For painted people: semi-gloss v. satin finishes? Decision time!

13 years ago

Need to decide ASAP on a finish for our cabinets, which are getting professionally sprayed with Benjamin Moore Aura paint. The sample doors are in Aura semi-gloss, which looks nice---but super shiny! A quick Google search turns up some concerns with the Aura Satin finish on cabinets, though, so I'm nervous about switching the finish. Our existing casework and mouldings (in separate rooms) are BM oil-based Satin Impervo, so I'm not sure how the finishes compare across paint lines.

We don't have time to get a sample door in Aura satin, so if we go with that it will be sight unseen---anyone have any thoughts on pros and cons to semi-gloss v. satin (or any experience with Aura satin specifically)? I can run to the BM store at lunchtime to try to look at a display with sample finishes, but nothing on a sample door itself.

We are going for durability, ease of cleaning, and looks, in that order. Cabinets are a mix of flush inset (where the finish will get a little more battered and bruised, I imagine) and frameless.

Any help would be very much appreciated---thanks!

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Comments (6)

ae2ga
13 years ago
I think given your order of priority, then semi-gloss might be there better option as it tends to be more durable and easier to clean; however, you're right - it's shiny. For aesthetics, satin finish is quite lovely. It will still last and clean but maybe not as long and easy as semi-gloss.
eandhl
13 years ago
I love my BM satin painted cabs. We used oil based satin impervo, brushed on.
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booboo60
13 years ago
I think satin finishes are beautiful! Just a hint of shiny but so subtle; paint is so much better than the old days, I think the satin cleans up very well. Semi gloss reminds me of the 70's and 80's too shiny!!
Good Luck!
artemis78
Original Author
13 years ago
Gah. So I emailed this question to our cabinetmaker earlier today to see how he thought the satin finish would weather.

Turns out the sample doors he gave us *are* in Aura satin! So...yah. Satin it is, since I don't want to go down to eggshell, and I *definitely* don't want anything glossier than that!

We'll see! Thanks for the feedback. :)
willowdecor
13 years ago
My kitchen is painted White Dove Satin Impervo (not oil) I love it - it holds up well and is very washable. No issues at all. Here is link if you want to see it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Willows kitchen
pcweary
13 years ago
Glad you have been able to settle that choice....I have painted cabinets in BM Black Jack Aura Satin and the sheen to me appears richer than what a semi-gloss or high gloss would be.

They wipe down beautifully and do not show fingerprints, etc. Hope you enjoy yours.