PU vs acrylic vs laminate: which finish should you choose?

Shutter finish is one of the first decisions in any kitchen or wardrobe brief, and also one of the most confusing — PU, acrylic and laminate all promise a smooth, modern surface, but they differ meaningfully in cost, durability and day-to-day upkeep.

PU (Polyurethane)

PU is a sprayed and polished finish applied directly onto the shutter, giving a smooth, even sheen — matte or gloss — with very few visible joints. It’s more resistant to minor scratches than laminate and can be touched up locally if damaged, though a full repair typically means resending the shutter for respraying. PU sits at the premium end of the price range and is a strong choice for kitchens and wardrobes that need to look flawless under close inspection.

Acrylic

Acrylic sheets are bonded onto the shutter surface, producing an extremely high-gloss, reflective finish that reads bright and contemporary, especially in smaller kitchens where it helps bounce light around the room. Acrylic shows fingerprints and minor scratches more readily than PU or laminate, so it needs more frequent wiping down to stay looking sharp. It’s priced similarly to or slightly above PU, depending on the shade and thickness chosen.

Laminate

Laminate is the most budget-conscious and widest-ranging option, available in an enormous range of colours, textures and wood-grain prints. It’s genuinely durable for everyday use and resists heat and minor impact well, though very high-gloss laminate finishes can show scratches over time in the same way acrylic does. Matte and textured laminates hide daily wear better than gloss variants.

Comparing durability and upkeep

If low daily maintenance matters most, laminate in a matte or textured finish is the most forgiving choice. If you want a flawless, seamless look and are prepared for slightly more careful use, PU offers the best balance of finish quality and resilience. If maximum brightness and a high-shine look are the priority and you don’t mind wiping fingerprints regularly, acrylic delivers that most effectively.

Mixing finishes in one home

You don’t have to choose one finish for the entire home. It’s common to specify PU or acrylic for a kitchen’s more visible run of cabinetry and a more budget-friendly laminate for a wardrobe or utility area, while keeping the overall colour palette consistent so the home still reads as one considered scheme. See how we apply these finishes across kitchens and wardrobes, or bring a finish sample to your consultation and we’ll advise on what will hold up best in your specific space and light.