Gloss finishes reflect light, which makes small rooms feel brighter and gives colours extra depth. They are popular for kitchen shutters, wardrobes in compact flats, TV units and display cabinets.
What you gain
- A bright, reflective look that lifts a small room
- Colours appear richer
- Smooth surface that wipes clean easily
What to plan for
- Fingerprints and smudges show more clearly, especially on dark colours
- Fine scratches catch the light and are easier to see
- Imperfect base boards show up as waves in the reflection, so the plywood or MDF underneath must be very flat and smooth
Where gloss works best
Wall cabinets, display units and low-contact surfaces suit it well. For kitchen base units that are touched constantly, many people prefer a matte laminate. A mix, such as gloss on upper units and matte below, is also common.
Tip for fitters
Keep the work area dust-free when pressing and trimming. Any grit trapped under a gloss laminate becomes a visible bump. Read more in our comparison of glossy and matte laminates.
Brands you can ask us about
Products from leading brands including the names below. Ask us which ranges and sizes are currently available.