If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen! That’s not us criticizing your cooking. It’s what we say to the different paint finishes that get damaged or stained when faced with a vat of scalding red pasta sauce.
But the good news is this doesn’t scare every option away. In fact, there are four types of different paint finishes that work splendidly in the kitchen. Satin, semi-gloss, high-gloss, and textured paint finishes all stand up to high-intensity kitchen environments.
Are they easily cleaned? Yes, chef. Do they protect from damages? Yes, chef. Do they look phenomenal? Yes, chef! Let’s go over the benefits of each paint finish so you can find the best one for your kitchen.
Not Into Shiny Paint Finishes?
Before we discuss four different paint finishes, let’s get something straight: if you don’t want a lot of sheen in their paints, there’s an option for you! Many premium brands have a variety of low-sheen finishes formulated specifically to give your walls that durability you’re looking for - without all that glow.
Matte offers the lowest sheen possible but for the same durability as some of the others listed below. It has a higher sheen than “flat” paints but positions itself below “satin” or “eggshell” finishes. Flat offers almost no durability compared to high-sheen finishes.
If you want specifics, the Duration and Emerald lines from Sherwin-Williams and the Prominence lines from PPG are good examples of matte paint finishes with comparable durability. Regardless, durability and higher sheen go hand-in-hand.
Satin Smarts: Finding Balance
We’ll start with satin paint finishes. Think of satin as the Switzerland of the paint world: it’s neutral, diplomatic, and ready to strike a balance. On the sheen scale, satin sits between matte and gloss and has a moderate shine. It reflects some light but is smooth overall.
Satin paint looks incredible. It has a subtle glow and richness that leaves your walls looking decadent. But it’s not just about the looks; satin paint is also durable. It’s both resilient and easy to clean, and it masks the imperfections in your walls like a parent hiding veggies in a casserole.
What’s more, satin finishes are ideal for high-traffic areas because they’re smooth and soft to the touch. They’re the perfect mix of sophisticated and spill-friendly, so they work beautifully for kitchen walls.
Of course, applying them might require a bit of finesse. A touch of sanding and a few extra layers are the secret ingredients that ensure your kitchen walls have both the beauty and brawn that satin finishes offer.
Semi-Gloss Supremacy: Deflecting Challenges
Semi-gloss paint finishes add a bit more sheen, bringing both durability and shimmer to the table. If your kitchen is a battlefield against spills and splatters, then a semi-gloss finish is your best weapon. Anyone who’s ever simmered a pan of tomato sauce or slow-cooked a curry knows what we mean. Those stains can be a real challenge to get out.
Semi-gloss paint is your knight in shining armor—and it looks the part. Resplendent with a high sheen, it’s one of the easiest paint types to clean. This paint finish is both water- and mildew-resistant, so it’s ideal in the high humidity of the kitchen.
But like any hero, it also has a vulnerability. Semi-gloss paint is highly reflective and showcases imperfections like a spotlight. We recommend using semi-gloss paint for the most mess-prone areas, like behind the stove.
Of the different paint finishes, semi-gloss is also a great choice for kitchen cabinets. The subtle shine adds a touch of elegance without overpowering.
High-Gloss Haven: Embracing the Shimmer
High-gloss paints have the highest sheen and shine of the different paint finishes. But you can only have so much before it becomes overwhelming. We think of high-gloss paint as a treat that’s best in small doses. It tends to be a bit much for your entire kitchen.
High-gloss paint finishes are loaded with the highest proportion of binders and resins. As a result, they resist stains and break the scale of durability. But because of all those additives, they also take time to cure. Although, the result is worth the wait.
High impact surfaces such as kickboards, trim, and kitchen cabinets are an ideal canvas for high-gloss finishes. Because of its shine, high-gloss paint shows imperfections readily. So, if you’re using it on kitchen cupboards, choose a lighter color over a darker one. Little nicks or dings will be less noticeable.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. High-gloss paint also stands up against the forces of dirt, grease, and moisture. It repels stains and is a breeze to clean. The result is a kitchen that feels luxurious, modern, and expansive.
Textured Tactics: Concealing and Conquering
Textured paint brings a variety of options for different paint finishes that makes it ideal for kitchens. Not only does it conceal imperfections, but it also adds character to your culinary haven.
Whether it’s dimpled, gritty, or rough, textured paint adds a depth to your walls that’s both edgy and clever. Under the artful guise of textured paint, any small blemishes, irregularities, nail holes, or cracks in your drywall become virtually invisible. But textured paint isn’t just about covering up mistakes. It’s also a brilliant way to bring your personality into your decor.
These are the best types of textured paint for kitchens:
Chalk Paint: Achieve a crisp and organic stone-like texture with chalk paint. It turns your kitchen walls into a tactile masterpiece.
Plastered Effect: Opt for a plastered effect to add a touch of luxury to your kitchen space and create a visually captivating environment.
Anti-Fungal Lime Paint: Choose lime paint for a textured finish with anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. This offers a unique texture that withstands the humidity of your kitchen.
Durable Velvet Texture: Mineral-based paint gives you a durable and velvety texture. Enough coats will give you a mossy feel, but it’s still easy to clean when faced with the inevitable kitchen mishaps.
Concrete Overlay: For an industrial edge without the sledgehammer, consider textured paint with a concrete overlay. This brings a brutalist aesthetic to your kitchen without knocking out any walls.
With textured paint, your kitchen becomes a space where imperfections vanish and your style takes center stage. These textured wonders will transform your kitchen into a physically and visually stunning sanctuary.
Kindness Without Borders: Worldwide Feel-Good Gems We Had to Share
In our book, anyone who rescues animals deserves some praise. But Debbie Pearl of Huntington Beach, California, is an absolute saint. You see, over the last nine years, Debbie has adopted seven disabled dogs that use doggy wheelchairs or prosthetics.
She’s also created a nonprofit called Dream Fetchers, in which many of her rescues work as service dogs. Debbie’s pack now makes the rounds at local hospitals, schools, and nonprofits every week to comfort and inspire others.
Win the War in Your Kitchen With These Different Paint Finishes
You don’t have to live with a messy kitchen. When you finally get tired of scrubbing pasta sauce off your walls, give our crew at Procoat Athens a call. You can find our contact info at the bottom of our home page.
We can’t do anything about the dishes in the sink. But our team can help you find the different paint finishes that will protect your walls and cabinets from all the splashes and splatters.
In the meantime, we’ll leave you with a laugh: Why was the snowman rummaging in a bag of carrots? He was picking his nose!