The 101s of Kitchen Cabinet Finishes
For many homeowners upgrading their kitchen, one of the key considerations is how to choose the right kitchen cabinet finish. Certainly, the coating can transform the entire feel of your space and set the visual tone, and each different finish has its unique strengths and weaknesses that are worth considering.
However, with plenty of variety on the market, choosing the coating for your cupboards might look overwhelming, especially since each provides varied durability, sheen, or requires different levels of maintenance. In today’s guide, we’ll dive into the world of finishes and explore the basics of wood cabinets in Langhorne.
What is the best finish for kitchen cabinets?
While it may look like finishes are purely aesthetic and shouldn’t be given much thought, the truth is that they’re a vital part of cabinetry design. The finish won’t just enhance the visual look but also provide a layer of protection and increase the durability of your cabinets. Let’s take a closer look.
Painted Finish
A painted finish is one of the most popular ways to style your kitchen, largely because it can easily align with the overall theme of your home, whether it’s a modern and currently popular style or a timeless kitchen cabinet design. It creates a smooth, solid-color visual identity that can be customized with a variety of colors and sheens available on the market. However, painted finishes are prone to scratching over time, but that can be fixed easily with a touch of paint on the damaged spot.
Stained Finish
Stained finish is an ideal choice for homeowners who wish to accentuate the beauty of natural wood in their homes and foster an elegant, cozy atmosphere. It works especially well in a traditional, rustic, and classic kitchen theme, as the surface highlights wood grain and texture while providing excellent durability. Unfortunately, the final look is largely dependent on the wood involved and doesn’t offer the flexibility that painted finishes would.
Glazed Finish
A glazed finish is a decorative method that applies a thin layer of glaze over stain or paint, and then wipes it away to highlight edges, detail, and corners. Since glazing has to be done by hand and involves additional labour, it could be a more costly investment.
However, the added depth will make intricate woodwork stand out and give your kitchen an elevated, timeless look. But it might be harder to clean.
Laminate Finish
A synthetic solution to having a cabinet that stands out. Laminate finishes are a budget-friendly option for a more modern, minimalist look. Since they are made by pressing synthetic material into a cabinet surface, this allows for a wide range of patterns and colors to style your kitchen with. However, a laminate finish comes with its own set of challenges. In case there is a need to replace it, it might be harder to find the identical pattern used originally.
Lacquired Finish
Widely popular today, kitchen cabinets with a high-gloss lacquer finish are highly durable and ideal if you wish to give your surfaces a thick, protective layer that is highly resistant to stains and moisture. Even better, with a variety of lacquer finishes available, it allows greater customization, including matte, satin, or high-gloss colors.
Natural Finish
A clear or natural finish is perfect for homeowners who want to enjoy the organic, raw appearance of natural wood. This kind of finish keeps the original appearance and patterns, sealing it with a transparent protective coat, like polyurethane or clear lacquer. However, it looks like wood in its true form, which means less customization and that it won’t hide pattern imperfections the way other coatings would.
What is a sheen level?
On kitchen cabinets, sheen level refers to how much light a finish can reflect and the protection from wear, which largely depends on the material and coating. Not every overlay works with all sheen levels, mostly because of the application or how they interact with light. On top of that, different sheen levels require different maintenance frequencies.
- Matte: Soft, muted appearance that hides imperfections. Harder to clean, however.
- Low Sheen: Subtle, soft sheen that is slightly more durable than matte.
- Satin: Ideal for most kitchens. Balanced durability and maintenance.
- Semi-Gloss: Visible shine that provides good resistance to moisture and stains.
- Gloss: A very noticeable shine for a sleek and modern look.
- High Gloss: A dramatic shine that is very easy to clean but highlights every stain and scratch.
Who should I reach out to for wood cabinets in Langhorne, PA?
Whether you are setting up your new cooking space or replacing old and worn cabinets, Kitchens by Charles Weiler is a team of carpenters and craftsmen you can rely on. With our in-depth knowledge of surface coats and sheen, we can make your vision come to life and help you pick the right coating based on your style and preferences. Whether you live close to the historic Joseph Richardson House in Langhorne or somewhere further away, we are just one quick call away from elevating your cooking space. Reach out today!
