Choosing the right paint sheen for bathroom cabinets can be a tricky decision. The humidity and moisture in a bathroom can really take a toll on cabinet paint, so you’ll want to choose a finish that is durable and resistant to mildew. At the same time, you’ll want the paint to complement the style of your bathroom. To help make the decision easier, here is an overview of the most common paint sheens for bathroom cabinets and the pros and cons of each.
Matte Finish
Matte or flat paints have a completely non-reflective finish. This sheen is a good choice for surfaces that need to be touched up frequently, as it’s easy to spot touch-ups with flat paint. The downside is that flat paint shows every imperfection in the surface underneath, so it’s not an ideal choice for cabinets unless they are in perfect condition. Here are a few pros and cons of using a matte finish on bathroom cabinets:
- Pros:
- Hides surface imperfections well
- Easy to touch up
- Cons:
- Prone to scuffing and staining
- Shows dirt easily
- Not durable or scrubbable
- Not recommended for high humidity areas like bathrooms
Eggshell Finish
Eggshell finish has a soft, velvety appearance. It has a slight sheen, about 10-25% reflectance. Eggshell is much more durable than matte and can stand up better to cleaning and scrubbing. Here are some pros and cons of using eggshell paint on bathroom cabinets:
- Pros:
- Durable and scrubbable
- Resists yellowing and staining
- Easy to clean
- Cons:
- Shows imperfections more than matte
- Visible touch-ups
- Can be shiny if over-applied
Satin Finish
Satin finish is in the mid-range for paint sheens. It has about a 25-35% reflectance rate. The soft gloss provides a classic, subtle shine. Satin is a great choice for surfaces like cabinets and trim that need durability but shouldn’t look too glossy. Here are the main pros and cons of satin paint:
- Pros:
- Durable, scrubbable, and easy to clean
- Resists moisture, stains, and yellowing
- Minimizes imperfections
- Subtle sheen
- Cons:
- Visible touch-ups
- Can look glossy if over-applied
Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss has a reflectance of about 35-70%. It has a noticeably shiny, glossy appearance. Semi-gloss is the most durable and scrubbable paint sheen. However, the glossy look can be too shiny for some surfaces like cabinets. Here are some pros and cons of using semi-gloss paint on bathroom cabinets:
- Pros:
- Extremely durable, scratch resistant, and washable
- Excellent dirt and moisture resistance
- Creates a shiny, sleek look
- Cons:
- Visible imperfections
- Brush strokes are obvious
- Often too shiny for cabinets
- Shows uneven application
High-Gloss Finish
High-gloss paint has a reflectance of about 70-85%. It creates a bright, mirror-like shine. While high-gloss is extremely durable and moisture-resistant, it highlights any little imperfection. It is also prone to showing uneven brush strokes and application marks. High-gloss is best reserved for situations where a bold, shiny look is desired. Pros and cons of high-gloss paint include:
- Pros:
- Extremely durable and moisture-resistant
- Super shiny, mirror-like finish
- Very easy to clean and keep clean
- Cons:
- Visible imperfections are exaggerated
- Brush strokes are very obvious
- Often too bold and shiny for cabinets
- Shows uneven application
Comparing Paint Finishes for Bathroom Cabinets
Here is a quick comparison of the common paint sheens for bathroom cabinets:
| Paint Sheen | Reflectance | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matte | 0-10% | Hides imperfections, easy to touch up | Not durable or scrubbable, shows dirt |
| Eggshell | 10-25% | Durable, scrubbable, easy to clean | Shows imperfections, visible touch-ups |
| Satin | 25-35% | Durable, scrubbable, minimizes imperfections | Visible touch-ups, can look glossy |
| Semi-Gloss | 35-70% | Extremely durable, moisture resistant | Visible imperfections, too shiny for cabinets |
| High-Gloss | 70-85% | Extremely durable, super shiny | Exaggerates imperfections, too bold for cabinets |
Best Paint Sheens for Bathroom Cabinets
When choosing a paint sheen for bathroom cabinets, the best finishes are generally satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss. Here are some recommendations on which sheen works best in different situations:
- Satin – This versatile sheen is ideal for most bathrooms. It resists moisture, hides imperfections, and is easy to keep clean. Satin provides a classic, subtly glossy look.
- Eggshell – For a bathroom with visible cosmetic imperfections in the cabinets, eggshell is a good choice to help disguise flaws. Its velvety finish still resists moisture well.
- Semi-Gloss – For a contemporary style bathroom with sleek cabinets, semi-gloss provides a bright, shiny look. It’s extremely durable but use satin if a subtler sheen is preferred.
- Matte – Only use matte finish if cabinets are in perfect condition. It won’t hold up to moisture or scrubbing well.
- High-Gloss – This bold look is best reserved for situations where a dramatic shine is desired. It can exaggerate imperfections in wood.
Picking the Right Sheen for Your Bathroom
When deciding on the best paint sheen for your bathroom cabinets, consider the following:
- What is the existing condition of the cabinets – are touch ups needed or is the surface in pristine shape?
- What style are you aiming for – traditional, contemporary, minimalist?
- Do you want a subtle sheen or a dramatic shiny look?
- Is moisture resistance a top priority?
- How durable does the finish need to be for your lifestyle and family?
Test paint swatches directly on cabinets to get a feel for the sheen in the actual room. Be sure to coat swatches properly, with primer and two coats of paint. View swatches at different times of day. Natural light accentuates sheen more than artificial light. Pick a finish that suits both the condition of cabinets and the aesthetic you want to achieve.
Prepping and Priming Bathroom Cabinets
Proper prep and priming are crucial for achieving a smooth, lasting finish on bathroom cabinets. Here are some tips for prep and prime:
- Remove doors, handles, and hardware. Fill any holes and sand cabinets smooth.
- Clean surfaces thoroughly then lightly sand to degloss and roughen the finish.
- Prime with a high adhesion primer formulated for slick surfaces like cabinetry.
- Tack cloth cabinets to remove dust before topcoating.
- Allow primer to fully cure overnight before painting.
Applying primer creates a uniform surface for paint to adhere to, while sealing the wood to prevent bleed-through and tannin stains.
Applying Paint to Bathroom Cabinets
Use high quality paint formulated for cabinetry. Look for paint that offers moisture resistance, durability, and easy cleaning. Apply in a well-ventilated area. Here are some tips for painting cabinets:
- Work in thin, even coats using a high-quality bristle brush.
- Maintain a wet edge and follow the wood grain direction to minimize brush marks.
- Let each coat fully dry before adding another. Lightly sand between coats.
- Add at least 2 topcoats for a smooth, even finish. 3 coats are better for darker colors.
- Allow paint to cure fully for 30 days before cleaning cabinets. Cure time prevents paint from sticking to cleaning rags.
Take your time with each coat. Rushing the painting process can compromise the finish and smoothness of the final paint job. Proper prep, priming, painting, and curing will provide bathroom cabinets with a durable, moisture-resistant sheen that lasts for years.
Conclusion
Choosing the right paint sheen is crucial to getting a finish that stands up to the humid environment of a bathroom. Satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss are generally the best sheen options. They provide an optimum balance of moisture resistance, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Prep cabinets thoroughly, prime properly, and apply two or more careful coats of quality cabinet paint. With the right sheen choice and application methods, freshly painted cabinets can transform the look of a bathroom while also gaining long-lasting protection.