Choosing the right paint finish for your interior space is as crucial as selecting the color.
The finish of your paint not only affects the appearance of a room but also its longevity and ease of maintenance.
The three most popular finishes in interior painting are matte, satin, and gloss. Each offers unique characteristics and benefits, making them suitable for different areas and purposes.
This blog post will explore matte, satin, and gloss finishes to help you decide on your next interior painting project.
Matte finish is also known as flat paint. This paint finish lacks shine, providing a smooth and subtle look.
The gloss range or sheen level of paint finishes is measured from 0 to 100. Thus, 0 is the dullest, and 100 is the brightest paint finish.
Now that you know that, let’s talk about flat paint.
Flat paint is the dullest of the paint sheen levels. The gloss range goes from 0 to 5.
It absorbs light, resulting in a non-reflective surface ideal for hiding imperfections.
Perfect for older walls with nicks, scratches, or uneven textures.
Flat paint offers a profound, pure color effect, making it ideal for bold and dark hues.
The matte finish offers a velvety texture, providing a classic, understated elegance.
Matte paint is prone to damage and not as easy to clean, making it less suitable for high-traffic areas.
Flat paint may require more regular maintenance in busy households.
Flat paint is perfect for bedrooms, ceilings, and low-traffic areas with a desired muted, elegant appearance.
Right in the middle of the paint gloss levels is satin paint with a sheen level of 26 to 40.
Satin is a versatile paint finish because it has the best of both worlds.
The satin finish offers a balance between matte and gloss sheen. In other words, satin provides a subtle sheen that’s not overly shiny. It’s one of the most popular choices for interiors due to its versatility.
Satin paint provides a warm glow that brightens up spaces.
The satin finish is resistant to stains and easy to clean, making it ideal for family homes.
While not as effective as matte, satin paint still does a fair job of concealing minor flaws.
Unfortunately, a satin finish can show brush or roller strokes if not applied correctly.
There are better choices than a satin finish for walls with significant texture or damage.
Satin paint is best for living rooms, kids’ rooms, hallways, and other areas with moderate to high traffic.
Gloss finish is known for its high sheen and reflective qualities. It’s the most durable and easiest to clean among the three finishes.
Gloss paint is resistant to moisture and stains, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
You can use microfiber wipes to easily clean areas that get dirty quickly.
Gloss paint makes colors pop and stand out, which is ideal for accents.
The reflective nature of gloss finish can highlight even minor surface flaws and dents.
Gloss paint requires a professional application to avoid streaks and brush marks.
Gloss paint is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, doors, trim, and areas needing frequent cleaning or moisture exposure.
High-traffic areas benefit from more durable finishes like satin or gloss.
A matte finish might be your best material if your walls have imperfections.
Consider the look you want: matte for elegance, satin for balance, and gloss for vibrancy.
Selecting the right paint finish is a balance between aesthetic appeal and practicality.
Matte finishes offer classic elegance and hide imperfections well but lack durability.
Satin finishes provide a middle ground with moderate durability and a warm glow.
Gloss finishes, while the most durable and easy to clean, can highlight wall imperfections.
Your choice will depend on the room’s function, the condition of your walls, and your personal style preferences.
This guide lets you choose the perfect paint finish for your interior space, ensuring beauty and longevity.
