"GG.and.UN." wrote in message
ups.com...
We are not terribly opposed to either satin or semi-gloss for the
cabinets but I'd like to know which would be better at hiding the
brush strokes better. The high gloss we had was as I said
horrendously difficult to work with in terms of hiding brush strokes.
I also read the flat is very difficult as well. Since both satin and
semi-gloss are in the middle there, are they about the same or is one
generally better than the other in terms of being the easiest to work
with to attain smooth finish?


Usually the shinier the surface the more the imperfections will show up.
With stain, the surface has to almost be perfect and evenly sanded with the
same grit over the entire surface. If you do not sand the entire surface
with the same grit you will have areas that absorb more stain than the
smoother areas.
Flat normally hides the most problems but tends to absorb stains and dirt
much more easily. In a kitchen or bathroom I recommend a glossier finish
when painting.

Be sure to work in the Ideal temperature and humidity conditions recommended
on the can of either paint or stain.