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Choosing the Best Paint Sheen for Your Cabinets

When discussing paint, the term "finish" or "sheen" refers to the degree of shininess or glossiness visible once the paint has dried. The finish of the paint plays a crucial role in the functionality and appearance of your cabinets.


You would think that after you choose your color, you've got the hard part behind you, but you might be surprised to know that your paint sheen choice is also very important as it affects the following aspects of your cabinetry:


  • Color - The color of your cabinetry can appear darker or lighter depending on the sheen.

  • Durability - Knicks and dings are not fun! Some sheens handle this better than others.

  • Ability to Clean - You're bound to get those kitchen and bathroom cabinets dirty - how easy to clean is your cabinetry's finish?

  • Overall aesthetic - Don't forget that different sheens give a more modern vs. traditional look.


The paint swatches above are ALL the SAME color, but different finishes. Notice how the full gloss option looks much darker.



Understanding the Differences Between Paint Sheens/Finishes


When selecting paint for your home, it's essential to understand the different finishes available. Manufacturers sometimes have different names for their finishes, but typically categorize paint sheens into five types: flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. Each finish has unique characteristics that make it suitable for different spaces and purposes.


"Dead" Flat


  • Flat paints diffuse light, which helps to hide flaws

  • Hard to clean

  • Oils from your skin can cause it too appear shiny

  • Best for low-traffic areas


Matte

Contemporary Kitchen with a matte finish

  • A smooth, understated finish that can be almost velvety in appearance

  • Flaws are less noticeable

  • Tends to accumulate dirt and are challenging to clean

  • Even gentle scrubbing can wear away the paint

  • Best for low-traffic areas











Eggshell


  • A low-luster finish that shares many of the benefits of satin paints

  • Slightly more durable than flat paints, eggshell finishes resist stains and scuffs better and can be scrubbed clean more easily than flat finishes.

  • Best for walls with moderate traffic and ceilings


Satin


  • A versatile and sophisticated look, ideal for rooms with higher activity levels

  • Durable making it perfect for kitchen and bathroom walls

  • An overall good multi-purpose paint


Semi-Gloss


  • Known for its ease of cleaning and its light-reflective sheen

  • Used for high-traffic areas like hallways and for woodwork

  • Can draw attention to surface imperfections


Gloss (High-Gloss)


  • The shiniest option available, this sheen tends to give a more vibrant and modern feel

  • Easiest paint finish to clean, however over time the oils from our hands and frequent washing can cause the sheen to dull in high traffic areas.

  • The high reflectivity of gloss paint can emphasize flaws, which might be undesirable in certain spaces.

  • Generally, the higher the gloss level, the richer and more vibrant the color appears.


High gloss sheen: Vibrant colors give a modern feel; Right: Designer - Mel Bean Interiors


Sullivan's Standard Paint Finish


At Sullivan's we have a special formulated blend we call our Standard Finish. We've found it to be an excellent overall choice for finishing any cabinetry. In the range of finishes, it falls between matte and eggshell. Ask your sales person to learn more about this custom blend!



Projects with our Sullivan's Standard Finish


Important Note About Any Cabinetry Finish


Just like a car, which is made of durable metal, can get dings and scrapes, so can your cabinetry! Wood is soft compared to metal and will inevitably show wear over time. It's important to understand this when choosing your wood choice, paint color and finish. If you have a rowdy family always bustling in your kitchen, you need to plan your design accordingly.


Final Thoughts


Paint sheen seems like a small choice, but planning ahead could save you some headaches down the road! As with any design choice for your home, we recommend really thinking about your family's needs, wants and lifestyle when factoring in this important element. If you're having trouble deciding, our sales people are experts at helping our clients make the best choices for their space. You can also view Our Galleries for inspiration!



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