At a glance, the two perform similarly, but a deep analysis of the most important performance factors such as durability, maintenance, and appearance, will help you decide semi gloss or satin for cabinets.
Your decision will indeed impact your entire kitchen looks, so choose wisely.
Overview of Cabinet Finishes
Before we move on to the detailed comparison between satin vs semi gloss kitchen cabinets, let’s first define them,
The satin finish on the kitchen cabinets is a mid-sheen surface appearance. It falls somewhere between a fully matte and high gloss finish, offering a beautiful balance between reflectivity and mattness.
A matte finish is practical for hiding fingerprints and smudges and looks elegant. A satin finish combines it with a slight sheen which makes it even more beautiful and visually appealing.
Kitchen cabinets with satin finish are frequently used for different styles, including traditional and contemporary, which highlights the versatility of this subtle finish.
The semi-gloss finish on the kitchen cabinet is similar to the satin one, but it captures and reflects more light because the base is glossy and not matte. It is a smooth and moderately shiny finish which highlights color depth. Semi-gloss finish is great for its stain resistance and is popular for simple cleaning. People use it for kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, trim, and moldings.
Aesthetic Appeal
The finish of your kitchen cabinets affects the entire kitchen looks, and it is what most people consider when determining between semi gloss vs satin cabinets.
Satin Finish
If you lean towards a subtle impression, soft structures, and versatility, you may consider a satin finish for its elegant look and muted tones. Such a look is wonderful for creating a cozy atmosphere and homes with big families who love to spend time in their kitchens.
An additional benefit of the satin finish kitchen cabinets is their ability to hide imperfections and fingerprints. So, if you have youngsters touching everything and leaving stains on every surface they come into contact with, a satin finish on the cabinets will ensure a clean look.
The downsides include:
- The color of the cabinet may look uneven under different lighting
- Soft sheen may not highlight the color depth
- Satin finish shows scratches sooner than semi-gloss
Semi-Gloss Finish
Homeowners who prefer a bright and polished appearance will enjoy the semi-gloss finish more. It is also great for making your kitchen brighter without having to install additional lighting fixtures because the finish reflects light.
A semi-gloss finish is an excellent choice if you want to showcase unique wood grain on the cabinetry and add color depth to your cabinets.
Most downsides of the semi-gloss cabinets are related to maintenance:
- Require frequent cleaning of smudges and fingerprints
- Imperfections are more visible
- The glare may be uncomfortable
Durability and Maintenance
If you don’t mind the appearance that much, explore durability and cleaning requirements before you decide on satin or semi-gloss for cabinets.
Satin Finish
Those who worry about scratches and dents may prioritize satin finish cabinets over semi-gloss, because of their excellent resistance to scratches and dents. At the same time, you can easily fix visible imperfections.
Therefore, if you spend a lot of time in your kitchen and you are worried about scratches, a satin finish might be the solution. You’ll still have to clean the surfaces often, but the smudges are less likely to be visible.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss finish remains intact for longer, showcasing its incredible resistance to moisture and stains. Cleaning the surface is easy and the crumbles are visible, so you are less likely to skip places and leave the kitchen unevenly cleaned.
Experts recommend a semi-gloss finish for high-traffic kitchen areas with plenty of spills and a lot of cooking!
Practical Considerations
Which is better for you – cabinet paint semi gloss or satin, depends on your lifestyle and kitchen habits.
Kitchen Use
If you have children or pets, satin finish on kitchen cabinets is a secret solution to keeping the kitchen looking clean and polished even during most busy days. It hides marks and fingerprints on its semi-matte surface.
Modern families which prefer a clean and polished look will enjoy semi-gloss better. Such a finish will also blend better in contemporary kitchens.
Lighting
As an important factor in the overall look and atmosphere of the kitchen, light determines paint for cabinets, satin vs semi gloss. If you have a lot of natural light coming through large windows, choose a satin finish to prevent glare.
On the other hand, if you lack light, and your kitchen is overly dark and small, focusing on semi-gloss cabinets can make the kitchen feel and look larger.
Cost and Availability
The cost of satin or semi-gloss for kitchen cabinets is an important determining factor for homeowners looking for cost-effective solutions. If that sounds like you, consider the initial investment with the effect the finish creates and the need for repairs and maintenance.
Cost Comparison
In general, satin and semi-gloss finish cabinets are similarly priced with slight variations, depending on the brand and quality.
However, more often, satin paint is more affordable, due to its lower gloss level. Manufacturers may charge more for semi and high-gloss cabinets because of the enhanced durability.
Availability
When it comes to availability, it is the same with semi gloss or satin for kitchen cabinets. Both are equally available and popular. However, if you have a specific style in mind, you should do thorough research to see which manufacturers offer it.
Style and Design Trends
Generally, kitchen remodeling isn’t a seasonal project, which means you’ll have to be careful when following dramatic trends and popular style features. When picking cabinet paint: satin or semi-gloss, current trends should play a role, but more importantly, ensure your choice matches your style and maintenance preferences.
At the moment, satin finish cabinets are more popular than semi gloss cabinets for their features:
- Subtle look and understated sheen which blends well with modern and minimalistic designs
- Aesthetic – modern look with a touch of sophistication
- Consoling smugness – alights with a busy lifestyle for people who don’t have time to spend hours polishing their cabinets
Semi-gloss finish cabinets remain the top choice for people enjoying their traditional appearance. They are also good alternatives for minimalistic kitchens of people who find high-gloss too glossy and tacky.
With the rising popularity of transitional styles and mixes between modern elements and traditional designs, semi-gloss cabinets have been rising in popularity. It is also good for eclectic and art-deco kitchen styles, adding necessary character and depth to the space.
Expert Opinions and Recommendations
When deciding on satin vs semi gloss professional interior designers consider the same factors we mentioned – durability, aesthetic, visual impact, etc.
For Artem Kropovinsky, a designer and founder of Arsight company based in NYC, satin finish has a soft look and is a versatile option for various styles and materials.
On the other hand, interior designer Helen Shaw from Benjamin Moore highlights the ability of the semi-gloss finish to showcase the architectural details of your space.
According to her, the semi-glossy look makes a sophisticated statement on particular features and has great potential in interior design. Overall, most interior designers prefer a satin finish for a classy ambiance and a semi and high-gloss finish for a more dramatic artistic expression.
Conclusion
Is satin paint good for kitchen cabinets? The answer is yes! It is easy to touch up, doesn’t show smudges and fingerprints, and is readily available for all modern, sleek, minimalistic, and classy kitchen styles.
If you paint kitchen cabinets with a semi-gloss finish expect a beautiful and bright kitchen, with extra durability and the ability to make dark kitchens better
What are your personal preferences for kitchen cabinet finish? For more information and advice on your kitchen option and available finishes, contact A Plus Marble.
FAQ
Which finish is easier to clean: semi gloss or satin for cabinets?
The semi-gloss finish on kitchen cabinets is easy to clean because the surface is smooth and reflective, you can buff out any marks and smudges quickly, leaving the area crystal clear in several minutes.
Which specific kitchen styles suit satin or semi-gloss finishes better?
Satin finish is a better option for cottage and farm-house style kitchens, because of its subtle sheen and warm vibe. A semi-gloss finish is a better option for industrial and urban kitchen styles, with exposed bricks and metal accents.
Why should I consider lighting when choosing the material and finish for my kitchen cabinets?
Lighting alters the perception, so your kitchen cabinets can look darker or lighter under different lighting. Moreover, the satin finish isn’t that reflective and it looks best under soft light. With cooler light, the satin finish looks dull. The semi-gloss finish becomes more vibrant with the bright light.
