Satin vs. Semi Gloss Kitchen Cabinets

Finish

• The term “finish” in painting refers to the sheen or shine of the surface after the paint dries. Satin finishes offer a mildly glossy finish and are similar to eggshell finishes; both are common due to their durability. Semi-gloss finishes, on the other hand, have a glossier shine that is much more noticeable than satin finishes. Due to the light that this glossier finish reflects, semi-gloss finishes show imperfections under the paint surface, such as dents, dings and scratches, more clearly than satin finishes.

Durability

• When painting kitchen cabinets, use a paint that is durable enough to withstand heavy use causing oil, grease, fingerprints and even scratches or mold. Satin finishes are long-lasting and highly durable for high-traffic areas, but they don't hold up quite as well as semi-gloss against mold and mildew. That's why semi-gloss is often recommended for cabinets in high-moisture environments such as kitchens.

Cleaning and Touching Up

• Painted surfaces typically require cleaning and touching up at some point. Both satin and semi-gloss paints are durable for cleaning. Semigloss paint has an extra protective coating that can be scrubbed, however, so it's easier to clean up stains from markers, crayons and other substances on semi-gloss surfaces. Touching up is a different story, however. Homeowners touch up cabinets to cover scratches or recently patched areas. Satin paint is better for touch-up, as semi-gloss paints tend to amplify imperfections; making touched-up areas more noticeable.

Application and Appearance

• Both satin and semi-gloss paints are easy to apply to cabinets. Since semi-gloss finishes amplify imperfections, however, cabinets that have not been properly sanded might show imperfections that a satin finish would hide. Semi-gloss finishes also will show brush strokes or drips easier than satin finishes. Therefore, when applying a semi-gloss paint, use even brush strokes and apply each coat lightly, rather than using a heavy amount of paint on one coat.