The Basics of Interior Paint: How to Choose a Paint Finish

Before diving into your painting project, it’s essential to understand the basics of paint finishes. There are various types of paint sheens, each designed for specific surfaces and purposes. Knowing which type is best for your walls will ensure a long-lasting and beautiful finish.

Different Types of Paint: Which One is Right for You?

From flat to eggshell, satin to semi-gloss, the variety of paint finishes can be overwhelming. Each finish has its own set of characteristics that affect not only the look but also the functionality of the surface.

Here is a quick overview of the most common paint finishes.

Flat

A flat finish is a non-reflective sheen that helps conceal surface imperfections, making walls look flawless and smooth, it can be harder to clean however, hence, it is best suitable for ceilings and interior walls in low-traffic areas such as adult bedrooms and formal living rooms. It is also an ideal finish for uneven or textured walls.

Matte

This finish has a low-luster sheen which is also excellent for hiding surface imperfections. Matte finish provides a smooth look and depth of color, which can add a luxurious touch and sophistication to many interior spaces. The slight shine that this paint finish has makes walls washable and easy to clean. For interior house painting, professional painters usually recommend using this finish for application on walls in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and exterior siding.

Eggshell/Satin

The eggshell and satin finishes offer more resistance to dirt and grime. Washability and durability make these finishes perfect for high-traffic areas.

Eggshell paint has a low-sheen finish, but it reflects more light than a matte finish, and it is recommended for use in hallways, family rooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and exterior surfaces.

The difference between eggshell and satin paint is that satin brings a higher gloss, making it even more resistant to stain and durable. The satin finish is ideal for interior windows, shutters, trim, doors, cabinets, and kitchen walls.

Semi-gloss

With its moderately reflective sheen, the semi-gloss paint is perfect for millwork, trim, wainscotting, doors, cabinets, kitchens, and bathrooms, where durability and easy maintenance are key. The glossy look of this paint makes it one of the best paint finishes for kitchen cabinets.

Gloss

This is the shiniest option available in paint sheens offering a mirror-like finish that is durable, easy to clean, and stain-resistant. This finish is best suited for wood trims, doors, cabinets, and furniture, although some designers use it on cabinets, or in unexpected areas, such as an accent wall. Since a gloss finish can accentuate blemishes due to its higher light-reflective characteristic, its application should be avoided on surfaces that are not completely smooth.

Conclusion

As we can see, selecting the right type of paint finish is crucial for achieving the desired look and functionality in each space. Understanding the properties of each finish can help you make informed decisions that enhance the beauty and longevity of your home’s interior.

Get in touch with Madison Painting LLC

Choosing the right painting contractor for your house painting needs is vital.  At Madison Painting, we strive to provide high-quality and detailed painting services in every project. We understand that every project is unique, therefore, we offer personalized painting solutions tailored to each client’s specific needs. For interior home painting, we specialize in painting walls, ceilings, trims, doors, closets, cabinets, wallpaper removal, and more.

If you are ready for a fresh coat of paint, our team of professional painters at Madison Painting LLC can help you choose the perfect color finish for your painting project.

Schedule an appointment for a free estimate today through our Contact Us page. Once we receive your estimate request, we will contact you to schedule an on-site and in-person painting estimate.