When they think about painting, the first thing that comes to mind is choosing a paint color. Did you know that the paint finish is as important, if not more, than the paint color? These are the five paint finishes that you should choose and why.
What is a paint finish?
Before we get into the actual finishes, let’s first define what a finish is. The paint’s texture and the light that it reflects off of the wall after drying is called a finish. They can affect how you perceive the color and can highlight or hide imperfections.
The Five Paint Finishes
Knowing the entire range of options available can be helpful when you are choosing a paint finish. These are the top five paint finishes.
- Flat (or Matte).
- Eggshell
- Satin
- Semigloss
- Gloss
Flat paint gives walls a smooth look. This paint finish is ideal for rooms that reflect light, such as living rooms or dining rooms. Flat paint can mask areas that are not smooth, such as nail holes, patches, or nail pops. Flat paint is also great for ceilings. Because there is less contrast between the paint job and the touch-up, low-sheen colors require fewer coats.
Eggshell looks great in almost every room. It has the soft eggshell look. Although the finish is low-gloss, it’s reflective more than flat paint. It has a slightly higher sheen which makes it easier to clean and lasts longer than flat paint.
Satin finishes is the most popular finish. They are more reflective than flat and eggshell, and can be used in high-traffic areas such as hallways and children’s rooms. They are easier to clean than less shiny counterparts.
Semigloss has a reflective quality that is higher than satin. It gives rooms a shiny appearance. This can make dark rooms appear brighter, particularly when it is used with light tones such as white, cream, and other neutrals. The glossy surface is more imperfect than the matte, but it can be used in high-humidity areas like bathrooms. It resists moisture. Semigloss is a great choice for trim and doors.
Gloss finish has the highest degree of reflectivity. Gloss is most commonly used for doors, molding, and cabinets. It requires more coats to achieve gloss than its matte counterparts but also makes it easier to clean up.
Which Finishes Can Be Used
- Flat paint can be used in living rooms and dining rooms as well as bedrooms and offices.
- Eggshell can be used anywhere in the house. However, because it is more vulnerable to humidity, avoid eggshell in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Satin is the most popular finish and can be used anywhere.
- Semigloss works well in high-humidity places like bathrooms and kitchens. It can also be used on trim and doors.
- Gloss is primarily used on trim and doors, but designers also use it to create a mirror-like effect on walls.