Best Paint Finish For Home Interior – Are you looking to choose a color polish that suits your project? Choosing the right paint color can be confusing with so many options, but it doesn’t have to be. Knowing the differences between matte, satin, and semi-gloss paints makes it easier to choose the best paint gloss for your space and specific needs.
In this post, you will learn about the different levels of sheen, how to measure them, and which sheen to use. Find the difference between the color glosses and choose the right one for you. Plus, you can choose from our easy-to-understand color transparency chart to help you choose the perfect polish for your next painting project.
Best Paint Finish For Home Interior
In our 20+ years as a home owner, we have painted many rooms. I’ve shared my best tips on how to choose paint colors for your home. But most people don’t think about what blue is
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It will be great for their project. With every room renovation/renovation project we’ve worked on, we’ve learned something new. One thing I finally figured out is how to choose the right color gloss for the surface I’m dealing with and I’m sharing it with you in this post. The variety of colors and glosses can be confusing, but I’m here to help!
“What color?” I asked. I wonder what that means. The simplest explanation is that gloss is the amount of light reflected by the paint. If you want to get a little scientific about it, the amount of binder or resin mixed with the pigment (paint) creates the gloss level. Paint can be purchased in a range from chalk to gloss. The more color resin, the brighter the color! Resin reflects light off the paint and appears shiny, while matte paint absorbs more light.
Choosing the right paint finish for your home is a simple formula: how much traffic the area sees, how imperfect the walls or areas you’re painting are, and what look you like. Shane can really come down to personal preference – don’t be afraid to ask questions and try different samples!
The color has a spectrum of 5 shades: smooth or matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and glossy or glossy. You’ve probably heard all of these before but never understood the difference. Below I’ll explain what each of these look like and how to use them.
Paint Types & Finishes: Gloss, Emulsion & More Explained
Sheen can have a huge impact on the final look of your designs. And perhaps more importantly, the gloss you choose affects how the painted surface will look over time. It’s really not hard to understand the durability and uses of different tires, so let’s dive in!
Flat paint polish does not give any reflection. They are very forgiving and many people use this type of paint for imperfect walls – think plaster with impact and waves. It is usually the color of choice for the ceiling. The important thing to think about is that while the matte finish is forgiving, it is very difficult to clean! Never use a magic eraser. If gentle cleaning doesn’t remove any marks, it’s best to touch up the paint. All of our roofs in this house and our previous houses are flat.
Matte paint has a slight sheen, but still hides surface imperfections well. Some paint manufacturers now offer “washable” or “cleanable” matte paint. So, while matte paint is still more likely to scratch or smudge than high-shine paint, you can spend a little more on a washable formula to alleviate that concern and still have very low-shine paint.
If someone asks me, is eggshell or satin better for the wall? or “What color glaze should I use on the walls?” I always say eggshell! Eggshell is what I have used on the walls in all our rooms. The eggshell is not what can be described as shiny. But I prefer eggshell over matte or flat because it lasts longer against blemishes without having to buy a special formula.
Using Trim Paint On Windows, Doors, And Baseboards
I also like the texture of the eggshell – it has a body without feeling chewy to the touch. You can remove the egg color, but if you use something like a magic eraser, it will affect the finish, so avoid that! The only time they don’t recommend eggshells for walls is if they feel their walls are dirty and scratch easily (they have 4 dogs, tight entryway, young kids, etc.). But for most families and homes, I think eggshell is the best choice for walls.
Satin color is slightly reflective. This is the first color polish in the range that registers a slight sheen to my eye when painted over. The downside is that it draws attention to cracks, holes and other imperfections, so it’s best to use it on great walls. On the other hand, it is much easier to clean than matte paint or eggshell. Many people use satin finish on walls in high-traffic areas such as rooms or hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms. We’ve used it in our garage at our current house because those walls get a lot of abuse. So if you feel that your walls are dirty or shed easily, satin may be a better option for you than eggshell.
One of the surfaces that I think is perfect for satin paint is TRIM! Yes, you read that right. Trim is traditionally painted with a semi-gloss or gloss finish, but I prefer a satin finish on interior/millwork and interior doors. The trim and doors in our current house are satin and I love it. It’s an unconventional choice for decoration, but I love the low-gloss finish. And it looks beautiful against the egg walls. As you can see, I am also a fan of non-white interior decoration.
We also chose satin for the wood paneling and accent wall we recently installed in the hallway, as we were carrying the same color on the trim and doors. I don’t usually choose satin for wall surfaces, but it makes sense to keep things the same in this situation.
Why Use Flat Paint On Your Walls
It’s easy to look at semi-gloss and see that it’s reflective/glossy. This sheen is a color that is often used in trim and was on the trim and doors in our previous home. The advantage of semi-gloss is that it is very easy to clean. The downside is that it actually shows (and almost highlights) surface imperfections. Semi-gloss paint, such as satin, is often used in areas that see a lot of marks and dirt, such as children’s rooms, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Personally, I’m not a fan of semi-gloss on the walls. But it can be beautiful in trim and cabinets.
Although all the trim and doors in our current house are satin, we used a semi-gloss on our new banister and stair railing because they are very tactile and we wanted them to be as durable as possible.
It is the most shiny color you can have without using varnish. Many people use it in trim because it resists fingerprints, scratch marks and traffic well. This is the easiest gloss paint to clean. Gloss also has the highest durability, but shows imperfections more than any other gloss, so use it very wisely! Many people use it on trim, doors, and cabinets, and if they are nice and smooth, it can work well on all of those surfaces. But if you live in a historic home with original trim and baseboards that have some imperfections (been there, done that), you’ll be much happier with satin because it draws less attention to all that character.
There is no “best” because it depends on the application, but the most durable is gloss. Flat, eggshell and satin colors are usually best for interior walls, while semi-gloss and gloss colors are best for trim and woodwork.
Know Which Is The Best Type Of Paint For Interior Walls
It depends on how fragmented the walls are. If you feel that the walls are dirty and need to be cleaned regularly, it is better to use satin because it can be cleaned more easily. If wear isn’t a concern, I prefer the egg look on the walls because it has a low sheen. But if you like a bit of shine, satin might be the best option for you.
According to my research, satin finish is the most common interior color, probably because it’s easy to clean without being too shiny.
Choosing the right color gloss doesn’t have to be complicated. By considering the space, the amount of traffic you receive and the type of color you use, you can confidently choose the best option for you. While glossy finishes are good for high-traffic areas, matte or eggshell finishes can give a room a more subtle and sophisticated look. In the end, the decision is yours. So take your time
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