Discover high-gloss surface options I Millwork & Cabinetry I REHAU

Add depth to your designs

Which high-gloss surface option is right for you?

High-gloss surfaces make a statement with their mirror-like finish and sleek appeal, reflecting sophistication and precision. They catch the light, draw the eye and instantly elevate interiors with a modern, polished edge. Whether you’re designing a minimalist kitchen, luxury retail space or bold commercial environment, high-gloss surfaces make any space memorable.

However, not all high-gloss surfaces deliver the same experience. From durability to reflective quality, the right choice depends on performance and aesthetic goals. Let’s dive into the essential features to look for and the most popular options for today’s designs.

What should I look for in a high-gloss surface?

1. UV resistance and color fastness:

Ensures long-term color stability, minimizing yellowing from UV exposure

Important note: The most common color change is a yellowing effect due to UV exposure. Yellowing can range in visibility depending on the formulation of the high-gloss material. Total color change is quantified by the ΔE measurement— the higher the E, the more the color has changed.

2. Mirror-like reflective image quality:

Enhances depth, clarity and visual impact of high-gloss millwork and cabinetry

3. Double-sided high-gloss panels:

Ideal for applications where both sides are visible, offering a seamless, polished look

4. Consistent production batches:

Helps maintain uniformity across large projects, reducing variation in color and gloss level

What are popular high-gloss surface options?

1. Lacquered melamine

Flexible prints & patterns

Melamine is very thin paper fused to a panel that is lacquered to achieve a high-gloss finish. This surface offers scratch resistance and design flexibility with a range of print and pattern options available to help you easily customize your designs. However, its image quality and depth of gloss are not as strong compared to alternate options. The lacquer is prone to the “orange peel effect,” resulting in a compromised surface texture that can diminish image clarity and lead to a muddy appearance. Exposure to high temperatures can also cause the surface to wrinkle, creating a distorted, funhouse mirror effect. Additionally, melamine is brittle— it can chip during cutting, and deep scratches may cause the lacquer to chip away from the surface.

2. Thermofoil

Economical & versatile

Thermofoil is a thin, tight and heat-sealed plastic wrap molded over an MDF board, offering a budget-friendly solution with broad design versatility. Readily available in many shapes, designs, prints and patterns, it’s a go-to for projects requiring a quick turnaround and visual variety. However, thermofoil is prone to chipping, delamination and peeling over time since there is no edgebanding holding it in place.

3. Painted and lacquered panels

Custom color with a hand-crafted finish

For designers who value extensive color options, painted and lacquered panels are a great solution. These panels are painted with your client’s chosen color and layered with lacquer for a glossy effect— a common application that is easily accessible. Panels provide the widest range of color possibilities and come in multiple shapes, but there are several trade-offs such as UV sensitivity, wear over time, potential inconsistencies from manual application and challenges in color matching if replacements are needed. Additionally, painted and lacquered panels are susceptible to the orange peel effect during the lacquering process, compromising the smooth appearance and clarity of the high-gloss finish.

4. Acrylic laminate

Premium gloss with lasting performance

Acrylic laminate stands out for its rich color depth and mirror-like quality. It is made from a thin sheet of polymer, often including multiple co-extruded polymers. Acrylic laminate features optimized formulations for color fastness and UV stability. For additional durability, acrylic laminates can be made with a scratch-resistant coating and a protective peel coat that stays on until installation. This surface is ideal for high-end applications where visual impact and durability are key. However, it is sensitive to heat and is not recommended for horizontal applications requiring high-temperature resistance.

Choosing a high-gloss surface is about finding the perfect balance between visual impact, lasting durability and the unique demands of your project. Through understanding the advantages and limitations of each high-gloss surface option, you can create luxurious spaces that shine in every sense.

Ready to take your next design to new depths? Discover our RAUVISIO brilliant high-gloss acrylic surface:

Plunge into reflection with RAUVISIO brilliant

RAUVISIO brilliant™ high-gloss acrylic surface creates a space where voyaging beyond the surface becomes part of everyday life. More than a glossy finish, this material transports you with layers of color that illuminate their surroundings, making them swirl with watery fullness.

Learn more Request a sample

Overview of high-gloss surface options:

	Advantages	Limitations
Lacquered melamine	Prints and patterns can be available Lacquered melamine surface can provide improved scratch resistance	Image quality and depth of gloss are not as strong as acrylic Deep scratches can allow lacquer to chip away from surface Brittle surface can cause chipping when cut Not recommended for horizontal surfaces requiring high-temperature resistance
Thermofoil	Prints and patterns can be available Readily available in the market in many shapes and designs More economical option	Not a true high gloss, just “glossy” Possibility of delamination and peeling over time since there is no edgebanding holding it in place Not recommended for horizontal surfaces requiring high-temperature resistance
Painted and lacquered panels	A common application Highest number of color options Multiple shapes are possible	Orange peel effect during the lacquering process Poor UV and wear resistance Difficult to match replacement panels Inconsistent and very manual process Not recommended for horizontal surfaces requiring high-temperature resistance
Acrylic laminate	High-end color depth and mirror-like quality Optimized formulations for color fastness and UV stability Most products come with a protective peel coat that remains on until final installation Available with scratch-resistant coating	Not recommended for horizontal surfaces requiring high-temperature resistance