Sheen & Shine

Choosing the right sheen for your cabinets

From glossy to matte, choosing the right paint sheen or finish for your cabinets can be a big decision where there are several factors to consider. Before we get into the how-to', let's give you a bit of a background on what sheen is and how it's measured.

In a most recent edition of American Painting Contractor (APC) magazine, in an article entitled From Flat to Gloss, writer Jerry Rabushka interviewed Mike Mundwiller, Senior Manager of end-user product experience at Benjamin Moore. Mike explains that "sheen is a component of gloss, and gloss is an optical property that indicates how well a surface reflects light. From a formulation perspective, gloss is determined by the pigment volume concentration. PVC is a measure of how much volume there is in a paint compared to the volume of solid binder (vehicle). The higher the pigment, the lower the sheen the paint will have."

To complicate matters more, sheen levels can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so Benjamin Moore's satin sheen may be a lot shinier than ICRO's satin sheen. For this reason, paint manufacturer's gauge sheen by numbers that measure the amount of gloss and sheen. Gloss is measured at 60 degrees and sheen is measured at 85, which are both measurements read perpendicular to the substrate according to Mundwiller. In the same article, Rabushka interviewed PPG's director of portfolio management, John Salvadore. John gives insight into distinguishing the differences in sheen measurements. He states that "numbers are used to measure the reflectiveness of light on a painted surface and will differ across sheens for the same product. In PPG Prominence Interior Paint flat sheen is measured at 1-3 @ 60 & 85 degrees. The same product in satin sheen measures at 10-20 @ 60 degress or 20-35 @ 85 degrees."

To simplify things, the lower the gloss unit number (GU), the less shiny the sheen. For example, ICRO's newest sheen on the market called Soft Matt has a very low 2 GU making it not shiny at all, while it's satin finish has a GU of 10 making is slightly shiny and ICRO's "gloss" finish has a GU of 30 which is what one would think of as a semi-gloss. There are some manufacturer's with high gloss finishes in the 60's-80's giving a super shiny yacht-looking apprearance.

We know this is a lot of technical information, so what should you consider when picking out your cabinet finish?

First, think about the overall style and aesthetic of your kitchen as well as latest cabinet trends. A high-gloss sheen adds a modern and sleek look, while a satin or semi-gloss finish provides a more traditional and timeless appeal. In recent years, homeowners are opting for less shine and satin finishes are extremely popular with younger generations.
Next, consider the level of durability you need. High-gloss finishes can be more resistant to scratches and stains, making them ideal for busy households. On the other hand, satin or semi-gloss sheens are easier to maintain and touch up.
Cleanability is another factor to consider. Typically, the glossier the finish, the easier it is to clean. If your a household that uses a lot of spices when you cook that may stain your cabinets, considering a glossier finish may be a wise thought.
Lastly consider the lighting in your kitchen. Higher sheen levels reflect more light, creating a brighter and more spacious feel. If you have a smaller kitchen with darker lighting a higher sheen may work well.

At A La Carte Cabinet Painting, we offer expert advice and a variety of sheen options in our Italian wood coatings to help you achieve the perfect look for your cabinets.

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Kitchen Cabinet Trends 2025

By Heather Perkins • February 11, 2025

The year 2025 welcomes a collection of warm, neutral, and natural hues. In this blog, we delve into several key signature elements anticipated in today's designs. Design and Layout: Expect minimalistic, clean, and uncluttered spaces featuring concealed pantries, preparation areas, and sculleries that effectively hide messes, enhancing the experience of entertaining. Incorporating drawers throughout lower cabinetry provides additional storage, improved organization, and a practical solution for accommodating heavy pots and pans. Expansive islands equipped with built-in appliances and seating merge form and function, creating a shared space for both gathering and cooking seamlessly. Full overlay European-style cabinetry takes the center stage with it's sleek, modern appeal while traditional partial overlay takes a backseat in 2025. Open Shelving to neatly display plates, glasses, or cool trinkets and artwork add structural visual interest to and open up otherwise crowded wall space. Under Cabinet Lighting highlights countertop and backsplash and brightens the space Color Trends: Warm tones are in vogue while cool hues have taken a back seat. The era of stark white, sterile kitchens is a thing of the past; inviting warm shades encourage friends and family to congregate in a more welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, combinations of diverse textures and colors are trending. Rich, stained wood paired with gentle off-whites, greiges (a blend of grey and beige), or striking deep colors are all the rage this year. Below are some of our top color selections: Off Whites: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (Light Reflectance Value 83), Benjamin Moore White Dove (LRV 83), Benjamin Moore Seapearl (LRV 78) and Benjamin Moore Ballet White (LRV 72) Greiges: Benjamin Moore Classic Gray (LRV 73), Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (LRV 55), Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige (LRV 58), Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (LRV 63) and Benjamin Moore Pale Oak (68) Moody Darks: Sherwin Williams Rosemary, Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze, Sherwin Williams Naval, Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal and Sherwin Williams Black Magic Two-toned Kitchens: Natural woods mixed with painted cabinetry Finishes: Uniform finishes across the board are a thing of the past. Incorporating a blend of sheens and metals to create a subtle yet complementary contrast with cabinet colors introduces both interest and sophistication to the area. Warm metals such as antique brass can be beautifully combined with classic bronze or satin nickel, while polished brass provides a striking complement to polished chrome. Design professionals advise a maximum combination of 2-3 metals to achieve both interest and harmony within the space. At A La Carte Cabinet Painting, we provide complimentary expert color consultations designed to assist our clients in selecting shades that perfectly reflect their personality and design aspirations. We also order up to three Samplize color swatches for our clients, allowing them to visualize their preferred color options within their own space. These oversized peel and stick swatches are crafted from genuine paint by Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, PPG, and Farrow and Ball.