Matt vs Satin vs Gloss: Choosing the Right Finish for Your Kitchen

When you decide to refresh your kitchen, colour is only half the story. The finish you choose can completely change how your space looks, feels, and functions day to day. At ColourHaus, we’re often asked which finish is best for kitchen door cabinets, drawers, and surrounding surfaces. The honest answer is that it depends on how you use your kitchen and the style you want to achieve.

Whether you’re updating tired cupboards or giving your kitchen a full facelift through kitchen door spray painting in Leeds, understanding the difference between matt, satin, and gloss finishes will help you make a confident choice.

Below, we break down each option, how it performs, and where it works best in real homes.

Why the Finish Matters in a Kitchen

Kitchens are high traffic spaces. Doors and drawers are opened constantly. Surfaces deal with heat, moisture, fingerprints, and the occasional splash or spill. The finish you choose affects durability, cleaning, light reflection, and how visible wear and tear becomes over time.

Because we spray paint the internal and external doors and drawers of your kitchen units, including plinths, cornices, end panels, tiles, and all edges, we always look at the kitchen as a whole. The right finish ties everything together and helps the space age well.

Matt Finish: Modern and Understated

Matt finishes have become increasingly popular in modern kitchens. They offer a smooth, flat appearance with very little reflection.

Why choose Matt?

Matt creates a calm, contemporary look. It works beautifully in minimalist kitchens or spaces where you want colour to feel soft and grounded rather than shiny. Dark colours in matt finishes can look especially striking and luxurious.

Things to consider

Matt finishes can show marks more easily than satin or gloss, especially on lighter colours. Fingerprints and grease splashes are not always obvious at first glance, but they can be harder to clean if left too long.

That said, with professional spray application and high quality coatings, matt finishes are far more durable than many people expect.

Best for:

• Kitchen door cabinets and doors in modern homes

• Homeowners who prefer subtle, non reflective finishes

• Kitchens that prioritise style over heavy daily wear

Satin Finish: The Practical All Rounder

Satin sits comfortably between matt and gloss. It has a soft sheen that reflects light gently without looking shiny.

Why choose satin?

Satin is often our most recommended finish for kitchen door spray painting in Leeds because it balances style with practicality. It’s easier to clean than matt, resists marks better, and still looks refined rather than glossy.

It works well across doors, drawers, plinths, and end panels, giving a consistent look throughout the kitchen.

Things to consider

Satin does reflect some light, so imperfections can be slightly more visible than with matt. However, our on site spray process ensures a smooth, even finish across all surfaces and edges.

Best for

• Busy family kitchens

• Clients wanting durability without high shine

• Cabinets, doors, drawers, and surrounding panels

Gloss Finish: Bright and Reflective

Gloss finishes have been a kitchen staple for years and remain popular in the right setting.

Why choose gloss?

Gloss reflects light strongly, which can make smaller or darker kitchens feel brighter and more open. It’s also the easiest finish to wipe clean, making it ideal for high use areas.

When professionally spray painted, gloss finishes look sleek and polished rather than plastic or patchy.

Things to consider

Gloss shows fingerprints, smudges, and scratches more easily than matt or satin. In busy households, this can mean more frequent wiping down.

It also highlights surface imperfections, which is why preparation is so important. Our team takes care of every detail before spraying to achieve a flawless result.

Best for

• Smaller kitchens needing extra light

• Homes with a modern or high gloss style

• Surfaces that need frequent cleaning

Why Spray Painting Beats Replacement

Many homeowners assume a kitchen update means ripping everything out. In reality, professional spray painting offers a faster and more cost effective solution.

At ColourHaus, we spray paint the internal and external doors and drawers of your kitchen units, including plinths, cornices, end panels, tiles, and all edges. Everything is done on site, which means minimal disruption and no long waits.

The entire process is much quicker than replacement, and in most cases your kitchen will be refreshed and renewed in less than a day. You keep the structure you already have, reduce waste, and still achieve a high end finish.

Choosing the Right Finish for Your Kitchen

There is no single best finish. The right choice depends on how you use your kitchen, how much light it gets, and the look you want to live with every day.

If you want something sleek and modern, matt could be perfect. If you need practicality without sacrificing style, satin is a safe and versatile option. If brightness and easy cleaning are your priorities, gloss may suit you best.

We’re always happy to talk through options and help you choose a finish that works for your kitchen door cabinets, doors, drawers, and surfaces.

Ready to Refresh Your Kitchen?

If you’re considering kitchen door spray painting in Leeds and want a fast, professional transformation without the cost of replacement, ColourHaus can help.

Get in touch with us today to discuss finishes, colours, and how we can give your kitchen a fresh new look in less than a day.