Are you trying to decide on the best finish for your home’s paint job? The choices can seem overwhelming–matte, glossy, or satin? You don’t have to worry anymore: this article will provide the information you need to make the right decision.
Matte
Matte is a type of finish used for house paint that offers a subtle, flat look. It is sometimes referred to as “flat” or “eggshell.” Matte paint is ideal for surfaces that will be subjected to frequent or heavy use, as it has very good durability and wear-resistance properties. It also works well in low-traffic areas of your home like bedrooms or offices, and its lack of shine provides a more elegant appearance.
Matte finishes are not recommended by a house painting service for walls covered in wet areas like bathrooms because matte paint does not have a protective coating which could result in mildew growth over time. Similarly, Matte paints are more likely to absorb dirt and fingerprints than their glossy counterparts and may require special cleaners to maintain their aesthetics. Additionally, matte paints can be difficult to touch up if you find that the finish becomes bruised or scratched over time, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
All in all, while it may require extra maintenance and care, matte finishes give your walls a striking velvet look without the high shine offered by other types of paints.
Glossy
A glossy finish gives the exterior of your house a luster and shines to enhance the look of your home’s exterior. This type of paint has a higher sheen compared to matte and satin. This glossier coating is usually found on more modern, minimalist homes.
It is thicker than regular paint, allowing it to better reflect light, reducing glare and absorbing less moisture in humid climates. The increased thickness of glossy paint can amplify surface irregularities like bumps or pits so applying multiple coats with some light sanding between each can help you achieve a perfect finish.
Glossy finishes are easy to wipe down if dirt or dust accumulates and are generally easier to clean than matte or satin. However, because of the high gloss content of paint, colors that appear bolder on small sample boards may appear to be much brighter when applied to large surfaces.
Satin
Satin finishes are an excellent choice for interior walls since they offer both low-glare steadiness, and light reflection that helps to brighten a room. The smooth finish of this paint allows for easy cleaning and is able to hold up better than either matte or glossy finishes when faced with frequent washing.
It’s important to consider the darkness of your desired color in relation to the type of sheen you choose. Darker colors in satin will show scuffs and fingerprints much more easily than lighter ones. You can always experiment with a sample swatch of available colors if you’re unsure about which one will produce the best results on your walls.
When painted onto furniture, doors, trims, and windows, satin finishes provide a sleek look without making surfaces too shiny. Cleaning times will be longer given the potential for mild staining from regular use over time. Satin may also be recommended by manufacturers instead of using high gloss due to its increased durability, making it particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas such as hallways or kitchens.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Finish
Picking the right finish for your house paint can seem like a daunting task, as there are a variety of options available. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages.
We’ll take a look at some of the factors you should consider when deciding which finish is right for you.
Room type
When choosing the right paint finish for your house, one of the first things that you will want to consider is the type of room. Different rooms may require different finishes due to their usage and environmental conditions.
For example, matte paint is perfect for bedrooms and living rooms, since these rooms see less wear-and-tear and less direct sunlight than other areas in a home (such as a kitchen). This makes it ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere in these areas.
Kitchens should be painted using semi-gloss paint since kitchens are prone to moisture, grease build-up, and high traffic. While matte or satin paint may start off looking good in the kitchen, it won’t hold up as well over time due to being more susceptible to stains and dirt build-up.
Bathroom walls should be painted with glossy paint, which is more resistant to water and condensation due to its glossy surface. Glossy paints can also reflect light better than other finishes which makes it an optimal choice for small bathrooms where you are looking to create extra space with lighting tactics.
Color of the paint
When choosing a finish for your house paint, the color of the paint is among the most important factors to consider. The shade and tone of the color you choose should be based on your lifestyle, taste, and aesthetic or design preferences.
It is also important to remember that different types of finishes work better with certain colors than others. As such, you should think about which types of finishes will best serve specific color palettes when choosing a finish for your painting project. Smooth matte finishes are ideal for deeper hues such as navy blue, and white gloss finishes are typically best suited to richer shades like maroon or royal purple. Additionally, glossy forms often produce more vibrant and lively results when used with lighter shades like baby blue or light pink. Finally, satin finishers are ideal for subdued tones like taupe or beige and offer just enough sheen without being too heavy-handed in their style.
Summary
Ultimately the choice between matte, glossy, or satin comes down to personal preference but considering each option carefully can help ensure that you select the best finish for all of your home’s surfaces.