What Paint Sheen Do You Put in the Kitchen?

Gloss and Semigloss Paints

• The higher the gloss, the more easily paint finishes are to maintain. Gloss paints are the shiniest, so they show spots more readily than less glossy types, but they are the toughest and most stain-resistant and can be repeatedly washed without marring the surface. This makes these paint types a top choice for kitchen walls, trim, windowsills and cabinets. Semigloss paints have a little less sheen, wear as well as gloss paints and can be used interchangeably with gloss paints if you prefer a softer luster in the room. Retouching gloss and semigloss paints is difficult, because the new paint is significantly shinier than the old coat.

Satin and Eggshell Paint

• Satin finish paints have a bit more luster than flat paints, are easier to wipe clean than flat varieties and resist stains. Since satin finishes are not as sturdy as glossy ones, they are appropriate for kitchen walls and cabinets that are removed from the food preparation area or in kitchens that are rarely used for serious culinary tasks or conventional stove cooking. Eggshell paint has the stain resistance and ease of cleaning of gloss paints, but the moderate sheen doesn’t show spots as easily, so it is a top choice for kitchens. You can retouch these sheens without evidence of the new paint if you use a light touch and keep the retouched spots at a minimum.

Mixing Sheens

• Walls that extend from kitchens into hallways or dining areas are often painted with two different sheens but in the same color to give the rooms continuity. Gloss or semigloss is used on the kitchen walls and then replaced with less glossy types at the point where the new room begins, making the maintenance of the kitchen walls easy without interrupting the flow of the decor. Hard-to-reach kitchen ceilings are frequently painted with lower gloss or flatter paints than the walls, as flatter finishes shows less spotting.

Trims and Flourishes

• When choosing paint sheens for trims, moldings, cabinet handles and pulls, it’s best to stick with high or semigloss paints. These areas typically need more frequent cleaning and have designs that require soft brushes to thoroughly clean them. Lower-gloss paints will deteriorate with frequent cleanings and require repainting.