So you’ve just chosen a great color for your new interior. But before you head out to the paint store, you have to consider the finish as well. Different finishes are ideal for different rooms and situations, so make sure to do your research before breaking open your paint cans. If the room you are painting has a lot of movement back and forth, then you’ll definitely want a more durable finish such as satin, or semi gloss. These protect your paint from getting scratched or scuffed in high traffic areas.
You’ll also want to consider the lighting of the room and how it will interact with paint sheen. This is how shiny or reflective the finish is. Depending on the color you’ve chosen and the light you might want a higher or lower gloss paint. Higher gloss paint might help light up a room and lower gloss is better for softer warmer light. You should also keep in mind that If your space has a lot of imperfections on the walls like holes, dents or scratches, a high gloss paint will really make them more visible to the eye by reflecting light in odd ways.
Flat & Matte Finishes
These are the variety of paints and finishes that reflect the least amount of light. What they lack in durability they make up for by providing a lot of coverage for walls and ceilings. They are great for distinguishing and covering imperfections by evening out the surface of the wall. Be careful to use gentle cleaners on them as harsh chemicals can damage the paint.
Eggshell Finishes
Eggshell is a slight step up in reflectivity and lust from a flat finish. They are slightly more durable than a matte paint, and also don’t emphasize imperfections on walls which makes them a good middle ground. They’re most common for places with low or medium traffic like bedrooms.
Satin Finishes
Satin finishes are the most durable and have the most sheen to them. They are much easier to clean than the formerly mentioned finishes, which make them better for busier areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Also keep in mind that there is a range within satin finish paints that includes semi-gloss and high-gloss.
While both are shiny and reflective, high gloss finishes take the cake in terms of sheen. Semi-gloss paints are also just slightly less durable but both are perfectly suitable for high traffic areas. The main benefit of semi gloss is that it doesn’t show imperfections quite so easily, which is a fair trade for a little less durability and moisture resistance.
Contact Rob Ross Paints
If you’re having trouble picking out colors or finishes, we are always happy to recommend the right style for you and your home. We do interior painting and finishes including trim and accents. Give us a call at 978-265-1567 or contact us here.