Sage green matt lacquer kitchen with oak worktop peninsula

Lacquer cabinets

Lacquer kitchen cabinets in matte and high gloss

Lacquer kitchen cabinets give a smooth, seamless color you can see and feel. The key decision is not matte or gloss but genuine lacquer or lacquer laminate — two different technologies at different price groups.

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Nolte Küchen design

01Two technologies

Lacquer kitchen cabinets: genuine lacquer vs lacquer laminate

Genuine lacquer is sprayed in several coats onto the front and its edges, then cured, so the color wraps around every edge without a seam. It feels deep and silky, and small chips can sometimes be touched up by a specialist. Nolte’s genuine lacquer fronts are mostly 22 mm thick. Lacquer laminate is a factory-made lacquered film or laminate pressed onto the board with matching edges. It is tougher against knocks, very consistent and more affordable.

Neither is better in general. Genuine lacquer is the choice for character and a seamless look; lacquer laminate for busy kitchens and budgets. You can combine both in one plan, as the cabinets overview explains — and add warmth with wood veneer or depth with glass fronts. Our guide to kitchen cabinet colors walks through the lacquer palette color by color.

02The fronts

Nolte lacquer fronts compared

FEEL (PG2): Matte lacquer laminate, 19 mm, in neutrals from Arctic white to Lava
LUX (PG2): High-gloss lacquer laminate, 19 mm, Arctic white to Platinum grey
VELLUTO (PG2): Matte lacquer finish with anti-fingerprint surface; Pistachio and Graphite among its colors
SOFT LACK (PG4): Genuine matte lacquer, 22 mm, in the matte lacquer concept (20 colors; Quartz grey varies by front)
SIGMA LACK (PG5): Genuine matte lacquer with integrated handle trim, in White; limited cabinet types
ALPHA LACK (PG5): Genuine gloss lacquer with integrated handle groove; limited cabinet types
NOVA LACK (PG6): Genuine high-gloss lacquer, 19 mm, Arctic white to Graphite; MatrixArt possible

03Matte lacquer concept

Twenty matte colors, coordinated

SOFT LACK shares its colors with Nolte’s frame fronts and a matching lacquer handle. A selection, shown as screen approximations:

Magnolia
Greige
Caramel
Henna red
Black green
Blueberry

Magnolia: Soft off-white, kinder than pure white in warm light
Greige: Grey-beige added in 2026; very versatile
Caramel: Warm brown that pairs with brass
Henna red: A confident accent for an island
Black green: Deep green-black with oak and marble
Blueberry: Dark violet-blue for bold kitchens

White island kitchen with grey tall units and garden view — Nolte Küchen design

04Matte or gloss

Choosing between matte and high-gloss lacquer

Matte lacquer absorbs light, so colors look richer and the kitchen feels calm; it is the more popular choice today. In dark colors, fingerprints can show on matte surfaces — consider anti-fingerprint VELLUTO, or handles rather than push-to-open on the most-used fronts.

High gloss reflects light and space, which helps narrow galley kitchens and rooms with little daylight. It shows fingerprints and fine scratches more, so a common approach is gloss on wall and tall units with a matte island. Gloss also pairs well with a handleless design. Compare colors in the configurator and see real samples at a consultation.

05Inspiration

Lacquer kitchens by Nolte

FAQ

Questions, answered

Still deciding? Call +1 (213) 776-0000 or send us your plan.

Ask a designer

Do lacquer kitchen cabinets chip?

Genuine lacquer can chip on a hard knock at an edge, and small chips can sometimes be touched up by a specialist. Lacquer laminate is more impact-resistant. In a family kitchen a common approach is laminate on the lower units and genuine lacquer where it is admired most.

How do I clean lacquer cabinets?

Use a soft microfiber cloth with water and a little mild detergent, then dry. Never use steam cleaners, which Nolte’s care instructions exclude; avoid scouring pads, abrasives and solvents as well.

Will matte lacquer show fingerprints?

Dark matte colors can. Anti-fingerprint fronts such as VELLUTO, PERFECT PLUS and FLAIR reduce marks noticeably; lighter colors hide them too.

Can I match a lacquer color to my wall paint?

Nolte’s 20 matte lacquer colors are also sold as SCHÖNER WOHNEN wall paint in Europe. In the US, we can help you match samples with your painter.