Career Custom Painters

Which Type of Paint Finish Should I Use?

There are many different types of interior paint finishes, all of which refer to the paint finish's reaction to light. Different manufacturers of paint sell paint in any combination of finishes, although not all of them. So, which paint finish is best for the room you want to paint? Below is a brief summary of the different types of finishes to help you decide.

Flat and matte paint finishes have no real sheen when dried. Instead of reflecting light, they absorb it. Both paint finishes are good for hiding small surface imperfections and imperfections in application, such as brush or roller marks and are good choices for interior walls in rooms that receive little traffic or ceilings. Flat and matte paint finishes are poor choices for kitchens and baths because they do not wash as well as other paint finishes.

An eggshell paint finish is similar to a matte finish but has a tiny amount of sheen to it when dried. It is a good choice for interior walls and washes slightly better than flat wall paint.

A satin paint finish is often the glossiest paint finish a painting contractor will recommend for any room except for the kitchen and bath. It is not a high-gloss finish, but does have a smooth, velvety shine to it when dried. Satin paint finishes do not hide imperfections in surfaces or application as well as the aforementioned finishes, but they will reflect more light than eggshell. Satin paint is a good choice for trim as it stands up well to washing.

Semi-gloss and high-gloss paint finishes reflect the most light of any paint finish when dried. Semi-gloss is a great choice for kitchens and baths because the finish can stand up to water and frequent cleaning better than other finishes. Many people also choose to paint trim with semi-gloss paint for the same reasons. High-gloss paints are not a popular choice for walls.

Choosing the right interior paint finish is mostly a matter of personal preference. Just remember that the higher the sheen, the more durable the paint is in the face of washing.

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