High-Gloss & Matte Finishes kitchen cabinet
High gloss finishes, typically achieved with acrylic, lacquer, or polyurethane coatings, create a luxurious, reflective surface that bounces light around the room, making spaces feel larger and more vibrant.
Matte finishes, on the other hand, use smooth paints or laminates in subdued tones for a sophisticated, non-reflective look that hides imperfections better.
Both move away from traditional wood grains, embracing bold colors (like deep blues or whites) or neutrals for a modern edge, influenced by industrial and urban design trends.High-gloss pros include enhanced durability against moisture and stains, ideal for kitchens, while matte offers a tactile, velvety feel that’s fingerprint-resistant.
Popular applications involve thermo foil or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) films over MDF cores for affordability, or solid acrylic sheets for premium reflectivity. Mixing them gloss on uppers for light reflection and matte on lowers for practicality adds depth.
Cons for gloss include visible smudges, requiring frequent wiping, and potential fading in direct sunlight. Matte can show oil marks more on darker shades.
Finishes start at $50–$150 per square foot, with application best done in factories for evenness, though DIY kits exist for touch ups.
