If you’re undergoing a kitchen renovation, then choosing the right kitchen cabinet finishes for your new kitchen cabinets will be right up your list. It might sound like an easy enough decision to make at first, but selecting the right finish involves a lot of consideration. The finish of your kitchen cabinets can make or break the look of your kitchen. It’s not just about aesthetics but also durability and maintenance. You need to determine if you need a matte or gloss kitchen top finish and what colour would go well with your overall kitchen design. There are numerous kitchen cupboard material options, from kitchen cabinet wood finishes to various types of kitchen cabinet finishes. The following guide should help you choose the right finish for your kitchen cabinets. It will provide insights into the best kitchen cupboard finishes and how to match them with your kitchen style.
Understanding Kitchen Cabinet Finishes
The right kitchen cabinet finish is vital for both appearance and longevity. A good finish protects cabinets from daily wear, stains, and spills.
There are many kinds of modern kitchen cabinet finishes and materials. Each finish enhances your cabinets’ style in unique ways.
Here’s a quick overview of common kitchen cupboard finishes available:
- Stained Finishes: Highlight natural wood grain and texture.
- Painted Finishes: Choose from a wide variety of colors of colours for a smooth look.
- Glazed Finishes: Add depth and contrast to cabinet details.
- Natural Finishes: Keep the wood’s original colour and character intact.
Choosing the right type depends on your kitchen’s design and your taste. The finish plays a key role in the overall look and feel.
Kitchen Cabinet Materials
Whether you have chosen solid wood doors, MDF, Plywood or particleboard for your kitchen cabinets, the finish will serve as the final touch that will complete the look of your kitchen cabinets. Each type of finish has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on what look and functionality you’re trying to achieve.
For example, solid timber doors can simply be sealed with a coating of oil. But if you want a more durable finish, you can paint your timber doors with clear or coloured polyurethane. This is the beauty of kitchen cabinets. You aren’t just limited to the look of the kitchen furniture material used. You can put whatever finish you desire to achieve your desired look.
Laminate Kitchen Cupboards
Laminate kitchen cupboards are popular for those seeking a budget-friendly and low-maintenance option. Laminate cupboards can offer a sleek and modern appearance in various colours and patterns. They are resistant to moisture and stains, making them ideal for busy kitchens. However, laminate may not have the same depth of texture as wood finishes, which is something to consider based on your aesthetic preference.
Melamine Kitchen Cabinets
Melamine is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets due to its affordability and durability. It is made by applying a melamine resin to a substrate, usually particleboard or MDF. Melamine kitchen cupboards are known for their resistance to moisture, heat, and scratches, making them ideal for the busy kitchen environment.
Melamine versus Laminate
Melamine is a popular choice for cabinets, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms because of its durability, moisture resistance, and heat tolerance. It is also used for countertops, shelves, and furniture.
Laminate is versatile material, used for cabinets and beyond. Its variety of patterns and textures allows for creative interior designs.
While both materials share some similarities, they have distinct differences:
- Composition: Melamine consists of a resin layer bonded to a substrate, while laminate is made of layers of paper or fabric pressed together.
- Aesthetics: Melamine typically features solid colours or wood grain patterns. Laminate offers a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures, including wood or stone looks.
- Durability: Melamine is more resistant to stains or scratches. It is less prone to chipping or peeling than laminate.
- Price: Melamine is usually more affordable due to its cost-effective manufacturing process.
When choosing between the two, consider:
- Budget: Laminate is a more budget friendly option.
- Aesthetics: Laminate offers more colours and design variety.
- Durability: Melamine is more resistant to damage like stains or scratches.
- Longevity: With a proper care, both materials have a long lifespan. Melamine is, however, more resistant to chipping and peeling, what makes it a more durable option long-term.
 Polyurethane Kitchen Cabinets
Polyurethane is a premium finish that offers a glossy, sleek look for kitchen cabinets. This finish is achieved by applying multiple coats of polyurethane paint, creating a hard, durable surface that resists scratches and stains. Polyurethane kitchen cabinets are known for their high-quality appearance and long-lasting performance.
The main disadvantage of a polyurethane cabinet finish is its cost. It tends to be more expensive than both melamine and laminate. Still, its durability and aesthetic appeal can make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-end look. Polyurethane finishes require professional application to ensure a smooth, even coat.
Wood Kitchen Cabinet Finishes
Using wood for cupboards bring warmth and elegance to any kitchen. The finishes applied to wood can significantly influence the overall look and lifespan of the cabinets. Common finishes for wood cabinets include stain, paint, and clear polyurethane.
Choosing the Best Finish for Your Kitchen
When selecting the right finish, consider factors such as your kitchen’s overall style, your budget, and your lifestyle. Wood finishes like stain or clear polyurethane can add elegance and warmth for a more traditional look. Melamine or laminate may be more suitable if you prefer a modern and easy-to-maintain option.
The best finish for your kitchen cabinets depends on your personal preferences and how you use your kitchen. By understanding the properties of each finish, you can make a decision that enhances your space’s beauty and functionality.
Types of Kitchen Cabinet Finishes
Cabinet finishes greatly influence the ambience of your kitchen. Different types offer various visual effects and maintenance benefits.
There are three primary types of finishes to consider: matte, semi-gloss, and high-gloss.
Matte Finish
If you opt for a more traditional-style kitchen, then a matte finish will work best with it. Unlike a high gloss finish, the matte finish doesn’t reflect light and will give your cabinets a more flat look. It adds an heir of simplicity that you won’t find in glossy cabinets.
Having a matte finish on your kitchen cabinet is actually the best way to keep the colours of your kitchen more consistent. However, it does give off a more muted look, and it won’t make the space look bigger than it should be. Please remember that cabinets with a matte finish need extra care when cleaning since the surface isn’t as smooth as those with a glossy exterior.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Semigloss cabinets are often a go-to choice for those seeking a versatile option. A semi-gloss finish provides a subtle sheen that enhances the overall look without overwhelming the space. This finish is particularly effective for cabinetry and trim, as it can make details pop while still providing a durable surface that withstands the wear and tear of everyday use.
Moreover, its wipeable nature ensures that spills and stains are easily managed, making it an ideal candidate for bustling kitchens where food prep and family gatherings occur. However, it’s important to note that while semi-gloss can mask minor flaws better than an entirely glossy finish, it may still highlight surface imperfections more than a matte alternative.
High Gloss Finish
High gloss is by far the most requested finish in most projects because of how good it looks in almost any kitchen design. Homeowners who want a more contemporary look for their kitchen should always go for a high gloss finish for their kitchen cabinets. Having a high gloss finish allows the reflection of light, making your space look and feel more spacious than it actually is. If you have limited space in your kitchen, this gloss would be perfect for making it feel less cramped.
The paler the colour of your cabinet, the more reflection it can give off once you put a high gloss finish on it. However, please bear in mind that this reflective quality will also reflect other colours within the room on those surfaces. So, if you have a lot of colours in your kitchen, they can all be easily reflected on your shiny kitchen surfaces.
Each type has pros and cons, so weighing them based on kitchen activity and visual preference is crucial. Whether you prefer subtle or bold, there’s a finish that can complement your kitchen cabinet styles.
Matching Cabinet Finish with Kitchen Style
Choosing a cabinet finish that aligns with your kitchen’s style is essential. Different finishes can highlight specific kitchen themes, such as modern, traditional, or rustic.
High-quality kitchen finishes can add a sleek and contemporary feel for a modern look. The reflective surface pairs well with minimalistic and streamlined designs.
A semi-gloss finish complements the classic elements if your kitchen leans toward traditional styles. Its moderate sheen works well with detailed cabinetry and warm wood tones.
Rustic styles benefit from matt finish cabinets. The subdued look enhances the natural charm and creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Each finish can shape your kitchen’s design, contributing to the overall visual harmony.
Durability and Maintenance Considerations
Durability is key when selecting kitchen cabinet finishes, especially in high-traffic areas. Some finishes withstand daily wear better than others.
High-gloss finishes offer a resilient surface, resisting scratches and stains effectively. Their smooth texture also makes cleanup quick and easy.
Matte finishes, while aesthetically pleasing, may show smudges more easily. Regular dusting and gentle cleaning of the matt finish can help maintain their look.
For a balanced option, semi-gloss finishes provide durability with moderate maintenance needs. They resist moisture and can be wiped down with minimal effort. Consider these factors to keep your cabinets looking their best over time.
Testing and Professional Application
Before settling on a cabinet finish, it’s wise to test samples. Testing helps ensure the chosen finish matches your kitchen’s style and lighting.
For intricate finishes or high-end applications, consider hiring a professional. Their expertise can enhance the final appearance and ensure quality workmanship.
Conclusion: Making Decision
The finish on your kitchen cabinets can transform the space.
The debate of whether to go for a glossy, Semi-Gloss or matte finish depends on what particular style you’re going for in the kitchen. Reach out to us and we will create a design that suits your taste and budget.
For more inspiration, take a look at our kitchen projects for modern kitchen designs and farmhouse / shaker style kitchens.
Look Cabinets offers the finest handmade cabinets you’ll ever find on the Sunshine Coast. We take pride in the level of craftsmanship and quality that we provide in every project that we do. Let our kitchen design experts walk you through to make sure you get a functional and beautifully designed kitchen in your home. Suppose you’re looking for a Sunshine Coast cabinet maker with the skill and expertise for any project. In that case, Look Cabinets is the one for you. Contact us today to get started!