Gloss, Satin or Matt Kitchen – Choosing What Is Best For You
For some, this is an easy decision, as they already know the look they prefer.
Whether you love a high shine, prefer no shine, or want something inbetween, here is a break down to help you make an informed decision
Gloss Finishes have a more opulent and expensive look. It’s a very eye catching finish, so it creates a bigger impact. Shiny surfaces, like mirrors, are very reflective. Light bounces off gloss,hence creating more light, which in turn also adds extra dimension and space. This is an especially good choice where there isn’t a lot of natural light, or your space is on the small side.
The gloss level can vary due to light source and position though. For instance, eye level cabinets may pick up and reflect more light than lower level cabinets.
Manufactured gloss finishes are usually more expensive and don’t have the same colour range.
They also look best left sleek and devoid of cabinet handles.
A warning if painting with gloss – Your preparation is paramount, as your surfaces will need to be perfectly smooth. A high gloss will show every single imperfection. So don’t take shortcuts.
Satin or Semi-gloss Finishes are more forgiving. 
It is a more silky smooth look and will still reflect the light, but without an actual surface reflection. Although a more understated look than the gloss, it will still look sleek and fresh. Great for contemporary styles and is ideal for those who like a sheen, but don’t want to spend a great deal of time wiping off little hand prints.
The colour range is good and the cost varies greatly between high end and flat-pack.
Matt Finishes are the most forgiving. Unlike gloss, matt is not dependent on light to define it’s hue, but instead gives you a more solid colour base. Manufactured matt finishes can vary between substrates, giving variable finishes.This can greatly add to the all-over visual appeal.
The colour range is good and the cost again depends greatly on the quality.
Can you mix it up? 
Most definitely. Just because your cabinets are matt, doesn’t mean your floor or bench need to be too. You may like a natural sheen on the floor, low sheen on your walls, high gloss cabinetry, and a highly polished finish on your bench tops. The choice is completely yours.
So what is best?
It boils down to your circumstances, budget and personal taste.Ask yourself the right questions for your circumstances and always get the best you can afford.
The right finish forms the visual basis of your kitchen design. When renovating, the kitchen will probably give you the best bang for your buck. Therefore you want a kitchen revamp that gives you visual impact, high durability and is easy to maintain. However, if you compromise quality for cost, you risk getting a final result that has less visual appeal, has less durability, therefore harder to maintain. Even though it may not be the cheapest, it is the quality of the kitchen that will remain long after the cost has been forgotten.
Rewarding Revamps
Bobbie and Anne Marie
Your Kitchen Queens
Recent Comments