Finish

Matt, eggshell, satin, gloss.

Same colour, four very different rooms. Sheen percentage, durability, fingerprints, light, price. The honest comparison.

The four finishes

Sheen level changes everything.

Matt · 5% sheen

Almost no reflection. Soft, contemporary, the most-asked finish in 2026. Hides fingerprints best of any finish. Toughest film thanks to a tighter molecular structure. Best for kitchens, modern UPVC.

Eggshell · 15% sheen

A trace of softness, still wipeable. The studio default for kitchens. Easiest to clean of the four. Hides minor imperfections in the substrate.

Satin · 30% sheen

Subtle reflectivity. Brightens north-facing kitchens. Good middle ground between matt and gloss. Period-appropriate for traditional shaker doors.

Gloss · 70% sheen

High reflectivity, mirror-like in direct light. Best on flat slab doors, kitchen islands as features, contemporary apartment kitchens. Shows fingerprints, requires more upkeep.

Side by side

How each finish performs.

Durability ranking

1. Matt, toughest film, hides marks
2. Eggshell, easiest to wipe, studio default
3. Satin, good middle ground
4. Gloss, most maintenance, shows every smudge

Fingerprint resistance

1. Matt, almost invisible
2. Eggshell, invisible at a distance
3. Satin, shows in raking light
4. Gloss, shows always

Light brightness

1. Gloss, throws the most light
2. Satin, gentle reflectivity
3. Eggshell, soft warmth
4. Matt, absorbs most light

Hiding imperfections

1. Matt, most forgiving
2. Eggshell, very forgiving
3. Satin, shows medium flaws
4. Gloss, shows every surface flaw

Recommendation

What we'd pick if we couldn't ask you.

For UPVC respraying: matt every time. UPVC has small surface inconsistencies that gloss exaggerates. Matt is contemporary and hides daily weather marks.

For kitchen doors: eggshell. Easier to clean than matt, more forgiving than satin, none of the gloss maintenance. The studio default for nine in ten kitchen jobs.

For kitchen islands as a feature: matt in a darker tone than the surrounding cabinets. Reads as a deliberate accent.

For front doors: gloss or satin. The door is a small surface, fingerprints get cleaned regularly, and a touch of reflectivity adds visual weight.

All four finishes cost the same to apply. Same labour, same prep, same coat count. The choice is purely about how it looks and how it lives.

FAQ

Finish, asked properly.

Short, honest answers. If we've missed yours, we'll reply in thirty minutes.

Which finish lasts longest?

Matt and eggshell. The tighter molecular structure of low-sheen lacquers means a slightly tougher film. In domestic use you'd never notice the difference, but spec sheets confirm matt as the most durable.

Can I mix finishes on the same kitchen?

Yes. Common combinations: eggshell on doors with a matt island, or satin on doors with gloss accents on glass-front cabinets. Adds about 5 percent to the price.

Will gloss yellow over time?

No. The 2K lacquer systems we use are UV-stable and rated for 20+ years without colour shift. Yellowing was a problem with older single-coat polyurethane systems, not modern 2K.

Which finish is best in a small kitchen?

Gloss or satin. Both throw light around the room. Matt absorbs light and can make a small north-facing kitchen feel smaller. Save matt for kitchens that already get good natural light.

Do you bring finish samples to the survey?

Yes. We bring panels in all four finishes, in your shortlisted colours, so you can compare side-by-side in your own light.

What's the cleaning routine for each?

All four wipe down with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Gloss benefits from a microfibre to avoid streaks. Matt and eggshell forgive most cleaning approaches.

Can I respray gloss over matt or vice versa?

Yes. We sand the existing finish, prime, and respray in your chosen new finish. Same warranty terms.