March 21, 2018

Creating a beautiful modular kitchen requires putting together a lot of components! And, cabinets are perhaps the essential ones that spell the difference between an average and a great modular kitchen.

Thus, it is recommended that you put some time and effort into choosing from the different cabinetry finishes available in the market.

Acrylic and laminates are amongst the most popular options. However, they differ in terms of visual appeal, pricing and durability. To help you choose the right cabinetry finish that suits your kitchen aesthetics the best, it is important to learn a few things about both options.

Let’s first understand the difference between acrylic and laminate finishes.

Acrylic Finish

A type of finish similar to lacquer, acrylic is a non-toxic, reflective high gloss finish which can give cabinets a smooth appearance. It is available in a wide range of colours and will give a mirror-like look to your kitchen cabinets.

Laminate Finish

Laminates are the most commonly used cabinet finishes for kitchens. This artificial multi-layered material is made by pressing thin layers of plastic resins and flat papers. The top layer is printed with colours and decorative patterns. Laminates are quite cost efficient.

Acrylic Vs. Laminate: How To Choose The Right Finish?

Here’s a comparison to help you choose wisely!

1. Acrylic Vs. Laminate: Aesthetics

Acrylic cabinets are preferred for high-end kitchens with a gloss finish. And, they add a visual appeal to your kitchen. Though laminates are also available in a glossy finish, they are comparatively less reflective leaving the overall look less striking.

2. Acrylic Vs. Laminate: Colours & Varieties

Acrylic finishes retain their colour and brightness for ages and are available in plenty of vibrant colours. While, laminates are available in numerous textures like wood, a variety of colours, and materials including matte, glossy and ultra-high gloss.

3. Acrylic Vs. Laminate: Maintenance & Durability

While acrylic finishes are not entirely scratch resistant, they do not delaminate, tarnish, or fade away. They do tend to get scratched over the years, but always appear ultra-glossy and relatively smooth. However, they need regular cleaning as dirt, stains and fingerprint marks are more visible on them. While laminates are heat resistant and moisture free, and thus, can be preserved from bacteria. They are also relatively more durable.

4. Acrylic Vs. Laminate: Cost

As acrylic finishes are aesthetically more appealing and are easy to clean, they come with higher price tags. While laminate finishes are quite durable and ideal for people on a budget.

So… Which One Should You Opt For?

The ideal option that is also in trend these days is using the combination of both laminate and acrylic finishes.

Since most lighting tends to highlight the upper cabinets, use acrylic finishes on them for a glossy, attractive look. Choose laminate for lower cabinets since they are more prone to wear and tear. You can choose textures and colours that complement each other for a coordinated look. Decide on the best finish for your kitchen cabinets depending on your use, budget and tastes.