The basic paint finishes are flat, eggshell, satin, semigloss and gloss. Flat finish, also called matte, paint, absorbs light. It has more pigment that other finishes, but is less durable. Eggshell finish reflects some light, but it does not have the glare that other finishes may have. Satin finishes are slightly shinier than eggshell but less so than a gloss, and may be better in sunny areas. Semigloss is durable and washable, and is slightly shiny and may cause some glare under light. It is durable and cleans easily. Gloss is very shiny, very durable and cleans easily, but may cause distracting glare.
There’s a painter’s saying that the higher the sheen, the higher the shine, and the higher the shine, the more durable the paint is. Gloss and sheen refer to the same thing. The basic thing to remember is the higher the sheen, the more durable the paint is and the easier it is to clean. Think of the paint on kitchen appliances.
The finishes that are best for use in the kitchen relate to its purpose. Food preparation surfaces need to be cleaned often. Areas likely to be splashed, such as where painted areas meet counter tops or sinks also need a durable paint that can withstand cleaning.
The best paint finishes for these areas are gloss or semigloss. They can stand up to wiping and cleaning. Be aware that the most durable paint can be damages by harsh cleaners and abrasive scrubbing with brushes. Using a wiping cloth and a mild cleanser will make the paint last longer.
Other areas of the kitchen are going to get a lot of use, such as cabinet doors and kitchen drawers. These may aquire spills, or just discoloration from being handled often. A high gloss paint works well on these.
If you need help with finding the best paint finish for your kitchen, Contact a Professional. For more information contact Noel Painting
