Choose the Best Paint Sheen for a Gorgeous Kitchen Makeover

Is your kitchen looking drab and dated? Do you dream of a fresh, beautiful space to cook, dine, and entertain? Transforming your kitchen with a new coat of paint can take it from bleak to chic. But choosing the right paint sheen is key to creating a gorgeous look that lasts. This definitive guide covers all the factors to consider and our top sheen recommendations for painting kitchen perfection.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Paint Sheen

With so many paint finishes to choose from--flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss--deciding the right sheen for your kitchen revamp can be tricky. Keep these key factors in mind as you evaluate the options:

Kitchen Usage and Traffic

How your kitchen is used day-to-day should guide your sheen selection. High-traffic kitchens prone to cooking splatters, greasy buildup, and constant wiping need maximum durability. The more protected the paint, the better. Consider a glossy or semi-gloss sheen that repels stains and cleans up easily.

For lightly used kitchens where you mostly heat up leftovers or make toast, a lower-sheen matte or eggshell paint will suffice since it won't need to withstand heavy wear. Just note less-shiny finishes are harder to clean.

Lighting and Windows

The amount of natural and artificial light in your kitchen also impacts sheen choice. Strong direct sunlight, whether from windows or fixtures, will emphasize any variations in paint sheen. Glossy finishes can look spotty and uneven as light rakes across the surface, while flatter paints hide inconsistencies.

To avoid irregular "ripple effects," go for a soft eggshell or satin sheen in sun-drenched kitchens. They resist glare and reflections better than shiny semi-gloss.

Paint Finish Aesthetics

Consider the aesthetic look you want before buying paint cans. Do you love contemporary glossy kitchens or prefer matte coziness? Sheens range from non-reflective matte to lustrous high-gloss.

Flat matte finishes hide surface defects like cracks and bumps but tradeoff in durability. High-gloss offers mirror-like reflections but requires perfectly smooth walls to look good. Choose a sheen that matches your desired style.

Personal Paint Sheen Preferences

Beyond practical factors, your personal preference rules. If you love the vibrant look of semi-gloss or adore soft eggshell finishes, choose the sheen that makes you happy. You'll be looking at it daily for years! Consider sheens in your home's other rooms and how the kitchen paint will complement them.

Now that you know what to consider, here are our top sheen recommendations for stunning kitchen makeovers.

The Best Paint Finishes for Kitchens

Semi-Gloss Paint

Pros:

• Extremely durable
• Creates a shiny, glossy look
• Repels grease and water
• Easy to wipe down and clean

Cons:

• Reflects imperfections in surface
• Prone to glare in direct sunlight

Best For: Semi-gloss is ideal for kitchens that see heavy daily use and need to withstand messes. The glossy finish hides dirt and cleans up fast. It's perfect if you love a sleek, contemporary vibe.

Satin Paint

Pros:

• Easy to clean and wipe down
• Resists stains better than flat paints
• Subtle luster
• Hides surface defects well

Cons:

• Less durable than semi-gloss
• Shows some fingerprints and smudges

Best For: With a smooth, silky finish, satin paint upgrades kitchens elegantly. It withstands bustling kitchen messes while providing a touch of sheen. Satin is perfect if you love the warmth of eggshell but want more protection.

Matte and Eggshell Paint

Pros:

• No shine to highlight imperfections
• Minimizes glare in sunny kitchens

Cons:

• Challenging to clean and maintain
• Prone to stains

Best For: Flat matte or velvety eggshell finishes work best in low-traffic kitchens where durability is not a big concern. Great if you want a casual, cozy aesthetic. Avoid these finishes in family kitchens.

Prep Work Before Painting Your Kitchen

Proper prep work ensures your new kitchen paint looks smooth and lasts long-term:

• Clean - Remove all grease, dirt and grime from walls and cabinets
• Sand - Smooth any bumps, holes and imperfections in the surface
• Prime - Apply suitable primer/sealer so paint adheres well
• Tape Off - Use painter's tape around edges, trim and cabinets

Planning your color scheme is also key. Collect paint swatches in the finish and sheen you want. Test them in both natural and artificial light to pick perfect hues.

Application Tips Based on Paint Sheen

Certain techniques and tools work better for some sheens over others:

Semi-Gloss

• Foam roller recommended over brush, which can cause visible strokes
• Sprayer optimal for flawless finish but requires masking kitchen off
• Minimum two coats for best coverage
• Allow 2-3 hours drying between coats

Satin

• Angled brush best for cutting in edges and corners
• High-quality microfiber roller for smooth finish on walls
• 3 coats for best durability and stain resistance
• 4 hours drying time between coats

Matte/Eggshell

• Brush or roller work but roller is faster
• Paint small sections at a time to prevent lap marks
• 3-4 coats to achieve opacity and depth of color
• 8 hours drying time needed between coats

Following manufacturer guidelines on dry times prevents drips, unevenness, and bubbling in the finish.

Caring for the Finish After Painting

Proper maintenance keeps your kitchen paint looking like new:

Semi-Gloss

• Clean with warm, soapy water and soft cloth
• Rub gently to avoid dulling glossy finish
• Fix scratches by sanding lightly and spot painting

Satin

• Vacuum then clean with damp microfiber cloth
• Rinse and wipe again to remove soap residue
• Touch up worn areas with satin enamel paint

Matte/Eggshell

• Use soft dry cloth to dust
• Spot clean stains immediately before they set
• Repaint walls yearly to refresh porous finish

With proper prep, application, and care, your kitchen paint finish will maintain its beauty and function for years of family meals and memories.

Choosing the perfect sheen for your kitchen revamp can elevate it from dull to fabulous. Consider how you use the space, lighting, your style preferences, and our sheen suggestions to pick a finish that dazzles and lasts.

With the right prep work and application approach for your sheen, you'll achieve kitchen painting success. Maintain that flawless finish with proper care. Now you're ready to transform your tired kitchen into a gorgeous gathering space for years to come!