Best Paint Sheen for Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinet Painted for our customer in Jenkintown
Using Sherwin Willaims Emerald Urethane.
Choosing the right paint sheen is just as important as selecting the right color—especially when it comes to cabinet painting. Your kitchen cabinets endure daily use, moisture, grease, and frequent cleaning. As experienced professional painters, we know the right finish can make all the difference in how your cabinets look and hold up over time.
Whether you're a homeowner considering a DIY refresh or searching for local painters near me, here’s a breakdown of the best paint sheens for kitchen cabinets and what to expect from each option.
🔹 1. Semi-Gloss – The Most Recommended Finish
Semi-gloss paint is the top choice for kitchen cabinet painting thanks to its balanced shine and high durability. It resists moisture, grease, and fingerprints—making it a practical, easy-to-clean option for busy kitchens.
Why Homeowners and House Painters Choose Semi-Gloss:
Durable and long-lasting
Easy to wipe clean
Brightens up cabinets without overwhelming shine
Great for both traditional and modern kitchens
✅ Pro Tip: Semi-gloss hides minor imperfections better than high-gloss, making it ideal for both new and older cabinets.
🔹 2. Satin – Soft Sheen, Strong Finish
Satin finishes offer a smooth, velvety look with less shine than semi-gloss, but still deliver solid durability. It’s an excellent choice for cabinets in homes that want a modern, subtle finish that’s still easy to maintain.
Benefits of Satin Sheen:
Easier to clean than matte or flat paints
Gently masks surface flaws
Works well in lower-traffic kitchens
✅ Pro Tip: Satin is great for residential painting projects where a softer, more elegant look is preferred.
🔹 3. High-Gloss – Bold and Ultra-Modern
High-gloss paint delivers a sleek, mirror-like finish. It's extremely durable and highly reflective—ideal for high-end, modern kitchens. However, it requires meticulous surface prep and works best when sprayed by professional painters.
Consider High-Gloss If You Want:
A bold, dramatic finish
Easy cleaning and strong resistance to wear
A high-shine look that makes cabinetry pop
⚠️ Pro Tip: High-gloss highlights every flaw—so prep and application must be flawless.
🔹 4. Matte or Flat – Not Ideal for Cabinets
Flat or matte finishes may work for walls, but they’re not suitable for cabinets. They don’t clean well, absorb grease, and wear down quickly in high-touch areas like kitchens.
Why Skip Matte on Cabinets:
Difficult to maintain
Not moisture-resistant
Shows stains and damage easily
What it looked like before.
The most important part of the project.
Achieving a Flawless Cabinet Makeover: Expert Tips from Professional Painters
Even with the perfect paint sheen, the success of your cabinet painting project comes down to proper prep and technique. At Precision Works Painting, our team of professional painters follows a detailed process to ensure every kitchen cabinet looks flawless and stands the test of time.
Whether you're tackling a DIY project or searching for local painters, here’s a step-by-step breakdown to achieve a long-lasting, professional-grade finish.
🧼 1. Prep Is Everything
Clean Thoroughly
Start by removing grease, grime, and dirt using a degreaser or strong cleaner—especially around the stove area where buildup is common.
Remove Hardware
Take off all knobs, handles, and hinges. Label them to make reassembly easier after the paint dries.
Sand the Surface
Use 120-grit sandpaper to scuff the surface. This removes old gloss and helps the new paint adhere better for a smoother finish.
🎯 2. Prime Like a Pro
A high-quality primer is critical to long-term durability. For interior painting or exterior painting on high-use surfaces like cabinets, we often recommend oil-based or bonding primers for:
Better adhesion
Superior stain blocking
A smooth, even base for painting
✅ Pro Tip: Oil-based primers are ideal for cabinets with heavy use or previous stains.
🛠 3. Use the Right Tools for a Professional Finish
Spray Finish
Use a fine-finish tip on your sprayer
Thin your paint slightly for better control
Apply multiple thin coats for even coverage
Brush and Roller
Choose high-quality foam rollers and synthetic brushes
Apply paint in smooth, even strokes
Minimize brush marks with steady technique
🔄 4. Sand Between Coats
After each coat of primer or paint dries, gently sand the surface with 220-grit sandpaper. This helps remove small imperfections and gives your finish that smooth, factory-like look. Always wipe off dust before applying the next coat.
⏳ 5. Let It Cure
While cabinets may be dry to the touch in a few hours, full curing takes several days. Avoid using the cabinets too soon—this gives the paint time to harden and ensures a long-lasting, durable finish.
🖌 Our Top Sheen Picks for Cabinet Painting
Semi-Gloss: The most popular choice for house painters—easy to clean, moisture-resistant, and provides a fresh, polished look.
Satin: A softer alternative with less shine but still durable and practical for kitchens.
High-Gloss: Perfect for bold, modern kitchens—just make sure the surface prep is flawless to avoid highlighting imperfections.
✨ Bring Your Cabinets Back to Life with Professional Painters
With the right prep, products, and tools, cabinet painting can completely transform your kitchen. At Precision Works Painting, we specialize in residential painting and commercial painting, helping homeowners in Philadelphia, Willow Grove, Somerton, and surrounding areas achieve showroom-quality results.
Whether you want a modern update or a clean, timeless look, our team of licensed local painters is here to deliver precision, durability, and beauty—one coat at a time.
📞 Ready to get started?
Contact Precision Works Painting today for a free consultation and let’s bring your dream kitchen to life.
