Paint finish or paint sheen for interior spaces is chosen based on the amount of shine and durability required. While the color of the paint brings in vividity to a space, its finish determines the texture of the surface and the ease of maintenance.
The knowledge of each finish can help one select the best top paint for their interiors. This article explains different types of paint finishes and their applications.
Types of Paint Finishes
The most commonly used interior paint finishes are:
- Flat finish
- Eggshell finish
- Semi-gloss finish
- High-gloss finish
- Satin finish
- Metal and masonry finish
1. Flat Finish for Interiors
Flat finish or matte finish gives an opaque and sophisticated look to the surface. A flat finish soaks up the light and hides any defects in the walls. It is very pigmented and provides high coverage.
The wall surfaces with this finish are tough to clean without taking the paint off with the grime. Therefore, it is not a preferable choice for bathrooms, children's bedrooms, and kitchens, however, it is an excellent choice for interior walls and ceilings.
2. Eggshell Finish
An eggshell finish provides low luster to the surface and is commonly used to obtain a decorative surface. When compared to a flat finish, a surface with an eggshell finish can be cleaned easily. It does a decent job of covering wall imperfections and is ideal for areas that are not exposed to tough stains. Eggshell finish is suitable for gathering spaces like dining rooms and living rooms.
3. Satin Finish
Satin finish is one of the most popular paint sheens. It is preferred for woodwork, walls, and doors and can also be used for bedrooms and dining rooms.
However, satin finish reveals the application flaws, such as roller or brush strokes. A satin finish surface is washable but not scrubbable, it is easier to clean than eggshell and flat finished walls. This can be used for family rooms, kids' bedrooms, hallways, etc.
4. Semi-Gloss Finish
A semi-gloss finish gives a subtle shine to the surface. It is ideal for spaces where moisture, drips, and grease stains can affect the walls. The finish is scrubbable and hence a good choice for doors, windows, kitchens, bathrooms, and moldings.
5. High-Gloss Finish
A high-gloss finish gives a shiny and polished look to the surface. The finish is highly stain-resistant and scrubbable. High-gloss gives too much shine for the interior walls and shows every bump and roll.
It is highly recommended for surfaces prone to wear and tear like kitchens and bathrooms. Any traces of food stains or crayon marks can be easily cleaned off this finish.
6. Metal and Masonry Finish
These are latex or oil-based paints that are available in all types of finish. They are specially designed to work on harder surfaces like metal and masonry. Special care must be taken to apply the right primer before painting the surface with metal or masonry finish.
Choosing the Right Paint Finish
The following tips can be followed for choosing the right paint finish:
- With the increase in the sheen, the surface shine increases.
- With the increase in shine, the durability increases.
- The different kinds of paint finishes in the order of increasing shine are; flat finish, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finish.
In general:
- High-gloss or semi-gloss finish is used for the kitchens.
- Satin finish can be used for family or living rooms.
- The eggshell finish can be used for the dining rooms.
- The bedrooms can be painted with a flat or matte finish coating.
If the wall is painted dark, a finish with less shine is applied. It is because dark and vibrant colors boost the sheen. Always remember that a high gloss shows the defects in the wall finish. Adding sheen not only adds more shine but also increases the cost.
FAQs
The following tips can be followed while choosing the paint finish:
1. With the increase in the sheen, the surface shine increases.
2. With the increase in shine, the durability increases.
3. The different paint finishes in the order of increasing shine are; flat finish, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finish.
In general:
1. High gloss or semi-gloss finish is used for the kitchen.
2. Satin finish can be used for family or living room.
3. The eggshell finish can be used for the dining room.
4. A bedroom can be painted with a flat or matte finish coating.
The most commonly used interior paint finishes are:
1. Flat Finish
2. Eggshell Finish
3. Semi-Gloss Finish
4. High-Gloss Finish
5. Satin Finish
6. Metal and Masonry Finish
Every finish has its own application. When selected right, it provides the best appearance. A flat, eggshell or satin paint finish is best for interior walls. For woodworks, semi-gloss and gloss paint are the best choice.
A high-gloss finish gives a shiny and polished look to the surface. The finish is highly stain-resistant and scrubbable. It is highly recommended for the surface prone to wear and tear like kitchens and bathrooms. Any traces of food stains or crayon marks can be cleaned easily from this finish.
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