Modular furniture is a popular choice for many homeowners due to its versatility, durability, and convenience. With customization, modular furniture can easily fit into any space and can be adapted to suit your changing needs over time. But what really sets modular furniture apart is the variety of finishes available. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of finishes for modular furniture and kitchen cabinets, so you can choose the one that’s right for you.

Mica Laminates

If you’re considering a contemporary kitchen design, one of the key features to consider is the finish of your cabinets. A popular choice for contemporary kitchens is a mica laminate finish, which offers a sleek and modern look while also being durable and easy to maintain.

Making

Laminate is a synthetic material made from layers of paper or fabric that are mixed with resin and then compressed under high heat and pressure. The finished product is then adhered to a support, such as particleboard or MDF, to produce a stable and long-lasting surface. Their manufacturing design, material, and technologies make them highly hardwearing and durable. The laminates are available in either glossy, matte, or ultra gloss finishes. Besides colors, you also get them in different textures like wood, as per your preference.

Advantages

a) Durable and Resistant

It’s very durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and other types of damage. This makes it ideal for a high-traffic area like a kitchen, where spills and accidents are bound to happen.

b) Easy to clean and Maintain

It’s very easy to clean and maintain. Laminate doesn’t need any additional finishing or treatments. All you need is a damp cloth or sponge and some mild detergent to wipe away any dirt or grime.

c) Wide range of colors and patterns

From solid colors to wood grain patterns and even metallic finishes, there’s a laminate option to suit just about any design style or preference. When it comes to contemporary kitchen design, some popular options for laminate finishes include glossy white or black, brushed metal, or wood grain patterns in a variety of colors. .

d) Eco-friendly

Laminate is  an eco-friendly choice for kitchen cabinets. Because it’s made from recycled materials and can be recycled itself, it’s a sustainable option that can help reduce your carbon footprint.

Wood Veneers

Wood veneer is a popular finish option for contemporary kitchen designs because it offers a warm and natural look while also being versatile and durable.  they are a highly cost-effective option for you if you are looking to reface or refinish your kitchen cabinets. Among many of the benefits that it has to offer are its sturdiness, durability, maintenance, resistance to water, ease of installation, affordability, and aesthetic appeal.

Making

Veneer is a thin slice of wood that is glued onto a substrate, such as particleboard or MDF, to create a solid and stable surface.

Advantages

a) Natural & Unique

One of the main advantages of wood veneer is its natural beauty. Each piece of wood has its own unique grain and texture, which adds depth and character to your kitchen design. When it comes to contemporary kitchen design, some popular options for wood veneer finishes include light, natural tones like birch or ash, or darker, more dramatic options like cherry or mahogany.

b) Versatility

Another advantage of wood veneer is its versatility. It can be used on a range of surfaces, from cabinets and drawers to countertop and islands, to create a cohesive and visually appealing design.

c) Durability

In terms of durability, wood veneer is a great choice for a high-traffic area like a kitchen. It’s resistant to scratches and wear, and can be easily repaired if it does become damaged.

Lacquered Glass Laminate

Lacquered glass laminate is vibrant and is made of a fiberboard panel that has been painted with polyester and polyurethane paints. With its exceptional ability to resist moisture and heat and with its low maintenance ability, lacquered glass laminate is good for long term investment. Make sure to check out these various applications and benefits of using lacquered glass in interiors.  

UV Painting

This finishing technique involves painting the wood boards and then covering them with UV protection. This along with giving the cabinet a shiny, glossy finish also increases its durability and reduces the odds of discoloration. In terms of contemporary kitchen design, some popular options for UV painting finishes include high-gloss white or black, metallic finishes in silver or gold, and bold, bright colors like red or blue.

Making

UV painting is a process where a clear, protective coating is applied to a surface and then cured with ultraviolet light. This creates a hard, scratch-resistant finish that is both durable and easy to clean.

Advantages

If you’re looking for a contemporary finish for your kitchen cabinets, you might want to consider UV painting. This type of finish offers a number of benefits as below,

a) Versatility

UV painting’s versatility is one of its key advantages. The method works well with a number of kitchen types and designs since it can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including glass, plastic, and metal.

b) Ease of maintenance

The finish is resistant to scratches, stains, and other types of damage, making it easy to clean and maintain. All you need is a soft cloth or sponge and some mild detergent to wipe away any dirt or grime.

Crystal Glass Laminate

Crystal glass is a unique and elegant finish option for contemporary kitchen designs. It offers a sleek and modern look, while also being durable and easy to clean. When it comes to using crystal glass in a contemporary kitchen design, some popular options include using it as a back splash or as cabinet doors. Learn all about the advantages of using crystal glass laminate for modular furniture.

Acrylic Finish

Acrylic finishes are becoming increasingly popular in contemporary kitchen designs due to their sleek, modern look and durability. It is a type of plastic that is known for its clarity, transparency, and ability to mimic glass.

Making

Acrylic laminates are  made under high pressure using automated machinery by pressing together thin layers of flat paper and plastic resins.

Advantages

Here are some of the benefits of using acrylic for your kitchen cabinets and counter tops:

a) Contemporary Look

Acrylic provides a glossy and modern look to your kitchen. It has a high-end appearance that is perfect for contemporary kitchen designs.

b) Durability

Acrylic is a highly durable material that is resistant to scratches, stains, and UV light. This makes it ideal for use in a high-traffic area like a kitchen.

c) Easy to Clean

Acrylic is very easy to clean, requiring only a soft cloth and some mild detergent to wipe away any dirt or grime.

d) Customization

Acrylic finishes come in a variety of colors and can be customized to your desired color or pattern. This makes it a versatile choice for your kitchen design. When it comes to using acrylic in a contemporary kitchen design, some popular options include using it as cabinet doors, counter tops, or back splashes. It can also be used for kitchen islands or accent pieces to add a pop of color or visual interest to your space.

e) Cost-Effective

Acrylic finishes are more affordable than some other high-end finishes

Membrane Finish

One important aspect of kitchen design that is often overlooked is the membrane finish used for cabinets and other surfaces.

Making

Membrane finish is a type of surface finish that is created by wrapping a layer of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film around a substrate, such as MDF (medium-density fiberboard) or particleboard. The film is applied using a vacuum press, which ensures a smooth and even application. Membrane finish is available in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns, making it a versatile option for kitchen design.

Advantages

a) Highly durable and resistant to wear and tear

It is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. Unlike painted or laminated surfaces, membrane finish does not crack, peel, or warp over time. It is also resistant to moisture, heat, and chemicals, making it easy to clean and maintain

b) Seamless appearance

Another benefit of membrane finish is its seamless appearance. Because the film is wrapped around the substrate, there are no visible seams or edges, giving the cabinets and other surfaces a sleek and modern look.

c) Highly customizable

It is available in a range of colors, textures, and patterns, including wood grains, solid colors, metallic, and even custom designs.

PU Finish

If you are looking for a versatile and durable finish for your contemporary kitchen, then PU finish might be the perfect choice for you. PU or polyurethane is a type of coating that is known for its excellent adhesion, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance.

Making

PU laminates are compound fabric which are made by laminating a cloth fabric to one or both sides of a thin film of polyurethane.

Advantages

a) Durability and resistance to wear and tear

PU finish is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets, counter-tops, and other surfaces because of its durability and resistance to wear and tear. It is highly resistant to scratches & stains

b) Water resistant

PU finish is water-resistant, which means it can withstand splashes and spills without compromising its appearance or integrity.

c) Versatility

Another benefit of PU finish is its versatility. It is available in a range of colors and finishes, including glossy, matte, and satin. This makes it easy to create a customized look for your kitchen that complements your personal style and the overall design of your home.

Drawbacks

One important factor to consider when choosing a PU finish is the level of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) it contains. VOCs are chemicals that can be harmful to human health and the environment. Low VOC PU finishes are available and are a great option for those looking for an eco-friendly and safe solution.