Choosing the type of finish can put the “pain” in paint. Sheen or shine, flat or matte, it can be tough to determine what type of paint is going to be best for your project. Here at Revivify Painting we have created a quick guide in order to help you.
Paint finishes fall into four general categories:
- Flat finish – a.k.a. matte finish
- Eggshell Finish
- Satin Finish
- Glossy Finish – This includes both high and semi-gloss
Flat Finish
Since flat finishes do not reflect a lot of light they look a little more uniform than their glossy counterparts since imperfections in the drywall are more difficult to see. This means that the amount of time you put into preparation is significantly lowered.
Flat finishes should be used in low-traffic areas of the house such as an adult bedroom or at-home office. Flat finishes are also great for ceilings or walls that are out of reach of hands and fingers. This paint should not be used in areas of high-moisture/high humidity like kitchens or bathrooms.
Eggshell Finish
Eggshell finishes result in a low sheen and a soft, smooth finish that has just enough lustre to bounce light around the room without being too shiny.
Though it will hold up better than a flat/matte finish due to the fact that it does not pick up dirt easily and can be cleaned, it should still be used in medium-low traffic areas. Eggshell finishes are commonly used in living rooms and dining rooms.
Satin Finish
Satin finishes are often described as appearing velvety. It is slightly less glossy than semi-gloss and depending on the lighting in the room can appear both flat and glossy. Because of the lustre of satin finishes, it can emphasize any imperfections in the wall so it must be properly prepped.
Satin finishes are very durable and can be easily cleaned, making it good for use in high-traffic areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and kids rooms.
Glossy Finish
Glossy finishes are highly reflective, durable and stain resistant, keeping the walls cleaner for longer. They are also made with a substance that allows it to repel moisture and humidity which makes it the ideal sheen for bathrooms and kitchens. It is also great for painting interior trim.
The downside of glossy finishes is that it is more difficult to do touch-ups and you will have to do more prep before painting as it shows imperfections very easily.
If still have questions about paint finishes, please do not hesistate to contact the Revivify Painting team at info@revivifypainting.ca.