Most homeowners in the Greater Columbus, Ohio focus primarily on paint color when repainting their kitchen cabinets. However, not many think about the type of finish. While color is just as important, the finish or sheen will also determine how well the paint holds up and other characteristics such as light reflection and ability to hide surface imperfections.
So, what is a paint sheen? You might be wondering. Paints for kitchen cabinets and other forms of woodwork come in various sheens. “Sheen” is a term used to describe the level of glossiness or shininess that a paint emits once it has dried.
Different manufacturers use different terms to describe the levels of shininess. But there are essentially five types of cabinet paint finishes: flat (matte), semi-gloss, gloss, eggshell, and satin.
The levels of paint sheen are technically identified by the amount of light they reflect. Shinier paints contain relatively higher levels of binders and resins that create the smooth, shiny, hard finish. On the other hand, less glossy, flat paints tend to have higher levels of pigments.
Most homeowners find semi-gloss or satin paints to be the best for kitchen cabinets. If you’re repainting your entire kitchen, a perfect combination would be to use satin paint on the kitchen walls and semi-gloss paint on cabinets and woodwork. Highly industrious kitchens might benefit more from high-gloss paints since they can withstand regular washing and scrubbing.
In the end, the type of finish you choose will all depend on your preferences. If you want shinier and super easy to clean cabinets, choose a glossy sheen. If you’re looking for a finish that hides surface imperfections but still relatively easy to clean, go for the satin sheen.
In addition to providing high-quality and durable painting results, hiring professional painting contractors can help you sort out additional issues such as color, type of finish and sheen. And that is one more important consideration to put in mind in your plan to repaint your kitchen cabinets.
As part of the covid-19 situation, we are now offering virtual estimates. You can connect with us on Google duo, or by phone. First, take as many photos as you can of your projects and email or text them to us. We will send a quote within 24 to 48 hours. Contact us today to get started.