Each type of kitchen cabinet finish has specific advantages and is best suited to certain applications, so let’s explore four kitchen cabinet finishes.
1. Matt finish
Matt finishes have a non-reflective, soft surface that creates a modern look. They are highly practical, as they hide fingerprints, dust, and small scratches better than glossy finishes. This makes matt cabinets ideal for kitchens that need to be low maintenance. Matt finishes are often applied to wood, laminate, or custom panels, providing a smooth texture that works well with neutral tones and natural stone countertops.
2. Foil-wrapped finish
Foil-wrapped finishes are created when a thin vinyl layer is applied over engineered wood. Available in a wide range of colours, textures, and patterns, this type of finish is durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean, making it particularly suitable for high-traffic kitchens.
Foil-wrapped finishes can replicate the appearance of wood grains, metallic effects, or other textures, which can be useful when incorporating custom kitchen doors from companies such as https://www.happy-doors.co.uk/shop/products/kitchens with different designs. As the material is flexible, it can be used for intricate shapes and edges, which is not always possible with traditional painted or solid wood finishes.
3. Painted finish
Painted finishes are created using either water-based or oil-based paints applied to wood, MDF, or other suitable surfaces. This type of finish works particularly well with shaker-style cabinets or panel doors with a smooth, solid colour. The durability of painted finishes depends on the type of paint and the topcoat.
4. Gloss finish
Gloss finishes have a shiny, reflective surface that improves the light in the room and makes smaller kitchens appear larger. The reflective quality creates a contemporary look and is commonly seen in more modern or minimalist kitchens. Glossy surfaces are easy to wipe clean, although they do show fingerprints and smudges more readily than matt finishes. This type of finish is particularly effective on handleless cabinets and flat-front doors. Gloss finishes can be applied to MDF, lacquered wood, or acrylic panels and keep their high-gloss sheen with the correct maintenance.
