If you’ve ever gone paint shopping, you know there are seemingly endless options for finishes. Flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss — how on earth do you choose between all the different paint finishes? And why is it even important to know the difference between paint finishes in the first place?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of the different types of interior paint finishes out there, we can sympathize. Choosing a color is daunting enough, let alone deciding on the most practical and aesthetically-pleasing finish for your space. Keep scrolling for your foolproof designer guide to six different interior paint finishes, courtesy of Havenly designers.
Different Paint Finishes: Flat Finish
Flat finish paints are ideal for low-traffic areas and surfaces, like guest bedrooms, dining rooms, and ceilings. This finish has zero sheen whatsoever and gives off a beautiful, low-key matte look that’s ultra-cozy. It’s also really easy to touch up once the inevitable scuff mark occurs. On the downside, flat finish paints don’t stand up well to moisture or cleaning, so they’re not a great choice for bathrooms or kitchens where spills and splatters are common occurrences.
Different Paint Finishes: Matte Finish
Matte finishes offer a slightly higher gloss level than flat paint, but still have very little shine when dry. This type of finish will work well in any area of the home, and is a great choice when trying to hide imperfections on walls. Unlike flat finishes, matte finishes can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth, making them a better option for high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.
Different Paint Finishes: Eggshell Finish
An eggshell finish is a great happy medium between flat and high-gloss. It offers a subtle sheen without being overly glossy (hence the name!). Plus, this paint finish is incredibly durable, which means it won’t need to be touched up as often as flat or matte paint—a definite plus! An eggshell finish will work well in any area of the home, especially high traffic areas like playrooms, kids’ rooms, and hallways.
Different Paint Finishes: Satin Finish
Satin finish paints offer a medium-level sheen that will work well in any area where you want a little extra shine (think doors, wainscoting, and trim). Satin paint will protect your walls against moisture, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms or kitchens where splashes and spills occur regularly. The only major downside with satin finish paints is that they tend to attract dust and dirt more readily than other finishes, so regular cleaning may be necessary.
Different Paint Finishes: Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss finish paints offer the second-highest sheen level. These types of paints work best on surfaces that will get wet frequently, such as cabinets and trim around sinks, showers, and bathtubs. Semi-gloss paints hold up well against scratches and scuffing, which makes them an excellent option for door frames or baseboards in homes with pets or small children running around! But like satin finishes, semi-gloss paints tend to show dirt, so a little extra maintenance is required to keep your walls looking spotless.
Different Paint Finishes: High-Gloss Finish
High gloss finish paints provide an ultra-glossy look perfect for accent walls, furniture, or trim. This finish is the ultimate defense against moisture and water damage in bathrooms and kitchens, so it’s a go-to choice for cabinets, wainscoting, trim, doors, and of course, walls. Like the other glossy options, the soft texture tends to attract dirt and dust, so keep that in mind when making your selection!
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