Different Types of Paint Finishes
If you are going to start a painting project, you should definitely know what kinds of finishes are available. Each finish has its own unique characteristics and applications. Being familiar with them can help you make the best choice for your project.
In this guide to paint finishes, we will help you make proper decisions to ensure that your paint job looks great and lasts longer.
5 Types of Paint Finishes to Consider for Your Next Paint Job
Picking the right paint finish is one of the crucial steps in improving the paint sheen and durability of your paintwork. The finish has unique characteristics and benefits that are suitable for specific purposes.
Here are the main types of paint finishes readily available in the market:
Satin Finish
Satin paint finishes are favoured because of their semi-gloss look and smooth feel. They are also durable and easy to clean. Hence, they are recommended for high-traffic areas such as hallways and family rooms.
In addition, satin finishes are good at hiding surface imperfections on the wall, although they are not as efficient as matte finishes.
Eggshell Finish
Eggshell finishes are primarily applied in areas where aesthetics need to be compromised for practicality, such as paint on walls in bedrooms or living rooms. The sheen in satin paint is just slightly more visible than the eggshell finish, which gives it a more luxurious and transformational quality.
Eggshell paint has a very low sheen and lets a tiny bit more light reflect than matte paint. It is mostly recommended for projects in living and dining rooms, as it balances fair sheen and resistance to stains and dirt.
High-Gloss Paint
High gloss finishes reflect the most light and provide the hardest finish. They are well-suited for humid places and areas that are mostly cleaned, such as bathroom and kitchen cabinetry and trim.
High gloss paint yields a shiny, mirror-like finish that reflects a great deal of light. It is ideal for high sheen level and modern looks.
Semi-Gloss Paint
This paint finish is perfect for all types of trim, doors, and kitchen cabinets. It gives a gleam without grousing. A semi gloss finish is applicable for surfaces you want to wash repeatedly, where you want a finish to be a bit softer than high-gloss.
Exquisitely balancing, it gives just the right sheen for a really great appearance. Still, it’s strong enough to resist wear and stains from most things in daily life—making it an ideal surface finish for kitchens, bathrooms, and children’s rooms where cleanability is a must.
Matte Finish
Matte paint, or flat finish, contains no shine and is great for covering surface imperfections. It is generally used in low-traffic areas such as bedrooms or ceilings since it is not as durable as other finishes.
This finish type is good for creating a soft, warm space in bedrooms and living rooms. Matte paint is not as durable or cleanable as other finishes. But because it masks chips and discolourations in walls, it remains a top favourite in house painting.
Choosing the Right Paint Finish for Your Property
In selecting the ideal paint finish for your home or office, you should factor in the following:
Amount of Foot Traffic
High-traffic areas, such as hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms, will do well with tough finishes like satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss, all available in finishes of these classes, which will withstand frequent cleaning and resist scuffing.
When painting low-traffic areas, such as bedrooms and ceilings, you can select an eggshell or matte finish for a more elegant appearance with low maintenance.
Paint Colour and Sheen Preference
With a higher level of sheen, the reflective quality is also higher. Colours appear more brilliant and strong. It’s just the opposite for less sheen, a more diffused, soft appearance. Think about the overall look you want to achieve when choosing your paint finish.
For example, the most vibrant colours are used best with high-gloss finishes. Whereas matte paints can give an appliance a subtle or low-key appearance.
Paint Quality or Paint Type
Higher-quality paints will typically perform better in terms of hiding imperfections and durability, regardless of sheen. Choosing quality, high-level interior paint matched to the room’s function will give your room a uniform and aesthetic look.
There are other requirements, such as special feature paints for bathrooms or kitchens that are mildew resistant.
Your Budget
Of course, high quality and special finishes would definitely cost you more. But at the same time, they’d typically be more durable and longer-lasting. Making them the more cost-effective choice.
It is important to balance cost with the need for both durability and aesthetic appeal. Some projects may cost a little more in top-quality paint but might save you frequent touch-ups and repaints, therefore giving you better value in the long run.
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