss

For kitchens with minimal windows, high-gloss provides unrivaled light reflection, creating the illusion of a bigger, brighter space. Its mirror-like sheen will reflect both natural and overhead lighting.

Factor in Your Kitchen's Traffic and Use

The amount of activity and wear and tear your kitchen sees should also guide your sheen selection. Consider who uses the space and how often to choose a durable, easy-to-clean finish.

Opt for Durability with Active Families

Busy households with kids and pets put kitchen cabinets through the ringer. For longevity, opt for durable semi-gloss or gloss paints. These high-sheen finishes create a scrubbable, non-porous surface perfect for withstanding high traffic zones.

Choose Easy Cleaning for Avid Cooks

Passionate home chefs know the toll cooking can take on kitchen cabinets with grease, steam, and splatters. Make clean-up easy by selecting a glossier sheen like satin or semi-gloss that wipes down in a breeze.

Types of Sheens for Kitchen Cabinet Paint

Now that we've covered the factors that go into choosing a finish, let's explore some of the most popular cabinet paint sheens and their specific qualities:

Flat/Matte

A completely non-reflective, matte look. Excellent at hiding imperfections but more prone to scuffing and difficult to clean.

Eggshell

Subtle soft sheen, resists yellowing, easy to clean and touch up. Durable but not overly glossy.

Satin

Low-luster smooth finish, resists moisture and daily wear and tear. Ideal balance of sheen and stain resistance.

Semi-Gloss

Medium to high sheen provides elegant, polished look. Very durable and scrubbable but shows imperfections.

Gloss

Ultra high-shine finish reflects most light. Most durable option but requires frequent cleaning.

While sheen is important, proper prep and application are also key to a long-lasting, beautiful painted finish for your cabinets. Be sure to thoroughly clean and lightly sand cabinets prior to painting. Apply 2-3 thin, even coats of a high-quality cabinet paint for full coverage. Give plenty of dry time between coats and before use. With the ideal sheen and careful application, you can showcase your kitchen cabinets like never before!