Interior Painting Louisville, KY: What Is The Best Paint Sheen For Your Kitchen?

Choosing paint for your kitchen in Louisville, KY, is particularly important because of the nature of the space and how it is used.

In addition to choosing a beautiful color for this room in which you will spend a lot of time, you should also select a paint that is resistant and is easily washable. The basic “scrub” factor is determined by the glossiness of the paint.

A kitchen is best painted with a semi-gloss or gloss paint.

To understand why you need to learn a little bit about the different paint categories and their differences.

What is Paint Sheen?

Paints for interior walls and woodwork come in several different finishes or reflections. The term “sheen” is used to refer to the level of shine or gloss that is evident in the paint layer after it has dried.

Each paint manufacturer has its own terminology and the means to categorize different levels of gloss. Still, many manufacturers use a 5-level classification: flat (mat), eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss (or gloss) to indicate gloss levels.

What makes very bright paint so shiny?

Technically, gloss levels are identified by the amount of light they reflect, and the chemistry of the paint determines this.
Glossy and shiny paints contain relatively high levels of resins and binders that create a shiny, smooth, hard finish reflecting a lot of light. In contrast, paints with a higher pigment content are flatter and more susceptible to wear.

Because the brighter paints contain less pigment and more binder, you may find it necessary to cover walls and woodwork with two or even three coats of paint to get full coverage.
It is a price worth paying in a kitchen, however, where spills and splashes and other forms of heavy use will undoubtedly mean that you will need to scrub the walls from time to time.

Differences between Common Paint sheens

Here’s how to paint manufacturers describe their different paints and their recommendations for using each:

• Flat or Matte: Provides a smooth and subtle finish that camouflages imperfections. Ideal for low traffic areas. Flat paints diffuse light but tend to retain dirt and are more difficult to clean. The paint layer can be worn even with minor brushing. Best suited for ceilings and walls in rooms with low usage. Because it absorbs rather than reflects light, flat paints tend to hide imperfections in the walls.

• Eggshell: This is a low gloss finish with merits similar to flat paints/materials. Eggshell paints are slightly more washable than flat paints. Best suited for ceilings and walls in rooms that receive low to moderate wear.

• Satin: This option offers a versatile and elegant finish that is perfect for more active rooms. It is a versatile paint ideal for all walls in homes with children. It is a common choice for kitchen and bathroom walls.

· Semi-gloss: This finish can be cleaned easily and has a finish that reflects light. It can be used for high traffic walls, such as those found in hallways, and for woodwork. Although most often used for woodwork, it is a viable choice for walls in high-use areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.

· Gloss: It is a gleaming finish, ideal for rooms where frequent washing is likely. Not often used on walls, but is sometimes preferred for woodwork, because it survives frequent and heavy washing without wear. Most people find it too bright and industrial for use on walls. Extreme shine can also expose defects in the walls.
What Sheen Should I Choose For Kitchens?

Most people find that satin or semi-gloss paint works best in kitchens. A standard scheme is to use satin paint on the walls, with semi-gloss paint used on all the painted cupboards or woodwork.
The backsplash areas can benefit from a semi-gloss or even gloss paint because they are likely to be scrubbed regularity.

Need help choosing paint and repainting your kitchen?

If you don’t have the time, skill, or tools to repaint/stain your kitchen or kitchen cabinets, Serious Business Painting can help.

We are currently serving the areas of Louisville, Shelby County, Oldham County, Anchorage, Prospect, and Jefferson Town, Kentucky.

Book a FREE estimate below or call us 502-641-7969 if you need any more information.