Once you have found the perfect color for a room, you still need to figure out what kind of finish you want. With so many options available to choose from, it is going to be a very hard decision to make. To help you determine which kind of paint finish is the right one for your project, this article will outline different types of finishes, including the uses and benefits for each.
Different Types of Paint Finishes For Your Home- Our Guide
Flat Finish
Flat finish is also known as a simple “wall paint.” This kind of paint is completely matte without any shine to the surface. The finish is typically used on interior walls and ceilings. It is ideal for when you need to conceal small wall bumps, cracks, or other flaws that could be highlighted with a glossier finish. Flat paints are advertised as washable and are easy to clean, but many find that it is usually more effective to touch up marks or scratches with more paint.
Flat Enamel
Flat enamel is a paint with a matte finish that forms a slight film as it dries. This type of finish is a good choice for guest bedrooms or powder rooms as it can hold up to infrequent cleaning.
Eggshell Finish
An eggshell paint finish essentially has the same level of paint sheens as the shell of an egg. As it only has a slight shine, it is suitable for most walls and holds up well to cleaning than most matte finishes. Eggshell finishes are widely used for walls in family houses and high traffic areas due to their washability and ability to conceal flaws.
Satin Finish
Satin finish typically has a smooth, velvety look with a hint of gloss. It is typically used for windows, doors, trim, or ceilings. It can also be used for painting walls, especially for kids’ rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and other high traffic areas. Satin finish paint is developed to hold up to cleaning and gentle scrubbing.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss finish is a popular choice to use on doors, trim, and cabinets, especially in bathrooms and kitchens and in rooms with high moisture. This type of paint color finish has a nice, subtle shine, and it can be easily cleaned. Keep in mind that semi-gloss paint should be applied to smooth surfaces, as bumpy surfaces can be highlighted by a semi-gloss surface that reflects light.
Glossy/High-gloss Finish
Glossy paints have a reflective quality as their finish is very similar to the look of enamel or plastic. High-gloss finish is not popular for interior uses, but it is used to give a dramatic look on cabinets, trim, and furniture informal and contemporary places. However, this kind of finish will emphasize surface imperfections, so make sure that the surface is well-prepared before painting.
Important Factors to Consider
Now that you know which type of paint finish is the most suitable for your needs, here are some factors that you need to consider:
Cleanability
All paint finishes are usually developed with decent cleaning qualities. That being said, the shinier the paint finish, the better it will withstand washing and cleaning. If you are planning to paint children’s rooms, you should consider an eggshell or satin paint on the walls and semi-gloss paint for doors and moldings. That is because these finishes are designed to withstand frequent cleaning.
Styles
The style that you want to go for will help determine the finish you choose. For example, if you are going for a rustic look, then you should go for flat paints for walls and furniture. However, if cleanability is a concern for you, you can choose a flat enamel for trim and an eggshell paint for walls. You can also consider oil based paint.
If you want a glossy look, make sure that you are not using high-gloss paint for your entire room. Instead, only use it moderately in certain locations, such as doors and trim. Make sure that you spend some time to prepare the surface before you start painting. This is so that any surface imperfections will not be accentuated.
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