More Than Color: 5 Paint Finishes and When to Use Them

After looking at the walls of color swatches and trying out a few options on your wall, you’ve found the perfect paint color for your living room. You’re all set to get painting, right? Wait! You still have an important decision ahead of you—picking the finish. But how does the finish really affect the quality of the paint job? Read on to find out about the different finishes you can choose and in what situations you might want to use them.

High-Gloss

This is the glossiest option available. This finish is significantly shiny, so it is most suitable for door frames, window sills and other similar accents. High-gloss paints also work best in rooms where messes are likely to happen because they are easy to scrub and clean. Kitchens and bathrooms, namely, are rooms where you may want to consider getting a high-gloss finish, especially if you have young kids. Just keep in mind that because of its shininess, imperfections in the wall are more visible than with other finishes.

Semi-Gloss

Not quite as shiny as high-gloss, semi-gloss still reflects plenty of light, making a space look brighter and more airy. It’s predominantly used for trim and other accents but also comes in handy for bathrooms, kitchens, and kids rooms too. This gloss makes cleaning a breeze as well!

Satin

Satin is the perfect middle ground between high-gloss and flat finishes. It reflects some light but also hides flaws much better than semi-gloss or high-gloss paints. Depending on the texture quality of your walls, this could be a good option for a bedroom, living room, or dining room. This finish is still easier to keep clean than less glossy options, making it a good compromise.

Eggshell

Don’t expect many messes in a specific room? Do you have flaws in the walls that you’d like to go unnoticed? Eggshell finish may be the right fit for the room. Although not as easy to clean as other glosses, this finish makes the walls look smooth. In guest bedrooms, especially if you aren’t anticipating much activity in the room or little impact on the walls, this finish is a good option.

Flat

Compared to the rest of the finishes, flat hides imperfections the best, but it is also more difficult to keep clean. This finish often works best in guest bedrooms or living rooms.

In the end, it’s important to take the finish into consideration. The gloss can impact how well your walls weather the normal daily wear and tear or appear in the light, so you need to choose carefully. Understanding more about the various glosses can help you make the right decision in your home improvement projects and create the look you want in your rooms.

About Platinum Painting

Since 2008, Platinum Painting has helped more than 10,000 homeowners achieve their design goals for their homes. While most residential painting companies give vague quotes over the phone, we come directly to you and provide you with a written estimate that you can rely on. Interested in scheduling your free estimate? Reach out to our customer care team today!