Laminate, acrylic, PU, fluted or veneer: which kitchen finish suits you?

The shutter finish decides how your kitchen looks, how easy it is to clean and how it ages. Here is how the common finishes compare, so you can choose with confidence before your design meeting.

Laminate: the practical favourite

Laminate is a tough decorative sheet bonded to the shutter. It comes in hundreds of solid colours, woodgrains, stones and textures, in matte, suede and high-gloss versions from brands such as Merino, Greenlam and Century. It shrugs off turmeric stains, steel vessels and children's hands, which is why most Bangalore family kitchens use it. Our shutters carry 1 mm decorative laminate outside and 0.8 mm laminate inside.

Acrylic: high gloss and bright

Acrylic gives a deep, glassy shine that bounces light around a small kitchen. It suits modern kitchens with handle-less profiles. It shows fingerprints and fine scratches more than laminate, so wipe it with a soft microfibre cloth rather than a scrubber.

PU paint: any colour, smooth finish

PU (polyurethane) paint is sprayed in layers and can be matched to almost any colour, in matte or gloss. It is the natural choice for shaker shutters with a raised frame, and small chips can be touched up.

Fluted and grooved: texture and shadow

Vertical fluting adds texture and soft shadows, especially on island fronts, tall units and display shutters. Use it as a feature rather than on every cabinet, and dust the grooves now and then.

Wood veneer: real wood, warm and premium

Veneer is a thin slice of real wood, so every shutter has its own grain. It brings warmth to open kitchens and living areas. Keep it away from direct, constant water and wipe spills quickly.

Which finishes suit Bangalore's climate?

Bangalore's monsoon humidity and dust are gentler than the coast, but the kitchen still sees steam and water daily. Sealed edges matter more than the face finish: every Decorguys shutter is edge-banded by machine on all sides. For the sink and hob areas, laminate and PU are the most forgiving; keep veneer and high-gloss acrylic where they get less splashing.

Mixing finishes

Many of the kitchens we build use two finishes: a hard-wearing laminate or PU for the base units that take daily knocks, and a gloss, glass or veneer finish up top where it catches the light. Try combinations in our kitchen colour selector, with separate colours and finishes for the top and bottom cabinets, or read our guide to kitchen colour combinations.

Handles and profiles

Brass bar handles suit shaker and painted kitchens. Handle-less profiles (a recessed J or G profile) give a clean, modern line and suit acrylic and laminate. Aluminium-framed glass shutters with profile lighting are a lovely way to show crockery.

How finishes affect the price

At Decorguys, Essentials uses one laminate finish (kitchens Rs 1,430 to 1,540 per sq ft); Custom adds upgraded finishes such as lacquer, fluted and premium laminates (Rs 2,040 to 2,150); Luxury brings acrylic, veneer and our finest finishes with upgraded materials (Rs 3,800 to 5,500). See the kitchen cost guide for worked examples.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better for a kitchen, laminate or acrylic?

Laminate is tougher, easier to maintain and more affordable, so it suits busy family kitchens. Acrylic gives a deeper gloss and a more modern look but needs gentler cleaning.

Which kitchen finish is easiest to clean?

Matte or suede laminate is the easiest: it hides fingerprints and wipes clean with a damp cloth.

Can I mix two finishes in one kitchen?

Yes, and it often looks best: a practical finish on the base units and a gloss, glass or veneer finish on the wall units.