Sheen & Shine

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.