It’s Not the Color, It’s the Finish: Why Your Kitchen Paint Look Could End Up Looking 'Cheap' – and the Simple Fix

We spend hours agonizing over paint samples, taking time to ensure the perfect color is chosen to instantly bring a kitchen to life. So why, after all of that back and forth, does your kitchen still not look right?

The truth is, no matter how careful you are about selecting the right kitchen color, the success all hinges on the paint finish. It's one of those small details people easily overlook, but it's one of the most important factors in a hardworking kitchen.

Here's everything you need to know about choosing the right kitchen paint finishes, why it's so important, and how designers make the right choice. Heed their advice, and you'll never make the same mistake again.

Why is it Important to Choose the Right Kitchen paint Finish?

The finish of your kitchen paint is really important on two levels. Functionally, it dictates the durability of your paint, and in a hard-working room, it's crucial to get it right. But it also impacts the way a room feels in the same way different colors do.

'The interplay of paint color and finish has the power to define a kitchen that feels distinctly personal, balancing expression with everyday function. Color sets the foundation, shaping mood and style while influencing how a space is perceived,' says Hannah Yeo, Senior Manager of Color Marketing at Benjamin Moore.

'Paint finish impacts both aesthetics and functionality, and in a space as hard-working as the kitchen, you want to get it right,' agrees interior designer Kathy Kuo. 'The finish determines how much light reflects off a painted surface, and how well it stands up to the inevitable messes that happen in a kitchen.'

Durability is perhaps the most important thing to prioritize, especially when it comes to cabinetry that experiences a lot of wear and tear. Different sheens and finishes show marks more and can be damaged more easily, something you always want to avoid.

The Paint Finishes to Avoid in Kitchens

So, which finishes are a hard no when painting your kitchen? 'Flat or matte finishes are typically not recommended due to their more porous nature and less durable finish,' says David Underwood, Technical Marketing Manager at Benjamin Moore.

And he's not the only one who recommends staying away from very matte finishes. Tom Wicksteed of 202 Design echoes his advice. 'Chalky, matte finishes typically don't have the durability required for a working kitchen. High gloss is a bold choice for kitchen cabinetry and typically only works in a select few combinations of color, lighting design, and room setting,' he notes.

So, what makes matte paint finishes so much less durable? 'They're essentially paints with no (or very little) protective coating, which means every splatter of tomato sauce becomes a permanent fixture,' Kathy explains. 'An eggshell finish can work in low-traffic zones, but I wouldn’t recommend it near the stove or sink where life gets messy.'

The Best Paint Finishes for Kitchens

If matte paint finishes are to be avoided in a kitchen, the opposite should be favored. Satin and higher sheens are far more durable, adding a protective finish that allows your chosen paint color to last longer in a busy kitchen.

'A satin paint finish is my go-to for both kitchen walls and cabinets. It has a gently lustrous appearance and is much more resistant to stains than flat, matte, or eggshell finishes,' says Kathy.

'Higher-gloss finishes are especially well-suited to kitchen environments where surfaces are exposed to frequent use,' agrees Hannah. 'Their smooth finish allows for easy cleaning and long-term maintenance, while their reflective finish enhances light and showcases the precision and craftmanship of cabinetry and millwork.'

That's not to say you can only use a higher sheen in a kitchen – you can mix different finishes throughout the room, but it's a case of understanding which areas require higher durability, and which can sustain a more matte finish.

'Thoughtful contrast between finishes can create focal moments within the space. Pairing a matte wall finish with high-gloss millwork in a deeper hue allows architectural details to take center stage, transforming functional cabinetry into a design feature and elevating the kitchen with a custom, refined look,' says Hannah.

And if you want to create more of a decorative statement without compromising on functionality, Kathy suggests experimenting with glossier finishes on your kitchen cabinets.

'If you want to add a little extra dimension to the room’s design, consider a semi-gloss finish on kitchen cabinets to highlight the millwork details and add an extra layer of durability,' she suggests.

It's an approach that works particularly well in more compact schemes, too. 'In smaller kitchens, lighter hues can create an airy, open feel, while higher sheens amplify the effect by reflecting light into the room, making the space appear larger and brighter,' Hannah adds.

The most important factor to consider when choosing paint finishes is how you actually use your kitchen, and the areas that need more durability. Base cabinets almost always require that extra level of protection, but other areas can get away with something more design-led.

'The nature of the kitchen, the cabinetry design, and layout can also help inform the choice of finish,' says Tom. 'A display cabinet, for example, could use a more matte, chalky finish which won’t have the durability of a lacquer system, which is more appropriate for the high-use, base cabinet level and working parts of the kitchen.'

No matter which colors you choose for your kitchen, finish is the one thing that remains key in every scheme. The easiest way to think about it is that busier working zones require a satin or glossier sheen.

'Always test finishes in your kitchen before applying paint to every surface, because sheen levels can vary depending on the environment and lighting,' Kathy advises. 'I also remind clients that a higher sheen highlights imperfections, so make sure your surfaces are properly cleaned (and sanded as needed) before you apply glossy paint!'

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