Although satin finishes might look more pleasing to the eye, they are not the best choice for kitchen cabinets if durability is your ultimate goal. The humidity in the kitchens will wear it down more quickly than other types of finish. Semi-gloss finishes, on the other hand, are more durable, even in these conditions. They also reflect more light than the less shiner, satin ones. Semi-gloss might show any imperfections present in the wood of your cabinets as well as brush strokes, so you will need to be more careful when sanding and applying polyurethane. We love satin due to the pleasing finish you get and it still has a good level of durability. The choice is ultimately yours and which finish one you prefer the look of.