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

Want to get more out of not color finish why without the guesswork? Below we walk through the essentials in plain language, with practical steps you can use right away.

Key Takeaways

• 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 simply overlook, but it's one of the most key factors in a hardworking kitchen.

Is Not Color Finish Why Worth It?

Worth noting: here's everything you require to know about picking the right kitchen paint finishes, why it's so key, and how designers make the right choice. Heed their advice, and you'll at no point make the same mistake again.

• Why is it Key to Pick the Right Kitchen paint Finish?
• A satin finish doesn't mean shiny - the pink cabinets in this scheme have a subtly satin sheen for durability without feeling too reflective. (Image credit: 202 Design/Studio Duggan)The finish of your kitchen paint is genuinely key on two levels.
• More importantly, functionally, it dictates the durability of your paint, and in a hard-working room, it's crucial to get it right.

Where the Real Savings Hide

But it also impacts the method a room feels in the same method 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.
• Remember that 'Paint finish impacts both aesthetics and functionality, and in a space as hard-working as the kitchen, you wish 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 key aspect to prioritize, especially when it comes to cabinetry that experiences plenty of wear and tear.

A Closer Look at Not Color Finish Why

Different sheens and finishes reveal marks more and can be damaged more simply, something you consistently wish to avoid. The Paint Finishes to Avoid in Kitchens A slightly greater sheen assists to lift darker cabinet colors, as demonstrated in this design. (Image credit: Benjamin Moore)So, which finishes are a hard no when painting your kitchen?

• As a rule, '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 highly matte finishes.
• Tom Wicksteed of 202 Design echoes his advice.

What to Know About Not Color Finish Why

'Chalky, matte finishes typically don't have the durability required for a working kitchen. In short, 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 highly little) protective coating, which means each splatter of tomato sauce becomes a permanent fixture,' Kathy explains.
• Satin and greater sheens are far more durable, adding a protective finish that allows your chosen paint color to last longer in a busy kitchen.

How Not Color Finish Why Really Works

Worth noting: '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.

• 'Greater-gloss finishes are especially well-suited to kitchen environments where surfaces are exposed to frequent apply,' agrees Hannah.
• 'Thoughtful contrast between finishes can create focal moments within the space.
• More importantly, 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 highlight and elevating the kitchen with a custom, refined look,' says Hannah.

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And if you wish to create more of a decorative statement without compromising on functionality, Kathy suggests experimenting with glossier finishes on your kitchen cabinets. 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 greater sheens amplify the effect by reflecting light into the room, making the space appear larger and brighter,' Hannah adds.
• Remember that the most key factor to consider when picking paint finishes is how you actually apply your kitchen, and the areas that require more durability.
• Base cabinets almost consistently require that added level of protection, but other areas can get away with something more design-led.

Tips That Make a Difference

'The nature of the kitchen, the cabinetry design, and layout can also assist inform the choice of finish,' says Tom. 'A display cabinet, for instance, could apply a more matte, chalky finish which won’t have the durability of a lacquer system, which is more appropriate for the high-apply, base cabinet level and working parts of the kitchen.' No matter which colors you pick for your kitchen, finish is the one aspect that remains key in each scheme.

• As a rule, the easiest method to think about it is that busier working zones require a satin or glossier sheen.
• 'Consistently test finishes in your kitchen before applying paint to each surface, since sheen levels can vary depending on the environment and lighting,' Kathy advises.
• 'I also remind clients that a greater sheen highlights imperfections, so be sure your surfaces are properly cleaned (and sanded as needed) before you apply glossy paint!' guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on not color finish why?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. Heed their advice, and you'll at no point make the same mistake again.

Is it worth shopping around for not color finish why?

Usually yes. Why is it Key to Pick the Right Kitchen paint Finish?.

What should I check before buying?

Read the terms, confirm any code still works, and factor in shipping or returns. A satin finish doesn't mean shiny - the pink cabinets in this scheme have a subtly satin sheen for durability without feeling too reflective. (Image credit: 202 Design/Studio Duggan)The finish of your kitchen paint is ge....

Smart Ways to Save More on Not Color Finish Why

• Check for student, military, or first order offers you may qualify for.
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Final Thoughts

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Originally published at savingswitch.com.