Choosing the Best Finish for Kitchen Cabinets

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Choosing the Best Finish for Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets have a significant contribution to the look and function of the kitchen. You need to give it a lot more attention when choosing one for your kitchen. They are not all the same. You might have given emphasis to the size, style, and color, but probably little thought to the finish. Yet the finish is probably the next most important thing to material when choosing cabinets. The finish will not only greatly affect the look of the cabinet, but it provides the first line of protection against the conditions of the kitchen. This article will focus on the common finishes for kitchen cabinets, and the benefits of each one.

Protective coating

Identify the cabinet substrate and existing finish before choosing a coating. Solid wood, veneers and engineered panels can need different preparation; use a compatible finish system and follow its manufacturer’s instructions.

The required coats, drying intervals and preparation depend on the selected finish system. Do not assume an oil, paint or polyurethane is suitable for every cabinet surface.

The type of coating you use will affect the actual finish of the cabinets. You could go for matte, high gloss, or semi-gloss finish. Find a quick description of each finish below.

Matte finish

Matte is an appearance option for a less reflective cabinet surface. Compare a sample with the door style and the room’s lighting instead of assuming one finish is more popular or suits every kitchen.

A matte finish can be considered for the subdued look you prefer. Its suitability is a design choice; this article does not establish a regional popularity ranking.

Visibility of fingerprints, scratches and marks depends on the color, coating and lighting. Test a finish sample and ask for its written care instructions instead of assuming matte hides dirt or requires less cleaning.

Gloss finish

Gloss finishes reflect light and may suit the appearance you want. Compare samples under your kitchen’s lighting; reflection, fingerprints and visible imperfections depend on the finish and color.

A 100% high gloss is particularly common in small, white kitchens, because it helps brighten up the room, making it look more open and larger. If your kitchen gets very little light, or has a low ceiling, white cabinets with a high gloss finish is the perfect choice. If white is not your choice, you can also achieve the same effect to some degree with colored cabinets, as long as it is a light color, so light colored wood will work with a small, dark kitchen.

Follow the selected finish’s cleaning instructions. A gloss surface can show fingerprints or marks under some lighting; do not assume a daily wipe will remove every stain or keep every coating unchanged.

A glossy surface may reflect surrounding colors and make some marks more noticeable. Compare the actual sample, color and lighting; scratches or finish damage may need assessment rather than wiping.

Semi-gloss

If you are not sure if you can handle either matte or gloss finish, you can strike a middle ground with a semi-gloss finish. It is still reflective, so it is still a good choice for dark kitchens and easy to clean. However, it is not so reflective that it highlights smudges and imperfections on the surface. This is a good choice for most kitchen styles and cabinet colors, and a happy compromise if you don’t like a flat or ultra reflective surface.

Conclusion

Discuss your kitchen or bathroom remodeling plans with GBC Kitchen and Bath. Ask for a free estimate and review the proposed scope, product selections and schedule before work begins. Related: GBC Kitchen and Bath.

Contact our team or visit a showroom to discuss the layout and materials for your project. An estimate should identify the work included and any decisions still needed. GBC offers a three-year workmanship warranty; product warranties depend on their manufacturers’ written terms.

Contact us today to get a free quote for your kitchen upgrade and remodeling needs.

For finish and indoor-air considerations, see the EPA indoor air quality resources; for moisture in kitchens and baths, see the EPA mold and moisture guidance.