Our Guide To Paint Finishes

Color choice can seem like the most important decision for your house painting project. But the sheen will have just as much impact on the look of the completed project as the color does.

Paint finish can even alter the look of a color, as well as give you a more cleanable surface and hide imperfections. Keeping in mind that the choice of paint finish is important, here is our guide to paint finishes.

Matte paint

Matte (or flat) finishes are typically the most common choice for walls. Matte paint has very little or no shine, giving a room a nice ambiance without bouncing light around the room. Because of this, it is good at hiding chips or dings in the wall, which become virtually invisible. At the same time, because there is little luster in this finish, it can be more difficult to keep clean.

Matte-enamel paint

Matte enamel is a more recent addition to paint shelf offerings. As the name implies, matte offers a low shine option for the walls. Enamel is added by paint manufacturers to create a film on the outer surface as it dries.

Sometimes brands will label this product as washable matte. This gives the paint an easier clean up when messes happen. Because it’s more easily cleaned without destroying the finish, this is a perfect option for rooms you don’t want shine in, and are also high traffic.

Eggshell paint

Eggshell is the first step in a shine on the walls. The sheen is named for its similarity to the look of an eggshell. It’s a good finish for busy rooms with lots of family activity.

Eggshell paint has a good finish for cleaning without a high gloss shine.

While this paint seems like the perfect solution, it can break down and show cracks over time. Patches will need to be nearly invisible before you put the paint on. Also, brush strokes in this finish can sometimes be seen.

Satin paint

Satin paint is a bit shinier than eggshell, while also offering great durability. Many homeowners choose this finish because of the warm, smooth feel it gives off after. It’s great for areas that get a lot of touch traffic like doors and windows, plus its useful in high traffic rooms like hallways, bathrooms and kitchens.

This finish is very durable with good resistance to chipping and peeling. It can however show brush strokes after drying. Because of this, touch up painting can be made more difficult.

Gloss paint

Gloss paint, also referred to as high-gloss, is the shiniest and most reflective finish available. It’s a great option to put on trim or furniture that sees a lot of touching or bumps.

Don’t be afraid to use a gloss paint on walls. Interior rooms can benefit from the ability to lighten up a room with little outside light. It can create a glamorous feel in a boudoir or closet.

Semi-gloss paint

Semi-gloss paint offers the same durability as satin finishes but allows more light to reflect off of it. This can make shades you choose appear darker in this finish. It’s a great option for rooms that are frequently home to messes, or crayon wielding toddlers.

The shine of semi-gloss paint can make this a good option for places you want to emphasize, such as banisters, fireplaces or kitchen cabinets.

Are you ready to get started with your next painting project? We’re here to help.

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Contact us today for a free in-home estimate with no obligation.