Choosing the right paint finish can transform the appearance of your home. It’s important to select just the right level of shine, so that it will blend in with furnishings, surfaces, and lighting. The problem is, many people don’t know which specific paint finish to use for which areas. To make it easier for you, we’ve prepared this guide to paint finishes.
Types of Paint Finishes
• High Gloss
The easiest to clean and most durable of all paint finishes, high gloss paint is ultra-shiny and tough. It has a high level of reflection. This is the perfect choice for trim, doors, and cabinets. It is also excellent for window casings, shutters, and door jambs.
However, it requires more coats compared to other types of finishes. Furthermore, it tends to show application imperfections, thereby requiring more prep work, like sanding. Because it is shiny, it’s also not the best choice for interior walls. Continue reading this guide to paint finishes to learn more about the other types of finishes.
• Semi-Gloss
This type of finish isn’t as shiny as high gloss but more reflective than satin. It brightens up a room by providing a shiny appearance. Pale shades of light colors and off-white become brighter because of its glossy effect.
A semi-gloss finish is ideal for areas with high humidity like kitchens and bathrooms because it is resistant to moisture. Being easy to clean (only needs wiping or light scrubbing) is one of the main advantages of using this finish. On the flip side, it shows the imperfections on a ceiling or wall.
• Satin
Satin is probably the most commonly used finish, both on exterior and interior surfaces. It has a nice luster, which can be described as velvety. The main advantage of satin finish is that it is easy to clean. Just wipe or scrub it lightly. It also resists mildew. One minor flaw of satin is that it tends to reveal application flaws. But overall, it’s still a good choice.
You can use this finish on exterior surfaces and for painting sidings. It’s also an excellent choice for trims and shutters. Surfaces painted with satin effectively shed water and are less likely to fade due to sunlight. A satin finish is ideal for high-traffic areas such as family rooms, children’s rooms, and hallways.
• Flat or Matte
A flat or matte finish absorbs light, instead of reflecting it. One advantage of choosing this finish is that it hides surface imperfections well, such as patches, holes, or dents. In addition, matte paint usually requires fewer coats and is easier to touch-up. This saves time and money.
However, if there’s one disadvantage, it’s that when cleaning it, the paint might come off. Because it provides a uniform look, a flat/matte finish is ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, as well as the ceiling.
• Eggshell
When you’re not sure what type of sheen to use, consider an eggshell finish. It creates a distinctive effect, giving a painted surface an eggshell texture if viewed at an angle in relation to light.
This type of finish is low gloss, but is more reflective than flat/matte sheens. It is also more durable and easy to clean. Eggshell finishes have a soft and washable look which works well for family rooms, living rooms, and hallways.
Conclusion
Keep in mind the basic rule of thumb when it comes to paint finishes. The higher the shine, the more durable it is. Use this guide to paint finishes to choose any color and finish that you want. Just make sure that it will blend well with its surroundings.
PaintGunners provide high-quality and professional painting services in the Washington area. If you have any questions, please send a message through our contact page.
