Now that you finally own your home, you’re probably eager to put your unique touches on it. One surefire way to do that is to paint the rooms the colors you want. No doubt picking the right shade is important but knowing which paint finish will work best for your space is the secret sauce that makes your home look professionally painted and ensures the paint job stands up to real life. Here is the info you need to know about the different types of paint finishes and how to choose the right sheen for your home painting projects.
Types of Paint Sheens
If you’ve never painted before, you may be overwhelmed by the array of options on the market—basically any paint color can come in many different finishes, referred to as sheen. In simple terms, sheen describes how shiny a paint finish is and controls how much light bounces back. One way to think of sheen is as a filter on a photo. Paint also has different “filters.” Here are the most common types of sheen.
Flat Paint
Flat paint has no sheen. This paint is extremely easy to paint with and hides blemishes well, but it’s very difficult to clean. It’s best used for ceilings or areas that see very little traffic.
Matte Paint
Matte paint has a very slight sheen that often creates a minimalist or modern feel. It’s still easy to paint with, plus it hides blemishes, divots, and cracks very well and it can be touched up nicely. It’s also a little easier to clean than flat paint. Matte paint is best for bedrooms and low-traffic areas.
Eggshell
One of the most popular paint finishes, eggshell reflects a little more light than matte paint for an almost velvet-y look with a soft glow. It’s easier to clean and more durable than matte and is suitable for rooms that see low to medium traffic.
Satin
Satin paint has a medium sheen that looks sleek, making it very easy to clean and durable. It’s a little more difficult to paint with, however, since it can reflect light around blemishes, allowing them to stand out. However, since it’s so durable, it’s ideal for high-traffic areas like living rooms, kid’s rooms, bathrooms, as well as cabinets and trim.
Semi-gloss
Semi-gloss has a luminous high sheen, making it an excellent paint for trim and doors in high-traffic areas. It will show blemishes, so prep work and sanding is important to achieve a smooth application. It’s extremely easy to clean and very durable, so entryways, doors, cabinets, trim, and windows are all great options for semi-gloss paint.
High Gloss
High gloss paint has the highest sheen with a glass-like finish. It’s extremely durable and easy to clean. Again, prep work and sanding go a long way here for a smooth finish. While it’s suitable for trim work, it can be very shiny, so it’s best used for accents like front doors and ornate trim work.
How to Choose the Right Sheen for Your Paint Project
If you’re ready to tackle your DIY paint projects, you’ll want to start by choosing the right sheen. Here is a little more help on picking the right finish.
Architectural Accents
If you have some interesting architectural accents you want to stand out, such as crown molding or wainscotting, you’ll want to crank up the contrast with a semi-gloss paint to make the details pop.
Easy Cleaning
If you have children or pets in the home, your paint may be subject to dirty paw prints and sticky fingers. Don’t stress. Instead, opt for a satin or semi-gloss finish so that you can wipe away life’s happy accidents without ruining your paint job.
Moisture-Rich Areas
The kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room will likely be the most humid areas in your home. To keep these areas from becoming havens for humidity and mildew, reach for the semi-gloss paint finish, which will keep your walls in this area looking crisp even after hours of cooking, bathing, or washing.
Bedrooms
If you plan on painting your primary bedroom or other bedrooms in your home, you’ll want to aim for a more relaxing vibe that complements your sanctuary. Flat or matte finishes offer a velvet-smooth look that creates a cozy atmosphere.
Doors and Cabinets
For surfaces that are impacted by heavy fingerprint traffic, such as doors and cabinets, you’ll want to choose a high-performance armor. A semi-gloss or satin finish in these areas makes the surface durable and easy to wipe.
A Few Other Tips
The Higher the Sheen, The More Protection
The higher the sheen of a paint, the more protection it will offer. This translates into improved cleanability and durability, allowing these surfaces to last longer with minimal maintenance.
It’s All About Preference
While different finishes offer varying levels of protection, it really comes down to the homeowner’s preference. The general rules are flat for ceilings, matte and eggshell for walls, satin and semi-gloss for trim, and gloss for accents and details. Working within those rules will allow a paint job to last as long as possible.