Paint comes in a number of different finishes and each one has a different impact on how the room looks. Finishes are also called sheens, which refers to how the light reflects from the surface of the wall. Continue reading to learn about paint finishes, which are high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell, and flat.
High-Gloss Finish
The high-gloss finish is the shiniest of the finishes. It will reflect light well and appear to glisten in the light. People usually use high-gloss sheen on doors, molding, trim, and cabinets. They can also use it on trim on the exterior of the house to make the windows or doors stand out.
It is the most durable of all the finishes, and it resists stains and is easy to clean. The downside is that any imperfections on the surface will show up more than on other finishes.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Paint with a semi-gloss finish is also shiny and it doesn’t hide any imperfections. It isn’t as glossy as high-gloss, but it is shiny and reflects the light. This finish also is resistant to moisture, so it works well in the bathroom and the kitchen. It is easy to clean.
It is brighter than other finishes, and it gives a clean appearance. People use it on cabinets, moldings, trim, and doors.
Satin Finish
The next step down in terms of gloss is a satin finish. It has a soft sheen and it is comparable to the sheen of a pearl. It is a popular choice because it resists mildew and fading, and it is easy to clean. It works indoors and outdoors, and it looks attractive. It has a nice sheen, but it isn’t too shiny. The most popular places to use a satin finish are in the kitchen, the bathrooms, and the laundry room.
Eggshell Finish
Eggshell is another popular finish because it is soft and smooth with low gloss. It works well in the entry of your home, halls, and the family room. It resists stains better than flat paint and it doesn’t shine the way that higher-gloss finishes do. People enjoy this as a subtle paint in different rooms in the house where they don’t want light reflecting off the walls.
Flat Finish
The lowest sheen of all is paint with a flat or matte finish. The paint looks smooth and it won’t reflect any light. It also hides any imperfections better than other finishes. It is easy to touch up if you need to repair the wall. When you use flat paint, you don’t need to use as many coats as you would a glossier paint, and it looks nice and smooth even when the walls have some blemishes.
People use it on the ceilings and in bedrooms and other low-traffic areas. The downside is that it is hard to clean. It can be damaged by cleaning products and it absorbs stains more than glossy paints.