Mark Roemer Oakland image of a glossy kitchen finish.

Glossy Kitchen Worktops and Kitchen Doorways

I, Mark Roemer Oakland, believe that the finish of a kitchen can impact the overall decor and aesthetic appeal of your house. There are several types of kitchen worktop and kitchen doorway finishes such as matt, gloss, satin, and semi-gloss and each have its respective pros and cons.

Generally, a gloss kitchen finish feels more modern due to its shiny surface which reflects light in a pleasant manner. However, there are many things you should know before you decide to choose a gloss finish for your kitchen worktops and doorways.

 

Types of kitchen gloss finish

Gloss finish can be categorized into three types depending on their quality, durability, and price. Additionally, the type of gloss finish you choose for your kitchen will allow you to customize the look of your kitchen. It will also affect the level of maintenance required to keep them in good condition. Let’s take a look at them below:

1. Acrylic Gloss – Acrylic gloss units are more expensive than gloss PVC options since these are made with solid acrylic which results in an even color. Unfortunately, acrylic gloss is the easiest to scratch and is not recommended for families with young kids.

You don’t want them to scratch the acrylic gloss kitchen countertops with their toys! Also, it is important to note that you have to use a non-abrasive cleaner to clean the acrylic gloss finish surface.

2. Gloss PVC – Gloss PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) units are considered the most affordable option. They have a wooden composite MDF center which is then covered in the PVC. A process known as vacuum foaming is used to bind the MDF to the PVC.

Glossy PVC is limited in its range of colors and is usually available in lighter colors since darker colors tend to highlight surface irregularities. Still, a white or ivory gloss finish can offer a great minimalist look.

3. Gloss Lacquer – Gloss lacquer offers incredibly shiny and even surfaces and is the most durable option. Plus, they offer a unique depth and intensity to the overall look of the surface. As a result, gloss lacquer also tends to be the most expensive option.

Gloss lacquer units also feature an MDF core but the core is coated in primer and a substance called lacquer is then used to cover it layer upon layer to create a stunning shiny surface.

 

Advantages of glossy kitchen finish

1. They are aesthetically pleasing – One of the biggest advantages of choosing a high-gloss kitchen is that they look mesmerizing due to their shiny look. In fact, they can imitate the look of glass tiles or natural stones without the added weight.

High-gloss kitchen finish works like subtle mirrors and bounces light around the room to make the kitchen appear brighter. As a result, it makes the space appear larger and a stunning sight to behold.

2. They offer a modern look – A variety of kitchen trends have popped up over the years but none of them have outlasted the 1970s ultra-modern style of high gloss kitchen. High-gloss kitchens, especially the ones made with glass lacquer, are always in great demand due to their combination of superior durability and elegant reflective finish.

3. They are easy to clean – Cleaning kitchen surfaces can feel like a nightmare since they attract dirt and grime pretty easily. Fortunately, gloss lacquer kitchen finishes are a joy to clean since they are waterproof and can be cleaned easily using a soft damp cloth with a simple wiping motion.

Since the surface of gloss kitchen finishes are smooth, they don’t have any nooks or crannies where dirt or grime can accumulate over time. Thus, you don’t have to worry about tough-to-remove stains and smudges.

4. They are available in a wide range of colors – Gloss lacquer kitchen finishes are available in a wide range of colors such as deep forest green, cherry red, midnight blue, and more. You can even opt for custom colors to match the overall decor of your home. However, these are more challenging and thus, more expensive.

 

Disadvantages of glossy kitchen finish

1. They attract smudges and scratches more easily – The biggest advantage of glossy kitchen finish is also their biggest weakness. Since they bounce a significant amount of light, they make it easier for people to notice any smudge marks, scratches, and stains. These include fingerprint smudges which are so common but otherwise go unnoticed on normal surfaces.

Thus, high-gloss kitchens need to be cleaned frequently to remove any visible smudges and scratch marks on the kitchen countertop or door surfaces. Needless to say, it can feel pretty annoying.

2. They are generally more expensive – Generally, high gloss kitchen surfaces tend to be more expensive since these require special treatment which needs to be carried out by professionals. To create a smooth and bubble-free finish, the lacquer finish is built layer by layer until each layer is perfect. Typically, it requires at least three to four coats to create a high-quality finish, but certain products can contain up to ten coats. You can expect to spend $50 to $100 per foot of lacquer finish in the kitchen.

3. They can suffer from UV fading – Glossy kitchen cabinets and doorways can suffer from a cloudy effect when exposed to direct sunlight for a long time. This is known as UV fading. It can also occur when a high-gloss kitchen surface is exposed to high humidity.

Additionally, the amount of light and its direction can change the way you perceive the color of the finish. You can consider installing a solar film on the kitchen windows to block the UV light and protect the glossy finish of your kitchen cabinets and doors.

Conclusion

I, Mark Roemer Oakland, suggest you choose the colors and textures of glossy kitchen worktops and doorways to maximize their aesthetic appeal. For instance, you can choose to coordinate or contrast the overall look by using different colors for the wall unit and base to create a stylish statement. Alternatively, you can opt for the classic and crisp, white modern look.