A Closer Look at the Most Popular Paint Finishes Used Today
Selecting a paint color is one of the first things people consider when they want to paint their home. However, another factor is the paint finish. This factor is just as important, if not more important, than the color you choose. Getting to know the most popular paint finishes will help you find the right one for your space.
The Paint Finish Or Sheens Defined
Before diving into the specific finishes, it’s important to know what this means. The finish is the texture of the paint after it has dried and the amount of light it reflects off the wall. Both factors can impact the way you perceive the color and may hide or accentuate the finish.
Now that you know what it is, the most popular paint finishes are described here.
Flat Finish
A flat finish gives your walls a smooth, uniform appearance. It’s a smart option for any location where you want minimal reflection on the surface of the wall, such as a dining room or living room. Flat paint is also effective at masking less than smooth areas on your walls, such as nail pops, patches, or nail holes. It’s a go-to option for ceilings too. Low-sheen paint doesn’t require as many coats as the higher-sheen options because there is not as much contrast between your touch-up areas and the rest of the paint job.
Matte Finish
A Matte finish is nearly as shine-free as flat, again providing excellent hide and depth of color, with slightly more durability. Matte finish paint also withstands cleaning, even when applied in busier areas like hallways and family rooms.
Eggshell Finish
A good option for almost any room in your house is eggshell. That’s because it has a soft look, just like an eggshell. While this type of finish is a very low gloss, it is slightly more reflective than the flat finish mentioned above. Due to the somewhat higher sheen, it is also much easier to clean and more durable.
Pearl Finish
A Pearl finish is a medium gloss that maintains high durability. Both beautiful and easy to clean, a pearl finish lends dimension to trim and moldings.
Satin Finish
When it comes to popular paint finishes, satin is at the top of the list. This finish will reflect more light than flat and eggshell and is great for higher-traffic rooms, such as your kids’ rooms or the hallway. Also, satin finish paints are easier to clean than the options that are not as shiny.
Semigloss Finish
With this, you have something that is more reflective than satin. It also gives your rooms a bit of a shiny appearance. You can make a darker room appear brighter with semigloss paint, especially if you use lighter tones, such as cream, white, or other neutrals. While the glossy surface can show off more imperfections, it’s a smart option for higher-humidity spaces, such as your bathroom, because it is resistant to moisture. Semigloss is a great option for doors and trims because it is easy to clean.
Choosing the Right Finish or Sheen
With so many options, you may not know what paint finish is right for your home or space. If this is the case, it is recommended that you work with professionals who can evaluate your needs and provide you with recommendations for the paint finish that best suits your wants and needs for the space.
