Choosing the best paint finish is as important as selecting the best paint colors. Considering your room’s function, amount of foot traffic, and aesthetics is essential in deciding on a finish that best protects and beautifies your surfaces.

What are the types of paint finishes?

Paint finishes refer to the sheen or texture of the dried paint, which affects the look and durability of the surface. Here are the common types of paint finishes:

1. Flat or matte finish

• Appearance: Non-reflective, smooth, velvety texture.
• Durability: Least durable, but good at hiding surface imperfections.
• Best for: Ceilings, low-traffic areas, or walls with imperfections.

2. Eggshell finish

• Appearance: Slight sheen, a soft luster similar to an eggshell.
• Durability: More durable than flat finishes and easy to clean.
• Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.

3. Satin finish

• Appearance: Smooth with a soft, pearl-like sheen.
• Durability: Highly durable and easy to clean; resists moisture.
• Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and children’s rooms.

4. Semi-gloss finish

• Appearance: Noticeable shine, but not overly reflective.
• Durability: Very durable and moisture-resistant; easy to clean.
• Best for: Trim, doors, cabinets, and areas prone to moisture, like kitchens and bathrooms.

5. High-gloss finish

• Appearance: Highly reflective, shiny surface.
• Durability: The most durable and easy to clean; resists stains.
• Best for: Furniture, doors, cabinets, and decorative accents.

6. Flat enamel finish

• Appearance: Matte looks similar to flat paint but with a slight sheen.
• Durability: More durable than standard flat finishes and washable.
• Best for: Areas where a non-reflective look is needed but durability is required, like hallways.

7. Textured finish

• Appearance: Adds texture, such as stippling or sand effects.
• Durability: It can hide imperfections but be more challenging to clean.
• Best for: Decorative accent walls or covering uneven surfaces.

Choosing the right finish depends on the room’s purpose, desired look, and maintenance requirements.

Why choosing the right finish is important?

Choosing a paint finish is just as important, if not more so, than choosing a paint color because the finish impacts both the look and functionality of the space. Here’s why the finish matters:

1. Appearance and light reflection

• The finish affects how light interacts with the color:
  • Glossy finishes reflect more light, making colors appear more vibrant and emphasizing surface imperfections.
  • Matte finishes absorb light, giving a softer, more muted appearance and hiding imperfections.
• The same color in different finishes can look completely different under varying lighting conditions.

2. Durability and maintenance

• Different finishes offer varying levels of durability and ease of cleaning:
  • Glossy and semi-gloss finishes are more durable and easier to clean, making them ideal for high-traffic areas, kitchens, and bathrooms.
  • Matte or flat finishes are less durable and hard to clean but are great for low-traffic areas or ceilings with minimal wear and tear.
• Choosing the wrong finish can result in frequent maintenance or repainting, especially in high-usage areas.

3. Practical application

• Certain finishes suit specific functions:
  • Eggshell or satin finishes balance durability and aesthetics, working well for living rooms and hallways.
  • High-gloss finishes are excellent for trim and cabinetry because they withstand frequent cleaning and give a polished look.
• Misalignment between the finish and the room’s purpose can make the space less functional or harder to maintain.

4. Setting the mood

• The finish contributes to the ambiance of a space:
  • Matte finishes create a cozy, understated feel.
  • Glossy finishes feel more formal and striking, adding a sense of luxury or drama.

5. Highlighting design features

• Finishes can emphasize or de-emphasize architectural elements:
  • A glossy finish on trim or molding highlights the details and contrasts beautifully with a matte wall.
  • A uniform finish across surfaces creates a subtle, cohesive look.

6. Impact on longevity

• Using the right finish ensures the paint looks good for longer:
  • In areas prone to moisture or grime, a washable finish like satin or semi-gloss is crucial.
  • In spaces where touch-ups are frequent, matte finishes can make blending easier.

The do’s and don’ts of using paint finishes

If this is your first time working with paint finishes, consider your space’s needs and desired mood and how much cleaning the surface will require when selecting your finish.

Do’s:

Match the finish to the room’s function:

• Use flat/matte finishes for low-traffic areas like bedrooms or ceilings to hide imperfections.
• Choose eggshell or satin in living rooms and hallways for a subtle sheen and easy cleaning.
• Use semi-gloss or gloss for high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms due to their durability and moisture resistance.

Test samples in different lighting:

• Evaluate how finishes look under natural and artificial light to avoid surprises.

Use gloss to highlight details:

• Apply gloss or semi-gloss to trim, moldings, and doors to make them stand out.

Consider durability:

• Choose durable finishes like satin or semi-gloss for high-traffic areas or surfaces prone to dirt.

Prep the surface properly:

• Ensure walls are clean, smooth, and primed, as glossy finishes can highlight imperfections.

Don’ts:

Avoid high gloss on imperfect walls:

• Glossy finishes emphasize flaws, so skip them on uneven or damaged surfaces.

Don’t mix finishes indiscriminately:

• Maintain consistency in finishes within a room for a cohesive look unless intentionally creating contrast.

Don’t skip cleaning and priming:

• Skipping prep work will result in uneven application and reduce the finish’s durability.

Avoid flat finishes in high-traffic areas:

• Flat paint is harder to clean and not suitable for areas prone to stains or scuffs.

Don’t use semi-gloss or gloss on large walls:

• High-shine finishes on large surfaces can be overwhelming and visually harsh. Save them for accents.

Align paint finishes with the room’s function and aesthetic to help you achieve durability and a polished look.

Conclusion

Choosing the best paint finish for your interior spaces can seem daunting at first. But if you know your room’s purpose, functionality, and maintenance needs, you can find the ideal finish to bring your vision to life. 

If you’re still in a dilemma, always seek the expertise of professional paint contractors. Custom Painting, Inc. will help you select a paint finish – and expertly apply it – that will enhance the beauty and durability of your space. Call us at 925-294-8062 today or complete our Contact form!