Sheen & Shine

Heather Perkins • August 13, 2023

Choosing the right sheen for your cabinets

A picture frame is sitting on top of a table in a room.

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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Should you paint or replace cabinets?

By Heather Perkins • March 10, 2026
Save money and refresh your kitchen — a clear cost comparison, key decision factors, and real-world scenarios to help you choose between painting cabinets and buying new. Introduction Refreshing cabinets is one of the highest-impact, budget-friendly ways to update a kitchen. Painting can dramatically change the look for a fraction of the cost of replacement, but it isn’t always the right choice. This guide walks through benefits, offers a straightforward cost analysis, and considers the factors to determine whether painting or replacing your cabinets makes the most sense. Benefits of Painting Cabinets Cost savings : Typically far cheaper than replacement. Painting saves at least 50% of the cost of replacing your doors/drawers (refacing) and is a small fraction of the cost of a full kitchen remodel. Faster turnaround: Most paint jobs can be completed in just a week or less vs. several weeks–months for new cabinetry and installation. Less waste: Lower environmental impact vs. throwing out old cabinets. Customizable : Wide palette of colors, finishes, and hardware options can give your kitchen an entirely different updated look Keeps layout: Preserve kitchen footprint and plumbing/electrical work. When Painting Is the Smart Choice Cabinets are structurally sound (no warped doors, rotten frames, or major hardware issues). You like the existing layout and storage but want a cosmetic refresh. Budget is limited or you want good ROI for resale. You want a quicker project with less disruption. You like the look of your existing cabinet trim style When Replacement Makes More Sense Cabinets are damaged (water rot, warped frames, broken boxes). You need different storage layout or significantly more storage. Existing cabinets are low-quality and won’t hold up long even after paint. You prefer real-wood grain or high-end finishes (unless expensive custom painting or refacing is affordable). You’re renovating to a high-end standard where new custom cabinets are desired. Cost Analysis — Note: Prices are approximate and vary by region, material quality, and contractor. Painting Cabinets (professional) Labor & materials (prep, sanding, priming, painting, spraying doors/drawers multiple coats, reassembly): $2,800–$3,500 (small kitchens), $3,800-$6,000 (medium kitchens), $6,500-$9,000 (large kitchens), $9,500-$17,000 (extra large kitchens) -Spraying boxes will add an additional $1200-2000 to overall cost of quote . Refacing Cabinets (replacing old doors/drawers with new ones) Materials + labor: $4,500–$20,000 (depends on size of kitchen, door styles, veneers, and hardware); ave. cost for mid size kitchen would be around $10,000 for shaker style wood doors. Replacing Cabinets (generally speaking, according to online search) Ready to Assemble (IKEA/stock): $3,000–$8,000 (materials) + $1,000–$4,000 (installation); ave. $10,000 Semi-custom (factory built for individual layout): $8,000–$15,000 (materials) + $15,000-$30,000 (installation); ave. $30,000 Custom : mid range projects generally run $40,000-$80,000 , while higher end can run $120,000+ Key Factors to Evaluate Cabinet condition : Inspect for rot, structural problems, warped doors, broken drawers. Cabinet construction : Solid wood/plywood faces take paint best; laminate or thermofoil requires special prep/primer or refacing. Style compatibility : Some ornate or highly textured doors may not read well when painted; simple styles often look best. Desired finish : High-gloss, matte, distressed, glazed — some finishes, like higher gloss, pinstriping and glazing cost more. Budget and timeline : painting is cost effective budget-friendly option that can be finished in a week and produces long-lasting durable results if done professionally. It gives a quick facelift with minimal disruption to the kitchen. Long-term goals and ROI : Painting offers good short-term ROI and is viewed as an update by appraisors; replacement may add more value if layout/storage or cabinetry quality is a selling point. Environmental impact : Painting retains materials and reduces waste vs. replacement. Hardware and accessories: New knobs, pulls, soft-close hinges, and organizers can multiply perceived value at relatively low cost. Home resale context : In midrange homes, painted cabinets are often sufficient; in luxury markets, buyers may expect custom cabinetry. Practical Steps & Tips Start with a thorough inspection. Replace or upgrade hardware and hinges for big impact. Consider refacing if door fronts are worn but boxes are good. Get 2–3 contractor quotes and ask if they'll do a sample door. Ask pros about warranties and cure times; use durable cabinet-specific paints. Checklist to Decide Quickly Good structure + like layout + limited budget = Paint . Cosmetic wear + functional boxes = Paint & replace limited items that are damaged + new hardware or reface entire kitchen. Structural damage or need new layout = Replace. Conclusion Painting cabinets is a cost-effective, fast, and sustainable way to refresh a kitchen when cabinets are in good structural condition and the layout works. Replacement makes sense if you need changed storage, structural repairs, or a high-end result. Use the cost ranges and decision checklist above to estimate your project and choose the best path. Call to Action Need help deciding what option is best for you? In addition to offering professional cabinet refinishing, we also offer refacing services and can tailor an estimate based on your particular kitchen condition and your goals. We'll give you a thorough assessment and offer practical solutions based on your budget and overall vision. For a $75 fee (which is refunded if you use us), you can have a sample door done to determine scope of work for your project. For an additional cost, you can order a color of choosing for the sample door , otherwise we use a stock color similar to what you may ultimately choose for your project. Call us today or book a free 45 minute estimate with our team today to explore your options.