A Simple Guide to Picking the Right Interior Gloss

Painting your home can be an overwhelming task. With so many colors and finishes to choose from, deciding on the right one can be headache-inducing. Since each paint sheen has its own practical and decorative job, selecting the best one for each room in your home will require some thought. Luckily, we’ve created a handy dandy guide to help you find the perfect interior paint gloss – after you select a color, of course. Continue reading as we discuss the different types of paint gloss and share tips to help you choose the right one.

Types of Paint Gloss

Paints come in a number of sheens, or “gloss levels”. It determines how reflective the dried paint surface will be. Let’s take a closer look at a few common paint sheen options.

High Gloss

Since high-gloss paint is hard, ultra-shiny, and light-reflecting, it’s the most durable and easiest to clean. This type of paint gloss is an excellent choice for high-touch areas, like cabinets, trim, and doors. However, because they’re extremely shiny, they will show far more textures and imperfections on a painted surface – so don’t skimp on prep work.

Semi-Gloss

Semi-gloss paints are fairly reflective of light sources. They’re a good option for walls that encounter moisture, drips, and grease stains. Like high gloss, this type of paint is quite easy to clean and maintain!

Satin

This type of gloss is often described to have a velvety appearance. Satin paint is another excellent choice for high-traffic areas because it’s easy to clean. The only downsides are that it’s less resistant to staining than glossier paints and can be a bit tricky to apply.

Low-Sheen

Low-sheen paints have an essentially flat finish with little luster. It works well at covering wall imperfections, making it a great option for spaces that don’t get a lot of bumps and scuffs.

Flat or Matte

This type of paint gloss soaks up light rather than reflects it. All light sources that hit flat or matte paints will diffuse, creating an even, soft-looking surface. Because it has the most pigment and provides the most coverage, it’s an excellent choice for people wanting to save time and money. However, it can be difficult to clean without taking paint off with the grime.

How to Choose Your Paint Gloss

When choosing your paint gloss, here are a few factors you should take into consideration:

• Aesthetic – Alongside its sheen, you’ll want to consider how your paint color will look. To get a real feel for the sheen and color after the paint dries, get sample paints and apply them onto your surface.
• Use – The utility of a room may also affect your decision. For example, you’ll probably want to use high-gloss paint for walls that will require more cleaning (i.e., kitchen, bathroom, doors).
• Light – Consider the light sources of your room and opt for a paint that works well with the lighting.

Hopefully, this guide has given you a better understanding of the different types of paint gloss and when to use them. Now you can make the right decision for your home and bring your vision to life!

About Platinum Painting

At Platinum Painting, we take pride in our ability to give customers the exceptional service they deserve. Our team of highly experienced and knowledgeable professionals is more than capable of giving you the stunning results you desire. If you’re interested in scheduling your free estimate, contact our team via our website or give us a call!