Paint finishes, similar to the paint job itself, have a huge impact on how a certain interior turns out to be. They are also known as sheens, essentially referring to the level of shine or gloss of a wall paint upon drying. Choosing the right kind of paint finish is extremely important, not only because of aesthetics but also because the finish affects a paint job’s longevity a lot.
This is to say that paints with good finishes are meant to last long and are also easier to clean as well. For those of you who are new to the concepts of paint finishes, their types, and ideal applications, Fixit Design has devised a perfect guide to make selection easier. We will be guiding you about each type and also which one(s) would be perfect for your requirements.
All You Need To Know About Paint Finish Types | Selecting Suitable Options With Ease
Up ahead is the info, which will be extremely beneficial for you whenever you are about to get painting services in Dubai. We will be discussing up to 5 most common paint finish types.
1- Matte
This paint finish has a velvety smooth appearance, and its sheen level remains between 0% to 10%. It has no shine and gives off an elegant and soft, comforting look, preferred by many.
Pros:
- The foremost benefit of choosing this paint finish is that it hides all flaws and imperfections in walls really well, making it a perfect option for textured/flawed walls.
- It helps accentuate low-light spaces, thanks to its smooth and subtle appearance. Going with this paint finish will make all gloomy areas seem more cozy and hence welcoming.
- It is a highly affordable option compared to other finish types, hence useful if you’re looking for a decent finish on a budget.
Cons:
- This paint finish is not suitable for very busy areas or spaces with high moisture levels.
- Any stains or marks on this finish may not be very easy to clean
Best For:
Matte or flat paint finishes are best recommended for living rooms and bedroom renovation. They can also be used on ceilings.
2- Satin
This finish has a low-luster sheen, which ranges from 25% to 40%. It is greatly versatile and can be used on walls as well as trims too. It can suit a majority of areas and conditions.
Pros:
- This paint finish is highly durable and hard-wearing too. This is to say that it can be scrubbed and cleaned easily in the event of staining or similar damage.
- Other than stains, it is quite moisture-resistant as well, making it a suitable choice for moisture-prone and/or humid areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spots.
- This paint finish is washable too, a feature that adds to its overall practicality as it can be used in busy areas and also in kids’ rooms or nurseries.
Cons:
- This finish is likely to highlight any minor flaws in the walls.
- It may also show brush strokes more than flatter paint finish types.
Best For:
Satin paint finish is a great choice for all high-traffic areas in residential settings. In addition, it can be used on cabinets, doors, trims, and wainscotting too.
3- Eggshell
As implied by the name, this paint finish has an eggshell-like soft sheen. Its sheen level goes from 10% to 25%. If you’re looking for a professional painting service to achieve this look, it’s worth the investment, as eggshell finish gives walls and other surfaces an attractive and elegant look.
Pros:
- This paint finish is quite long-lasting, more than the flat finish, particularly. It is, therefore, a cost-effective option for most residential and commercial areas.
- It stays tough against stains, and cleaning it is quite easy as well. This makes it a good option for areas that get used frequently and are hence exposed to dirt and grime.
- It reflects light well and gives every room a nice, appealing look without seeming overly lustrous. Also, it is easy to apply and the perfect “middle ground” option to go for.
Cons:
- Eggshell paint finishes can, at times, show some imperfections of walls.
- It is not too forgiving when it comes to touch-ups; any slightest color difference is visible.
Best For:
This paint finish is best for all areas with moderate traffic, like bedrooms, living rooms, lounges, hallways, dining rooms, corridors, home offices, and similar settings.
4- Semi-gloss
This one has a moderately shiny appearance, and the sheen level ranges between 40% and 60%. Its best feature is the effective reflecting of lights that makes rooms brighter and more spacious.
Pros:
- Semi-gloss paint finishes come with promising durability levels and is also highly resistant to stains, marks, scratches, and moisture damage.
- It is easy to clean and can be wiped without the fear of getting affected, hence a useful option for busy spaces.
- The moderate sheen of this finish provides room for touch-ups as many times as required, meaning it stays cost-effective all along.
Cons:
- It may show surface imperfections, especially when used on trims or damaged walls.
- It is not a very suitable choice for bigger areas; a lot of surface preparation is required.
Best For:
This finish works fine for a range of uses, ranging from moisture-prone walls of kitchens and bathrooms to moldings, trims, and doors as well. It can also be used for accentuating any desired focal points and to paint furniture and cabinetry too.
5- Gloss
This paint finish, as shown by the name, is shiny and highly reflective. The sheen level goes from 60% to 100% and helps make interiors brighter, roomier, and more attractive.
Pros:
- This paint finish has an extremely tough and hard surface, making it resistant to scratches, stains, and even dents and scuff marks.
- It has a very smooth surface, so cleaning it is very convenient, and taking off any stains or marks does not become a problem.
- This paint finish is moisture-proof as well, making it suitable for a number of areas, including kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and basements.
Cons:
- Multiple layers of primer and paint are required when applying gloss finish.
- At times, this finish can make colors appear darker than needed.
Best For:
Gloss paint finish works well in all moisture-prone areas and can also be used on kitchen cabinets, doors, trims, bathroom vanities, window sills, and entryways.
Bonus Tips And Tricks For Choosing Accurate Paint Finishes
This advice will ensure making all your paint jobs last long and retain their beauty.
- Always take the usage extent of your room into account when selecting a paint finish. Choose durable options like satin or high-gloss finishes for high-traffic areas.
- Avoid having flat finishes in a limited or small space; they appear dull under bright lights and can make small areas more gloomy and congested. Opt for high-gloss ones instead.
- Make sure to test every paint under multiple lighting conditions before you decide on a finish type. Doing so will help you settle on something that looks good under lighting too.
- If you are using darker colored paints, always go for a finish with a lower sheen because darker hues are likely to appear more shiny.
- Proper wall smoothening and priming before the paint job are extremely crucial to generating the best results from any given finish type.
To Sum Up
Choosing the accurate paint finish is a crucial decision, and the abundance of choices is quite likely to cause inconvenience. That is due to the fact that not every finish type can do well in a certain environment, and you need to put plenty of thought into selecting the right one. We have made the task easier for you through our detailed guide on paint finishes. In addition, we have also suggested the most accurate applications of every finish type, plus a range of additional useful tips too.