A Guide To Types of Paint Finishes
Posted on 25th July 2024 at 12:42
Whether you are refreshing the walls of your home or giving a piece of furniture a new lease on life, understanding the difference between the various types of paint enables you to choose the desired finish. You can then enhance the appearance, durability and feel of your surfaces, adding to your space's overall ambience and functionality.
Below is a guide to help you determine which finish is best suited for your DIY project and aesthetic preference.
Matte Finish
Matte, also known as flat, is a non-reflective finish paint that provides a smooth and velvety appearance.
Though this finish is suitable for hiding imperfections like scratches and marks, it's not easy to clean. However, its aesthetic appeal and ability to mask wall flaws make it popular for creating a cosy and sophisticated atmosphere. Therefore, it works best on ceilings and low-traffic areas such as bedrooms.
Pearl Finish
A pearl finish provides a soft, medium sheen that adds a touch of elegance and dimension to any room.
This finish subtly reflects light, creating a delicate, lustrous effect that changes with the viewing angle. Due to this, this finish is best suited in formal dining rooms, master bedrooms or accent walls where a refined, sophisticated look is desired.
The pearl finish not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the space but also enhances its durability and washability, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas while maintaining a luxurious appearance.
However, when applied, it is susceptible to exposed painting flaws. Consider hiring a professional for interior decorating when choosing this finish.
Eggshell Finish
Eggshell has a subtle shine to its finish, sitting between matte and satin for its reflective qualities.
This finish is more durable than matte and can be easily cleaned by wiping. Therefore, it is perfect for moderate traffic where spills and smudges are more likely to occur, like a hallway, dining room or painting over wooden panels or furniture.
Eggshell paint is sometimes confused with satin, but there are differences as described below.
Satin Finish
A satin finish has a soft, velvety sheen that is more reflective than eggshell but less than semi-gloss. Therefore, it offers a rich, luxurious look and provides elegance.
A step up from matte and eggshell, this type of finish is highly durable and can be easily scrubbed clean. As a result, it can withstand high-traffic rooms that are subjected to wear and tear, such as children's playrooms or active family rooms.
The satin finish is also resistant to mildew, making it a practical choice for kitchens and bathrooms that are prone to high humidity.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss finishes have a noticeable shine because they are highly reflective. Their visible sheen, which gives them a bright, clean look, makes them perfect for highlighting architectural details and woodwork.
Similar to satin, they can withstand areas that frequently need cleaning and are exposed to moisture, like kitchens, laundry rooms and bathrooms.
Additionally, their high durability makes them ideal for high-traffic areas such as hallways.
High-Gloss Finish
Of all the types of paint finishes, high-gloss is the shiniest. This finish will benefit any accent walls, trims, furniture or cabinets that are the main feature of the room, for it produces a striking reflection that amplifies the surface colour and texture.
Though its highly reflective properties can draw attention to all scratches and dents, it is the most durable and easiest to clean out of all the finishes, making it suitable for all types of rooms.
About the Author
Patrick Brown
Patrick is the owner of My Elegant Home, Birmingham's premier painting and decorating and home renovation firm. With over two decades of experience transforming homes and businesses across the West Midlands, Patrick's passion for perfection and eye for detail have earned My Elegant Home a reputation for high-quality work at affordable prices.
Tagged as: decorating tips, home maintenance, home painting, interior painting, interior painting and decorating
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