High Gloss finishes

After a period of matt finishes being the trend, gloss is back and it’s everywhere – on walls, walls, furniture and ornaments.  This new trend was started by the nostalgic inspiration of Art deco and Hollywood Glamour of the twenties and thirties, but now every modern chic interior has to shimmer by glossy surfaces.

Applying a high-gloss finish to surfaces started in the kitchen. Over the last year or so we have seen a shift from using dark wood veneer to lacquered glossy surfaces.  Kitchen doors have become shiny – black, red & white – and these are combined with mirrored, metallic or coloured glass tiles and splash-backs.  Even Ikea has brought out their Abstract range in these high-gloss finishes, which are hugely successful worldwide..

However, you need to think about quality. These Ikea units and many other pieces of glossy furniture are made from foil-finished particle board, which is not terribly hard-wearing. If you want your kitchen to last longer, you should opt for pure solid acrylics, such as those made by Parapan. Solid acrylic is more durable, doesn’t scratch easily and doesn’t fade. Also, there are many more colors to choose from than the three I mentioned above, so you can be more creative.

Glass is another material that is taking over from wood, stone and ceramics. Colored glass panels are used as splashbacks in the kitchen, whilst seamless sheets of glass covers the modern bathroom’s walls. Back-painted glass provides a wide range of colors, so you can achieve any colour you want according to your personal taste.

High-gloss finishes are also applied to furniture. The new range of sideboards, wardrobes, chests of drawers, caf̩ tables have also received the lacquer treatment or are made of acrylic, glass or mirror. Even accessories & ornaments are becoming shiny and sparkly Рyou can see glossy vases, lamp bases, candle-holders etc. everywhere.

Walls and floors are also becoming shiny. Metallic, shimmery paints & wallpapers have hit the stores. Gloss finish on woodwork has superseded the matt and eggshell finish that was de riguer for years. Seamless shiny floors made of resin or rubber are becoming more and more popular in our homes, whilst wooden floors are getting lacquered.

High-gloss materials are not only fashionable but are practical. They can easily be wiped down, they are generally waterproof and durable.  However, fingerprints can be an issue, so perhaps glossy kitchens are not suitable for homes with children, although you could try treating them with anti-static spray (the doors not the kids!).

In the next article you can read about updating your home to achieve this new high-gloss finish.