Hurray! You are ready to move forward with your home-improvement project. However, before you buy your paint, you’ll need to make one more decision. The type of finish you want from our paint and the best choice for your project.
There are 5 types of wall paints and finishes you’ll want to choose from:
- Flat / Matte: Flat or matte paints have the least amount of shine. They provide the most coverage of any other paint and require fewer coats to cover imperfections, such as small nail holes. At the same time, while these types of paints are great for coverage, they are the least durable type of paint and will be damaged if treated with cleaner. They are the best used in low-traffic areas, such as dining rooms, and surfaces which won’t be touched much – such as ceilings.
- Eggshell: Eggshell finishes are a very popular paint finish. They have a slight delicate low sheen (like that of an eggshell). They still cover imperfections well and are a bit more durable than the flat / matte finish. Eggshell paints are great for places with low or medium traffic, such as living rooms, hallways, and entryways.
- Satin: The satin finish is the most common interior paint finish. They provide a velvety sheen and are easier to clean than flat and eggshell paints. This makes them a great option for higher-traffic areas such as kitchens, playrooms, family rooms, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. At the same time, a word of caution … when using satin paint, be aware that their sheen is more likely to reveal brush strokes, making touch-ups a bit tricky down the line.
- Semi-gloss: Semi-gloss finishes are shiny and somewhat reflective. They are extremely durable and mildew resistant. This makes them best used in rooms which receive a lot of wear and tear or prone to moisture – such as children’s rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. They are also great for trim. Be aware that as a glossier finish, semi-gloss paint typically will show imperfections more than less shiny paints.
- High-gloss: High-gloss paints are the shiniest paint finish of all of these. This type of paint is also the most durable and washable, so use these where you’re likely to scrub or clean often or even daily. Consider this type of paint for doors, trim, and cabinetry. In addition to being an interior paint, high-gloss paint can also be used as an outdoor detail as well, such as on shutters. However, prep work is important when using this finish since it can show many imperfections when applied incorrectly.
