How to Choose the Best Paint Finish for Your Rooms
Paint finishes are a key factor in transforming a room from ordinary to extraordinary. They can create an entirely different atmosphere and can be used to make a room look more luxurious, cozy, elegant, or modern. Various paint finishes are available such as high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell and flat. Each finish has its own unique characteristic and will provide your space with a distinct look and feel.
Painting a wall or furniture can be intimidating, but choosing the right paint finish can make the job much easier. Different finishes offer different levels of sheen and durability, so it's important to consider which is best for the job. In this article, we'll look at the different types of paint finishes available and how they can affect the appearance and longevity of your project. We'll also provide tips on choosing the best paint finish for your needs.
Choose a Finish
Paint finishes are an essential factor to consider when painting any surface. You have numerous options for paint finishes to choose from , such as matte, satin, semi-gloss, and glossy. Each finish has its unique characteristic that makes it suitable for specific applications. Matte finish paint is a non-reflective finish that provides a smooth, flat look on walls. Satin finish paint has a low sheen, making it ideal for areas that require frequent cleaning, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Semi-gloss finish paint is excellent for high-traffic areas such as hallways and staircases because it is more durable than matte or satin finishes. Glossy finish paint adds a luxurious touch to furniture and other surfaces but can be difficult to clean due to its reflective nature. By understanding the different paint finishes available, you can make a well-informed decision on which finish best suits your project.
When it comes to selecting a wall finish for your home, it's imperative to consider the room and its unique needs. Different rooms may require different finishes, such as kitchens needing a more durable finish than bedrooms. By carefully assessing your needs and the use of the room, you can choose the perfect wall finish for your space that will last for years to come.
Different finishes
Choosing the right paint finish can be a daunting task. Different paint finishes offer different levels of shine and durability, and it’s crucial to understand the pros and cons of each type before making your decision.
Flat finish is suitable for hiding minor imperfections, doesn’t offer protection, and is durable and washable. Since ceilings are areas people don’t usually touch, we recommend this type of finish to be used only for ceiling projects. This type of finish doesn’t offer great protection to the surface where it is applied. Since it doesn’t reflect any light or color, it is not recommended to be used on walls since it can easily be removed with a firm touch.
Matte is similar to a flat finish; it has a low sheen and offers protection. Commonly used in interior projects, similar to flat finish,matte finishes didn’t offer any protection in the past. With the advance of technology, nowadays we can find matte finishes with protection. Mattes are very washable, which makes it extremely popular among homeowners. This type of finish produces a “velour effect”, which is good to match with an inspiring decoration placed in social areas of the house, such as family rooms and kitchens.
Eggshell is smooth, low-sheen, and offers protection. This finish is easy to clean – surfaces with this finish can be scrubbed – however, it is not recommended for retouches. It is recommended for high-traffic areas, such as stairways and hallways. The best benefit of this finish is protection.
Satin is silky, multi-purpose, low-sheen, easy to clean, and extremely popular nowadays. In the past, this finish was most used in areas with a lot of activity, such as hallways, play & kids’ rooms. However, nowadays, satin finishes are most used on trims. Although it is very easy to clean, it doesn’t work well with touch-ups. It matches well when applied on trims of rooms that have walls painted with a matte finish.
Semi-gloss is mid-sheen and durable, with high stain and moisture resistance. It is a durable finish used on wood 90% of the time, such as trims, doors, and crown molding. Although it is tough to touch up, surfaces with this finish are easy to clean. It is rarely used on walls and ceilings, unless required by the interior designer or homeowner.
Gloss has a bright sheen, is stain-resistant, and is washable. The gloss finish stays in between the semi-gloss and the high-gloss finishes. Very easy to clean and is much more stain-resistant than the satin and flat types. Gloss finishes are strictly used for trims, accent built-ins, cabinets, and doors.
High-gloss or lacquered effect/glass-like sheen is the hardest to apply out of all the paint finishes but is highly durable. It is especially popular nowadays; different from other glosses, this one can be used on wood, walls, and ceilings. Since it shows all surface imperfections when applied, if you choose to have this finish in your project, be aware that it will be significantly labor-intensive. Almost impossible to accept touch-ups; it is a very challenging finish to work with. This finish requires precision, attention, and care from the painter. On the flip side, it is easy to clean, light-reflective, and statement-making.
How to Choose
Before anything, consider how much traffic your room receives and how often it will need to be cleaned. If it is a high-traffic area that requires frequent cleaning, you may want to opt for a more durable satin or semi-gloss finish. For low-traffic areas like bedrooms and living rooms, an eggshell or matte finish may be more suitable as they provide a softer look and feel.
Lately, consider your lighting situation in each room before deciding on a particular sheen level. If you have bright natural light coming from windows or skylights, then opt for a higher sheen level.