How to Choose the Right Interior Paint Finishes for Your Home

Choosing the right interior paint finish for your home is important. Many people who choose the wrong one are displeased with the results, as far as how it looks and the longevity of it. Understanding the different interior paint finishes and which ones are best for certain rooms will help you choose the right ones wisely.

Flat Finish

A flat finish is only available in latex paint. The finish is opaque and highly sophisticated, so it’s the perfect interior paint for walls and ceilings.

This paint is NOT shiny. This is something many people love about it, but there is something you should know:

You CANNOT clean walls painted with a flat finish interior paint. If you wipe the wall, you will be able to see where you wiped it. The only way to “clean” the wall is to repaint it.

This means it is NOT suitable for rooms where children or adults will put their hands, or bathrooms where there is steam, which would leave markings on it.

Eggshell Finish

This low-lust interior paint is a good alternative to the flat finish because it can be easily cleaned. Just wipe off fingerprints with a damp rag and let it dry. You won’t be able to see anything left behind.

This is a common interior paint for living rooms and bedrooms.

It is NOT a good paint for bathrooms and kitchens, though. While it does clean up well, over time, repeated dampness can leave marks behind that can only be eliminated with a fresh coat of paint.

Satin Finish

Satin finish has a beautiful sheen that many people love. It’s the preferred interior paint of parents since it cleans easier than the eggshell finish. In other words, if you suspect repeated cleanups for the wall, choose a satin finish interior paint. Leave the eggshell finish for when you just need to wipe the walls MAYBE once a month or less.

This paint is NOT scrubbable. If you scrub it, the paint will come off as well as the markings. This would not be a good interior paint finish in a toddler’s craft room.

Semi-Gloss Finish

If you need a scrubbable paint, this is the one for you. You can use this one on virtually anything:

• Moldings
• Doors
• Windows
• Kitchens
• Bathrooms

Just be aware that this is much shinier than the other interior paint finishes. It’s not as shiny as the high-gloss finish that we’ll describe next, but it may not be the preferred one for bedrooms, living rooms, and offices unless you like the glossy look.

High-Gloss Finish

This is the glossiest finish you will be able to get right now. It is stain-resistant and can be scrubbed when cleaning. It’s perfect for those popular rooms of the house, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Whenever anything splatters on the wall, simply scrub it off with a rag and water or another mild solution.

What Else You Need to Know About Interior Paint Finishes

• The higher the sheen, the darker and more intense the color will be, so keep this in mind when looking at paint swatches.
• Interior paint finishes come in latex or oil-based paints. Learn about the pros and cons of each one, so you can make an informed decision on what is right for your home.

You can also ask your professional painter at CertaPro Painters® of North San Diego. We can help you every step of the way when it comes to selecting the right interior paint finish and type of paint.

Contact us here with all of your questions. We’d be more than happy to help you.