Deciding on the right paint sheen is crucial for achieving your desired interior look and durability.
Finishes differ when it comes to how much light will be reflected, how easy it is to clean, and more. Make sure that you are choosing the right paint for your property's needs. Use this guide to help you decide on the best solution.
FINISH |
DURABILITY |
REFLECTIVITY |
IMPERFECTION COVERAGE |
MAINTENANCE |
RECOMMENDED USES |
Flat/Matte* |
low |
very low |
hides imperfections well |
difficult to clean without removing paint, scuffs easily |
low traffic areas, adult bedrooms, ceilings |
Eggshell |
low to medium |
slightly reflective |
moderate imperfection coverage |
easier to clean than flat/matte |
most interior walls, dining and living rooms |
Satin |
medium |
more reflective |
makes imperfections apparent |
cleans well, better at resisting scuffs and stains |
high traffic areas, kitchens, bathrooms, children's rooms, windows, doors, trim |
Semigloss |
medium to high |
high reflectivity |
shows imperfections |
cleans easily, more scuff resistant |
doors, cabinets, trim, interior shutters, banisters, heavily used areas |
High-gloss |
high |
very high reflectivity |
magnifies imperfections |
easiest to clean |
paneled doors, cabinets, trim, abused areas, not recommended for interior walls |
*While the terms "flat" and "matte" are often used interchangeably, matte can have a slightly glossier finish and can be easier to clean than flat.
Some extra tips to make your paint job exceptional:
- The shinier the paint, the longer it can take to dry, so plan accordingly and consider using fans if need be.
- Remember to carefully prepare your surfaces before using a higher gloss paint to avoid noticeable application flaws.
- Dark and rich colored paint will amplify the sheen of your paint, so choose a finish with slightly less gloss when using these colors.
Sources:
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20159692_20366120,00.html
http://interiordec.about.com/od/interiorpainting/a/diy_paintfinish.htm
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/6-types-of-interior-wall-paints-explained#b
http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/painting/paint-sheen-guide/2/
http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-flat-and-vs-matte/