Choosing the Right Wall Paint Finishes

Have you ever touched up the paint in your home only to find that the color looks completely different? Surprisingly enough, it may not be the color that is off. Paint also comes in a variety of finishes that give your walls a different look depending on the amount of sheen mixed into the paint. If you thought choosing the color was difficult, choosing the right wall paint finish may be just as confusing. Here are a few simple tips to help you make the right choice for your home.

Paint finish comes in three general categories:

• Flat Finish– also known as matte finish
• Satin Finish– also known as eggshell finish or low-luster finish
• Gloss Finish– also known as semi-gloss finish

While these are the general terms that surround the varieties of paint finishes there are several degrees within each such as dead flat finish, flat enamel finish, pearl finish, and high gloss finish. Let’s talk today about the general paint finishes and how they impact your room.

If you are looking for a well-saturated wall that has rich results, you’ll want to go with a flat finish. Flat paint is the most forgiving finish with the best color payout. If you need to cover imperfections, patching or joints, flat paint can absorb light, making your dings and flaws less noticeable. The draw back to a flat finish is the lack of durability. Flat paint needs to be cleaned carefully as scrubbing may remove some of the paint. This can cause an uneven or patchy look on the wall.

Best places to use flat paint: Ceilings, low traffic areas, and rooms that don’t require extensive cleaning.

Satin finish is one of the best finishes to use that allow you to compromise between durability and color esthetics. Satin has a subtle sheen that gives your room a great coloring while faint enough still to hide imperfections. Satin has one other feature that makes it a favorite for homeowners. Its strength allows it to dry just a bit harder than other paints, which helps the paint protect itself from environments that have more moisture in the air. Satin finish is also resistant to mildew, stains and dirt, and can be cleaned quickly.

Best places to use satin paint: living areas, kitchen, entryway, bathrooms and high traffic areas.

Semi-gloss finish has a higher sheen, typically 40-70% more than other paint finishes. Semi-gloss finish is known to reflect light and have a beautiful glow, without being too shiny. The most durable of the finishes, semi-gloss holds up well in humid environments and is extremely easy to clean. There’s a basic rule when it comes to paint finishes; the greater the shine, the more durable the paint will be. However, the higher the gloss, the more imperfections will show on your walls.

Best places to use semi-glass paint: Bathrooms, spas, and kitchens

At Nolan Painting, our team of color consultants understands that choosing a paint color is hard enough. That’s why we help guide you in using the right finish for every room in your home. Contact Nolan Painting today and ask about our free color consultation to learn how paint finishes can not only protect your walls, but change the vibrancy of your color.