Paint Finishes: 5 Kinds and Their Uses You Should Know

Anyone can paint a wall. But painting a wall to give your home the finish you want is another matter – a cherished matter. The type of paint finish affects the way the color looks, how best it suits a background, how much maintenance it will need and how long it will last. Here are the main paint finish types and rules of thumb on their use in your home.

Flat 

Flat paint (also known as matte finish) does not reflect light and is the least shiny of all paints. The low reflectivity means that it is best used on walls that have defects like uneven surfaces and small cracks.  It will hide these imperfections. Because it can be applied smoothly on rough surfaces, it is a good option for textured walls. It suits Living room, Dining room, Bedrooms, Ceilings, Family room and Hallways. The downside of this finish is that it is more difficult to clean; so it should not be used in high traffic areas like bathrooms and kitchens where frequent cleaning is required.

Eggshell

Eggshell finish offers more luster than a flat finish, without looking shiny. It is best used in rooms that require a light open look without being too bright. It is also easier to clean: most stains can be removed by wiping with a wet cloth. This finish is often used in low traffic areas like Living room, Dining room, Bedrooms, Foyer, Family room, Hallways and Kitchen Trim.

Semi-Gloss

Semi-gloss finish is what the name suggests, paint with a medium shine. The higher reflectivity means that any imperfections in the wall will stand out; so a smooth flat surface has to be prepared before it is applied. This finish is reasonably tough and will stand up to a lot of wear and is easy to clean. It is commonly used for children’s rooms and kitchens. It is also a popular choice for Bathrooms, Cabinets, Molding, Hallway, Doors and Trims.

Gloss

Highly reflective gloss paint is mostly used for door and window trim. The hard and shiny finish adds to the look of the wood. These are areas that need frequent cleaning. The toughness and stain resistant nature of this finish makes it easy to maintain. It can be used for walls in a room that need a glamorous modern look and for Trim, Woodwork, Molding, Doors, Cabinets, Kitchen and Bathrooms.

Satin

As it can be wiped clean, it provides an elegant finish. It is best suited for more active rooms. It can be used indoors or outdoors. Suggested areas include Family room, Playroom, Laundry room, Kitchen, Guest bathroom, Dining room, and Children’s bedroom, Trim, Shutters and Doors.

There are no set rules about what type of paint finish should be used where. It’s your home and the choice is yours. Keep in mind that the size and shape of a room, the furniture in it, the amount of natural light and type of artificial light all affect the final look of the colors. A professional paint finishing company will be able to help you get the look you want for your home.

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