^

Advantages of Reduced Sheen on Wood

Trends

If you are in the market for fine furniture or wood flooring, you’ll see there is a huge push for reduced sheen levels for the clear top coat used on wood products. First, let’s discuss some sheen facts.

reduced sheen on wood cabinets

WHAT DOES SHEEN MEAN?
Simply put, Sheen defines the degree of glossiness of a paint or clear top coat. There are many levels or degree of sheens, which will dictate how reflective the top coat is.

 Maple with 10% Sheen

Maple with 10% Sheen

Common categories of sheen are Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss and High Gloss. For more information on how sheens are measured, read How to Differentiate Between Gloss and Sheen by Sherwin-Williams.

INDUSTRY STANDARD FOR CABINETS

Typically, most semi-custom and custom cabinet companies use about a 20 – 25 degree sheen as a topcoat finish. The result is what some might define as a semi-gloss finish.  

20% Sheen On Natural Black Walnut
20% Sheen On Natural Black Walnut

ADVANTAGES OF A LOWER SHEEN

Recently, in April of 2019, Superior Cabinets released a line of new wood stains at a reduced sheen from 20 degrees to 10 degrees sheen to keep up with trends, and the results are amazing. Let’s discuss the advantages of a lower sheen.   

WOOD APPRECIATION

 Natural Hickory with 10% Sheen

Hickory with 10% Sheen

Lower sheen on wood results in a beautiful and luxurious look. Because it is less shiny, it is less distracting and draws you visually to appreciate the wood grain. A 10 degree sheen allows for a more natural appearance while still providing the same protection to the doors and parts in your wood kitchen.

REDUCED VISIBILITY OF SCRATCHES

Generally speaking, the reduced sheen shows less micro scratches in the top coat surface and glossier finishes can show more. Think of a car finish, something as superficial as dust can scratch the finish, but looks amazing when it is brand new. The new 10 degree sheen will still show finger prints like a higher sheen finish however due to the durability of the top coat, your cabinet doors can easily be cleaned with warm water and a mild dish soap followed by drying with a clean soft cloth.

Natural Cherry with 10% Sheen

Cherry with 10% Sheen

HIGH-END LOOK

There is no doubt that a reduced sheen on wood has a higher-end look. This is because high-end furniture, flooring, etc., use reduced sheens. This area of influence often inspires a higher-end look. 

SOMETHING NEW

25 degree sheen has held its place for many years, but as trends evolve,  it is good to see a progression to a warmer wood facade in cabinetry. If you hold up a 10 degree sheen cabinet next to a degree sheen one, you will instantly see the difference.

SUMMARY

 Natural Black Walnut with 10% Sheen

Black Walnut with 10% Sheen

Maintaining the perfect sheen level can be difficult. Too low of sheen and your surface looks unfinished and too high of sheen and you will start to see imperfections quickly in the paint or stain beneath. We always recommend choosing something that will perform well and look beautiful. If you would like to see the new Superior Cabinets Wood Stain Finishes in 10 degree sheen, feel free to book your free design consultation appointment in one of our showrooms located in Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton, and Calgary.

LOOKING FOR MORE?

Here are some additional helpful articles to check out:
2025 Kitchen Trends
Melamine vs. Plywood
Sleek Door Profiles are a Dominating Trend
Kitchen Designer Cheat Sheet
Ways to Save Money on New Kitchen Cabinets
The Kitchen Cabinet Buyer’s Guide
Planning A Kitchen Renovation During A Pandemic
Common Corner Cabinet Types and Ideas
Bar Support Selection Guide
Butcher Block in the Kitchen, What You Should Know
Farmhouse Sink Considerations
Common Mudroom Design Oversights
New Paint Finishes on MDF for Summer
New Wood Stains – Inspired by Nature
Choosing the Right Drawer System

Close

Kitchen Newsletter

Every few months we will send our best tips and kitchens to you in our newsletter!

Thank you!

You're now on the newsletter. Check out our social media for more tips!

Close

USA Visitors

It looks like you’re visiting from the United States. For the most up to date product information, please visit our USA Website.

USA Website

Close