Types of Paint Finish
There is a variety of different paint available, but no one ever explains what they are or what they are for.
The types with a higher sheen generally have a higher shine and are more durable.
Check out this simple guide to finish your walls in style.
Flat (Matte) Finish
A flat finish with no shine, a flat/matte finish soaks up, rather than reflects, light. It helps to conceal any flaws on the walls and has the most pigment and so coverage, saving time and money. It can be difficult to keep clean without removing the paint in the process. Good for low traffic areas and rooms without grubby little fingers.
Eggshell Finish
Like its namesake, eggshell has almost a flat/matte finish with a little lustre. Sitting somewhere between flat and Satin on the sheen/durability scale. It covers bumps and marks well and is an attractive finish for spaces that do not experience any rough handling, such as living rooms and dining rooms.
Satin Finish
Satin is easy to clean and long-lasting, with a smooth, textured finish, more akin to velvet. However, it can reveal application errors like roller-marks and brush strokes, while touch-ups and fixes can be tricky. Ideal for high-traffic areas, such as childrens’ bedrooms, as it is durable and washable. Its finish also makes it ideal for areas with moisture; such as hallways, entrances and foyers.
Semi-Gloss Finish
The Semi-Gloss finish has a visible shine. It has a high level of durability and is washable. Ideal for rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms, where moisture, food, grime, and grease can often be an issue. Also good for items, such as chairs and hand-rails, that are often handled.
High-Gloss Finish
The finish with the highest sheen and has the highest level of durability, being hard and light-reflecting. It is easy to clean and is therefore great for areas which can be subjected to handling with grubby or sticky fingers; effective for doors, cabinets, rails and the like. However, with such a shiny finish it shows every bump, making it unsuitable for interior walls without a lot of preparation.
Follow this link to find the difference between trade and standard retail paint.