Should I Use Satin or Gloss Finishing on My Cabinets?

Should I Use Satin or Gloss Finishing on My Cabinets? Home remodeling is not necessarily expensive or demanding. There are simple ways to achieve the modern and sleek kitchen you want, like cabinet repainting.

And don’t underestimate the crisp and fresh vibe you can get from newly painted cabinets!

But as simple as repainting may sound, picking between gloss or satin for your kitchen cabinet installation is a real pickle. Both options are popular and have their own merits, but which one’s perfect for your cabinet’s finishing?

To know which finishing is more suited for you, let’s take a closer look at what each option can offer. Read on – Should I Use Satin or Gloss Finishing on My Cabinets?

What is Gloss Finish

As the name suggests, gloss provides the most sheen compared to other paint finishing options. It’s very reflective and striking but will also give you an overall suave appearance. Using gloss finishing leaves your cabinets looking polished and shiny.

Benefits of Gloss Finish

Aside from its lustrous effects, a glossy paint finish is also likely to give you a more durable cabinet. It’s also easy to maintain because of its moisture-resistant and stain-proof nature. And since it’s shiny, your cabinets will have a more cleanable surface.

Sheen can also brighten up a room to a great extent. Since gloss finish reflects light, it spreads enough natural lighting to a dark room. It means you’ll need lesser electricity during the daytime to keep a room bright and fresh.

The Downside of Gloss Finish

The challenging part of using gloss finish on cabinets, you can’t subdue the surface’s imperfections.

If anything, its reflective properties dramatically highlight the surface flaws you are hiding. Although, you can work your way around it by exerting extra effort to prepare the cabinet for painting. Smoothening the rough edges will usually do the trick.

Another point to take, paints with a high sheen finish may seem overpowering, especially for rooms with excessive light.

Plus, the paint colors may shift and differ depending on the lighting and affect your cabinet’s look. Make sure to consider your room bulbs before using a gloss finish.

Products with Gloss Finish

Many painting and painting products have a natural gloss finish. Here are some of them:

• Gloss finish varnish
• Gloss finish sealants
• Gloss finish spray paints
• Gloss finish clear coat
• Gloss finish paints

Best Application of Gloss Paint

Gloss finish paints are perfect for bathroom and kitchen cabinets because they’re durable and moisture-resistant. It could increase the life span of your cabinets because it’ll withstand water and cleaning.

If accentuating a room is your remodeling goal, consider using gloss paint on your touch-up furniture. It’ll accent your dresser and bookcases more.

What is Satin Finish

A satin finish is close to having a matte effect but not quite. It has a slight sheen, although not as reflective on the surface compared to gloss. The shine is not even noticeable, especially for spaces with less lighting.

Benefits of Satin Finish

The satin finish gives you a smooth surface, and it doesn’t look sticky at all. It’s also durable but for a different reason from gloss finishing. Satin paints will give your cabinets more support to survive wear and tear.

Since it’s smooth, you have an easy-to-clean surface. And as long as you use mild cleaners, your cabinets should not accumulate any damages.

But the best thing about satin finishing is its capability to hide flaws. Uneven cabinet surfaces, slight dents, and dings no more! It doesn’t cover the imperfection entirely, but you’ll barely notice they’re there.

Appearance-wise, the satin finish exudes colors more accurately than the glossy finish. Since lights are not reflecting on your painted furniture, you get the exact color you wanted.

The Downside of Satin Finish

Although satin paints can hide cabinet flaws, they won’t cover huge and obvious dents. It’s also tricky to touch up because the paint layers don’t blend seamlessly. Additionally, being careful with its application is also necessary to not end up with uneven patterns.

This option may not be well suited for inexperienced painters. Otherwise, you may end up with visible bulky and irregular surfaces on your cabinets and drawers.

It’s also worth noting that while satin finishing is highly durable, it’s not moisture-resistant and stain-proof. You may not get strong cabinet protection compared to other finishing products.

Products with Satin Finish

Numerous products can offer a satin finish. You’ll have endless choices for your refinishing and repainting plans. Here are some items with a satin finish:

• Satin finish paint
• Satin finish furniture wax
• Satin finish spray paint
• Satin finish stains

Best Application of Satin Paint

Satin paints are perfect for large spaces without overwhelming lights. Since it’s not as reflective as a glossy finish, it’s a great choice on high-touch surfaces.

Furniture, cabinets, and rooms with naturally high traffic can benefit from satin paints as well.

Other Alternatives

If you need something more in between than glossy and satin finishes, you may consider the semi-gloss finish. It has more sheen than satin but is not as reflective as the glossy finishing. Its sheen level is not striking or distracting, even in areas with so much natural lighting.

Like gloss finish, semi-gloss is also perfect for touch-up furniture. Using it on your kitchen drawer and cabinets will provide a unique style and amplify brightness to accentuate the kitchen.

Advantages of Semi-gloss

• Durable
• Safe from scrubbing
• Moisture-resistant, suitable for cabinets in the humid spots
• Perfect for tiny space with minimal light

Downside of Semi-gloss

• Highlights flaws
• Not suitable for uneven cabinet surfaces
• Cannot cover dents

Should I Use Satin or Gloss Finishing on My Cabinets? – Conclusion

If you weigh in which is better, satin or gloss, you’ll realize each has its strength and vulnerability. Both can offer a unique look to your drawers and cabinets.

But before deciding, it’s important to examine the area that requires finishing. Are there excessive lights that will reflect on your cabinets and furniture? Are you worried about durability or wear and tear support? Are your drawers or cabinets mounted on a tiny space?

Once you answered these key points, you can narrow down the best finishing product suited for your project. And don’t forget to look at every downside and disadvantage as well. Remember, the finishing you choose must alight with what you prefer and need. Or you can always check your other alternatives.