Selecting the right paint finish for your kitchen walls and cabinets is an important decision that can dramatically impact the look, feel and functionality of your space. With so many paint finishes to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which option is best suited for a kitchen. This comprehensive guide examines the most popular paint finishes for kitchen walls and cabinets, outlining the pros, cons and best uses for each.
Introduction
When painting kitchen walls and cabinets, you’ll typically be deciding between paint finishes that fall into one of two main categories:
Sheens – These finishes have a glossy, reflective quality and include options like high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell.
Flats – These have a matte, non-reflective finish and include flat or matte paint.
Beyond basic sheens vs flats, there are also specialty finishes like lacquer, glazes, stains and chalk paint that each give a unique look and feel.
Below we break down the best uses for common kitchen paint finishes, factors to consider, and top tips for achieving the perfect painted kitchen.
Best Paint Finishes for Kitchen Walls
Matte or Flat Finish
Pros
- Excellent at hiding surface imperfections
- Provides a smooth uniform look
- Reflects very little light for a soft appearance
Cons
- More difficult to clean
- Prone to scuffing and stains
- Not very durable
Best For
- Walls in low traffic areas
- Walls without much prep work
- Walls with heavy textures or imperfections
Matte or flat paints contain no to very little paint sheen. This lack of reflectivity allows them to hide surface irregularities well. The downside is that they are harder to clean and less durable. Use flat paints for kitchen walls in low traffic zones or areas without much preparation. Flat works well for walls with heavy textures.
Eggshell Finish
Pros
- Provides subtle soft sheen
- Highly washable and durable
- Resists yellowing and stains
- Touch-up paint blends well
Cons
- Not as adept at hiding imperfections
- Shows more sheen variations than flat
Best For
- High traffic kitchen walls
- Walls with some minor imperfections
- Overall workhorse finish for kitchen walls
Eggshell, which has a delicate soft glow, is a popular choice for kitchen walls. It is much more washable than flat paint, and holds up better to cleaning, scrubbing and daily wear-and-tear. The subtle eggshell sheen helps hide some minor imperfections. It offers a great balance of aesthetics and practicality.
Satin Finish
Pros
- Durable, stain resistant and washable
- Richer look compared to eggshell
- Hides imperfections well
Cons
- Higher sheen shows more flaws
- Visible touch ups
Best For
- Kitchen walls in high traffic zones
- Walls that are well-prepped and flawless
- Accent walls and backsplashes
Satin paint has more luster than eggshell, ranging between 10-25% gloss. It is extremely durable, washable and resistant to moisture and stains. Use satin for kitchen walls that get a lot of action, such as near stoves, sinks and pantries. It works best on smoothed, well-primed surfaces since the higher sheen accentuates flaws. Satin is ideal for accent walls or backsplashes.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Pros
- Very shiny, glossy appearance
- Extensively washable
- Highly stain resistant
- Enhances accent walls
Cons
- Reveals any wall imperfections
- Susceptible to showing overlaps
- Gloss shows more yellowing over time
Best For
- Backsplashes
- Focal accent walls
- High moisture areas
Semi-gloss has a radiant sheen around 40-50% gloss that makes it the shiniest wall paint finish. It has stellar washability, stain resistance and is great for kitchen accent walls. Only use it on flawless surfaces since the high gloss exaggerates any imperfections. Semi-gloss needs multiple coats for full coverage but makes a dramatic impact.
Best Finishes for Kitchen Cabinets
Lacquer Finish
Pros
- Smooth, durable, glass-like surface
- Resists scratches, stains and moisture
- Long-lasting with minimal touch-ups
- Provides consistency between cabinets
Cons
- High VOCs require proper ventilation
- Shows imperfections
- Spray application is advised
Best For
- New or remodeled contemporary kitchens
- A sleek, modern cabinet look
- Kitchens with children or high use
Lacquer is a solvent-based liquid that dries into a crystal clear, shiny coating. Used on cabinets, lacquer creates a smooth, glass-like surface that strongly resists scratches, spills and stains. It provides a durable uniform finish across cabinets. Lacquer does have high VOCs so proper ventilation is key. Expect a contemporary look.
Polyurethane Finish
Pros
- Extremely durable and moisture resistant
- Provides a smooth, glass-like coating
- Resists fading, scratches and stains
- Oil-based has high gloss options
Cons
- Long drying and curing times
- Noticeable brush strokes
- Darkens wood more than other finishes
Best For
- Kitchens with children or high use
- Desired sleek, modern look
- Existing cabinets with polyurethane
Polyurethane is renowned for its tough, protective coating that resists heat, spills, and scratches. Oil-based polyurethane dries slowly but provides maximum durability and high-gloss sheen. The coating darkens wood slightly. Use polyurethane for high-wear kitchens or matching existing cabinets. Proper prep and application is key.
Paint and Primer in One
Pros
- Combines primer and paint for simplicity
- Resists stains and moisture damage
- Formulated for adhesion and durability on cabinets
Cons
- Sheen and finish can be inconsistent
- Touch-ups may show
- Prone to brush marks without sanding
Best For
- Quick and simple cabinet painting projects
- Budget-friendly option
- Beginner DIY painters
Paint and primer in one provides a simplified cabinet painting solution. It adheres well to cabinet surfaces while providing stain and moisture resistance. Results may not be as smooth and durable as separate paint and primer but it gets the job done quickly. Great for DIYers painting cabinets on a budget.
Key Factors When Choosing a Finish
Consider the following when deciding on the best kitchen paint finish:
- Traffic – High-traffic kitchens do best with durable options like satin, semi-gloss or lacquer. For low to medium use, eggshell and polyurethane offer good durability.
- Preparation – Flaws and imperfections will be exaggerated by glossier paints. Well-prepped surfaces are essential for semigloss, lacquer and gloss polyurethane.
- Cleaning – Look for highly washable, stain-resistant finishes like lacquer, polyurethane or satin if your kitchen sees a lot of mess and spills.
- Kids & Pets – Opt for ultra-durable finishes like lacquer or polyurethane if kids and pets will be around.
- Style – Eggshell and satin provide a nice balance for variety of kitchen aesthetics. Lacquer and gloss have contemporary flair.
- Existing Finishes – Match existing cabinet or wall finishes for consistency.
Application Tips for a Professional Paint Finish
Follow these top tips to get expert, flawless results when painting kitchen walls and cabinets:
- Clean Surfaces Thoroughly – Remove all grease and grime from walls and degrease cabinets so paint adheres properly.
- Sand and Patch – Lightly sand walls and cabinets and fill any cracks or holes for a smooth foundation.
- Prime Properly – Use quality primer formulated for kitchen surfaces. Tint primer to match paint color.
- Pay Attention to Ventilation – Ensure proper air flow and ventilation as you paint, especially when using lacquer, polyurethane or oil-based paints.
- Use High-Quality Brushes/Rollers – Invest in good tools such as microfiber rollers and angled brushes to avoid brush marks.
- Apply Multiple Thin Coats – Build up coverage with 2-3 thin, even coats rather than one thick coat.
- Sand Lightly Between Coats – For cabinets, lightly sand each coat to ensure perfectly smooth finish.
- Inspect Closely – Closely inspect for drips or flaws between coats. Touch up as needed.
With the right prep work, application and products, you can achieve a magazine-worthy painted kitchen. Carefully consider the pros and cons of each paint finish to select the best option for your space, needs and style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular paint finish for kitchen walls?
Eggshell is generally the most popular and commonly used kitchen wall paint finish. It provides subtle sheen, durability and washability while still hiding minor flaws well.
What paint finish is best for kitchens with kids?
Lacquer and polyurethane provide maximum durability and stain resistance for kitchens with children. Their ultra-smooth finish also makes them easy to clean when little hands leave smudges and smears.
What finish should you avoid for kitchen walls?
Flat or matte finish should typically be avoided for kitchen walls, unless used in very low traffic areas. Flat is difficult to clean, scratches easily and lacks the durability needed for kitchen wear and tear.
Should you use the same paint finish on walls and cabinets?
Walls and cabinets do not necessarily need to match in finish, and often benefit from different sheens. A popular combination is satin or semi-gloss cabinets paired with eggshell or matte finish walls.
Can you use chalk paint on kitchen cabinets?
Yes, chalk paint can be used to provide a trendy, matte, distressed look on kitchen cabinets. The finish should be sealed with a topcoat like wax or polyurethane for protection.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal paint finish for your kitchen walls and cabinets involves considering durability, washability, style goals and preparation level. Use flats and eggshells where imperfection hiding is key, satin and semi-gloss for durability, and lacquer or polyurethane for maximum resistance. With an array of finishes to explore, you can achieve exactly the look, feel and practicality needed in your kitchen. Follow best application practices for a flawless professional result.