You’ve probably spent some time picking out the right paint colors. But how much consideration have you given to the paint finish?
In case you didn’t know, the choice of a finish affects the final result, determining how durable the paint will be, how easy it is to clean, or how well it can mask imperfections in the wall, among other reasons.
Here are the various options for paint finishes available and where you can use them:
Flat and matte paint finish
Flat and matte paint finishes are non-reflective and work well in low-traffic areas.
They’re also great for surfaces with slight imperfections, as they hide them quite well. However, they can be hard to clean, making them unsuitable for places such as the kids’ rooms.
Where to use it
Flat and matte paint finish is ideal for:
- Offices
- Dining rooms
- Ceilings
- Formal living rooms
High-gloss paint finish
High gloss paints are the most reflective of all the paint finishes, making them the easiest to clean and the most durable (provided the area is correctly prepared beforehand).
However, you won’t be able to hide surface imperfections well, as the extra shine makes every roll, bump, and flaw more noticeable.
Where to use it
You can use a high-gloss paint finish for:
- Doors
- Cabinets
- Trims
Eggshell paint finish
Eggshell paint finish has a soft luster that makes it dirt-repellent, which helps keep away grime and mildew.
It’s a no-shine, flat finish with a bit of luster, which helps it hide wall imperfections well. However, it’s only averagely durable.
Where to use it
You can use eggshell paint finishes in gathering spaces that don’t get a lot of scuffs and bumps, like:
- Dining rooms
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Hallways
- Entryways
Satin paint finish
As the name suggests, a satin finish has a fine sheen. It is slightly more reflective than an eggshell finish, making it more dirt-repellent and durable than eggshell and matte finishes.
Plus, it’s easier to clean. However, you may have to apply multiple coats to achieve the desired finish.
Where to use it
You can apply satin paint finishes in:
- Kids bedrooms
- Molding and millwork
- Interior doors
- Kitchens
Semi-gloss paint finish
A semi-gloss paint finish isn’t as reflective as a high-gloss finish, but it’s very easy to clean and highly durable.
The finish is ideal for areas where you want an extra bit of shine without a lot of gloss. It can help highlight architectural details in a space, such as baseboards or crown molding.
Where to use it
As they’re very mildew resistant, they’re best for rooms with a lot of moisture, including:
Choose the perfect paint finish for your space
Painting is more than simply splashing your favorite color on the walls and waiting for it to dry off. It requires precision and various considerations that require professional and technical insight. Let Stirling Painting help you choose the best paint finish for your space. Get a FREE estimate to get started.
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