Matte or Gloss Laminate Surface Finish?

What is the current state of your kitchen surfacing? Is it starting to look shabby and old? Replacing kitchen counters is easy. Choosing the surface type that you are absolutely 100% satisfied with is a little more tricky.

Is laminate the right surface for me?

It may seem a little tempting to choose a surface based on looks alone. Luckily, laminate surfacing is more than just good looking. It is:

• Durable
• Easy to maintain
• Cost effective

The above factors are essential when making a selection for a kitchen remodel. Another wonderful thing about laminate is that if you have your heart set on a specific look or material, you can install a laminate finish that mimics various materials and designs.

www.formica.com

Matte or Gloss Laminate Surface Finishes?

There is no simple answer to the above question. Like any big decision, you need to weigh up the pros and cons of each type of surface finish, and then decide which one you like best.

Start by looking at samples of the different finishes in different lighting. Lighting can have a big effect on how the surface actually appears.

Laminate is highly durable, but not 100% resistant to scratches. As kitchen counters take a real hammering from knives, heavy pots and other “jagged-edged” utensils, scratches may begin to appear over time. Scratches usually show on darker surfaces; therefore, if you do choose a dark surface colour, make sure that you use a pattern to help disguise any scratches.

Benefits of Gloss(& Semi-Gloss) and Matte

Gloss laminate surfacing	Matte laminate surfacing
Reflects both natural and artificial light	Marks and scratches are well-disguised
Available in a wide range of colours	Also available in a wide range of colours
Easier to clean and maintain	Matt finishes can look very sophisticated
Looks chic and elegant	Also looks chic and elegant
Better colour quality and depth

                      

Conclusion

As mentioned above, there is no real direct answer as to which finish is best. It all comes down to personal preference. Test and see how different colour samples look in your kitchen lighting and then decide which finishing you like best.

Buy the best

If you are looking for the best laminate surfacing, go for a quality brand such as Formica High-Pressure Laminate (HPL).

 All images are taken from Formica’s website.