A GUIDE ABOUT PAINT FINISHES & HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT ONE
Choosing the right paint finish can transform a space by adding some depth, character, and personality to it. That’s why understanding these paint finishes and their traits is so important. There are several things to consider when choosing the best paint finish for your room, so I’m going to break this down for you and help you make the right choice. This post is about the different types of paint finishes and how to pick the right one for your painting project.
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5 Types of Paint Finish
First, we’ll review the types of finishes available.
Flat or Matte Finish: This non-reflective finish is perfect for hiding imperfections in your walls. It has a smooth and velvety feel. The matte finish gives off a chic, modern vibe without the shine. Matte finishes absorb light so it would be a good choice if you want to minimize glare. It has more pigment than glossier finishes, so it doesn’t require multiple coats.
Eggshell Finish: This finish has a slight sheen and is more durable than flat or matte finishes. It leaves a smooth, sophisticated appearance without being too glossy. It is good for moderate-traffic areas and is easy to clean.
Satin Finish: This one is a balance between matte and gloss. It’s ideal for high-traffic areas because it is versatile and easy to clean.
Semi-Gloss Finish: Semi-gloss is reflective and durable. Because of its durability, semi-gloss works well on trim in kitchens and bathrooms since these areas require more cleaning due to wear and tear. Glossy finishes have less pigment than matte finishes, so they usually require more coats of paint.
Gloss Finish: This finish is the shiniest and most durable. It’s great for doors and cabinets and for making a statement on accent features.
Consider The Space You Are Painting
Now that you know the differences between the paint finishes, let’s talk about the space that’s going to be painted.
Living Rooms and Bedrooms: We want to create a cozy atmosphere in these rooms, so I would stick with flat or eggshell finishes for the walls. My personal preference is eggshell. I like that it has a slight sheen to the finish and makes the paint appear smooth.
If you have textured walls and don’t like them, then I would suggest the matte finish. Matte finish is also great and cost-effective for ceilings since they rarely get touched. If you love your textured walls, then you may want to use semi-gloss to enhance the details of the wall.
Semi-gloss or gloss would be a better choice if you are painting a kid’s bedroom or playroom since it is easy to clean.
Consider the color and style of your furniture and decor in these rooms. Glossier finishes can add a modern touch, while matte finishes add a more rustic or traditional look to the room.
Kitchens and Bathrooms: I would suggest a semi-gloss or satin finish on the walls for these rooms because these finishes are moisture-resistant and easy to clean. Matte or satin finishes will work great for the ceilings in these rooms because they rarely get dirty.
Trim and Woodwork: Semi-gloss and gloss finishes will highlight the architectural details of the trim and woodwork. They will also lighten up a dark room.
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Evaluate The Lighting Conditions Of The Room
Considering the lighting conditions of a room is an important factor when choosing a paint finish, as it can significantly impact the appearance and atmosphere of the room.
Natural Light: If you have a lot of natural light in your room, then the reflective finishes like satin or semi-gloss will enhance the natural light, making the room feel brighter and more inviting.
Artificial Light: For rooms with limited natural light, matte or eggshell finishes will add warmth to your room without highlighting the imperfections in the walls that would be more noticeable with higher gloss paint finishes.
Assess Maintenance Needs
High Traffic Areas: Spaces like hallways, entryways, living rooms, and kid’s rooms benefit from more durable finishes that are easy to clean and resistant to scuff marks and stains. Semi-gloss or stain finishes are the best choices for high-traffic areas.
Low Traffic Areas: For bedrooms and dining rooms, matte or eggshell finishes work well since cleaning the walls isn’t usually a big concern, and the goal is to have a more aesthetic appeal in these rooms.
Choosing the best paint and paint finish doesn’t have to be intimidating. Just remember, it is more than just picking colors; it’s about setting a mood, creating ambiance, and letting it reflect your personal style.
I’m including a few links to help you find all the supplies you will need for your painting project. Have fun!!!!
https://mavely.app.link/e/xXIbnV7syFb
https://benable.com/pamspicks/painting-supplies-for-home-interiors
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This post was about the types of paint finishes and how to choose the perfect one for your painting project.
written by:
Pam Wichlei
Founder & CEO
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