We all know that kitchens are a vital part of a house. It is the room where we spend most of our time when not at work. And it can often be the hub of activity when friends come over for dinner parties or sporting events. In this post, we will explore two different finishes for kitchen cabinets: glossy versus matte finish. Both have their pros and cons, so let’s take a look at how they stack up against each other in terms of durability, cost, and style.
The glossy versus matte finish debate has been going on for a long time. Which is the best option? What do they look like? Is one better than the other? This blog post will answer all these questions and more. You’ll be able to see two different types of kitchens, each with its kind of finishing material displayed to help you decide.
So, which kind looks better for your home. We’ve also included a glossary that defines standard terms related to kitchen finishes so you can have an informed discussion with your contractor about what’s suitable for your current project.
Content to explore
- Price
- Repairing dings and scratches
- Stain-resistance
- Scratch-resistance
- Maintenance
Price
The most apparent difference between the two is the price. The glossy cost of granite countertops is more expensive than matte finishes, but not because they are necessarily better or more durable. The extra cost comes from polished finishes requiring a unique polishing process during production, which takes additional time and labor.
Most people tend to choose matte as it’s cheaper and easier to maintain, even though many who pick matte will end up regretting their decision down the road as they see how much better glossier ones look after good quality sealing and good craft by granite installers.
Repairing dings and scratches
Glossy counters can repair if knife marks, water stains make through the surface. It is possible to recondition them and essentially erase these imperfections. It’s impossible to remove such marks from matte countertops, so if you want something that can retain its original polish no matter what you put on it, then glossy may be the way to go.
Stain-resistance
Glossy surfaces are elementary to wipe clean and will resist stains much better than matte finishes will. Of course, you should always make sure your counters get treated with a good quality sealant after they’ve been installed (this is especially important for granite and other natural stones). You’ll find that food and beverage stains like wine, coffee, or juice will not penetrate the surface of a glossy counter, but they will stain matte countertops, so they will need to be cleaned and possibly removed with a professional cleaner.
Scratch-resistance
On the whole, glossy countertops are more scratch-resistant than matte ones. Although this may not mean much when you’re just putting things on your countertops like plates or cookbooks, it needs to be considered when choosing between the two finishes for your kitchen island top or bathroom vanity. Also, remember that some materials deemed “scratch resistant” actually show scratches more quickly than others. Some types of granite even come with an invisible protective coating to repel damage! If you want an ultra-hard surface that will hold its sheened no matter what happens. Then gloss is the way to go.
Maintenance
Glossy countertops are easier to maintain than matte, but when they do have to be cleaned, it is recommended that you use warm water and a few drops of dish detergent. A sponge or soft cloth should be used for wiping them down, and never any kind of abrasive material or cleanser. Doing so will gradually scratch the surface over time without even realizing it! Allowing spills to sit on your countertop is especially bad – not only can discoloring occur. But bacteria could start thriving in the moisture, which would quickly turn into mold or mildew damage. Matte counters are much harder to maintain because water stains are hard to remove once they have penetrated the finish.
Conclusion
The critical difference between a matte and glossy finish is the price. A shinier surface will require more maintenance to keep it looking good. But it may be worth the extra time if you want your console table to look pristine for years on end. By making your choice based on all these points above, you can be sure that you’ve made the best possible decision in terms of buying counters which suit your needs and budget. Be sure to follow this guide step by step when choosing countertops for kitchens or bathrooms, and you won’t be disappointed.
