When choosing a paint for your next home improvement project, picking a color is just one aspect of the many decisions you have to make. As you make your way down the paint aisle you’ll see words like “satin,” “eggshell,” and “matte.” What’s the difference between high-gloss and semi-gloss? All of these terms describe the finish or sheen of the paint. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Which finish should I choose when painting a room in my house?” you’re in the right place.
First, let’s explore the spectrum of finishes, from high-sheen to low-sheen paints. It may seem self-explanatory, but the higher the sheen, the more reflective the paint. The highest sheen is typically labeled as “high gloss,” while the lowest sheen is called “matte” or “flat.” Between those two extremes, from highest to lowest sheen are semi-gloss, satin and eggshell.
The finish’s shininess isn’t the only variable in the paint’s qualities. Each sheen has several advantages, and these factors exist on a spectrum from the highest to the lowest sheen. The higher the sheen, the more durable the paint, and the longer it will last in high-traffic areas. This high durability comes with a cost, and higher sheens tend to be more expensive than lower sheens. Higher gloss finishes are easier to clean than matte paints, which are more brittle and risk wearing and flaking when you try to scrub them. Because higher sheens reflect more light, they expose any imperfections in the surface, including brush strokes.
Now that you know the differences between paint finishes, along with the advantages of each, what sheen should you choose for the room you’re painting? One thing to consider is how much traffic a room gets. Is it a room that you use every day? How do you use the room? High-gloss and semi-gloss paints are great for rooms like kitchens where grease and grime can get on the walls, you touch cabinets and use the space every day for long periods. Satin finishes are great for high-traffic spaces like living rooms, especially if you have children. While you may not be dealing with as much mess as a kitchen, you’ll still want a paint that holds up to abuse and is relatively easy to clean. For more formal areas like dining rooms that aren’t as lived in, eggshell will create a classy feel, hiding imperfections in the walls and evoking a subdued, calming sheen. Places like adult bedrooms, which aren’t likely to need a lot of cleaning or experience a lot of traffic, matte finishes will save money and increase coverage while hiding inconsistencies in the facade or application process.
Now that you have the tools to choose the right paint finish, it’s time to get started on your next home painting project! If you’d prefer a professional for the job, give us a call and we’ll be happy to take you from start to finish, breathing new life into your home.
