Even
after a homeowner has chosen the perfect color
for a room,
there's another very important decision to make. With 5 or 6 paint
finishes
to
choose from, you should learn the benefits of each and determine the
right one for your job. Should you use flat or satin and why? Browse
these tips on selecting the perfect paint finishes for your interior
home applications.
Matte
Finish
Whether called flat finish or wall
paint, this type of interior paint has a matte surface. This
paint finish is usually used on interior walls. It's expecially good
if you have to camouflage small wall bumps, cracks, or other
imperfections, as this finish does not reflect light. While some flat
paints are advertised as washable today, you may need to touch up
scratches or marks by covering with a bit more paint, so be sure you
keep some on hand after you've finished painting.
Flat
Enamel
Flat enamel is a paint with a durable flat,
matte finish. It's a good choice for powder rooms and halls, as it
holds up to occasional cleaning.
Eggshell
Finish
If you can picture the very low sheen of the
shell of an egg, you have an idea of how an eggshell paint finish
will appear. With only a slight hint of shine or gloss, it's good for
walls and holds up better with cleaning than a flat finish paint.
Satin
Finish
Satin
finish paint has a smooth, velvety look with a bit more gloss. It is
most often used for windows, doors, trim, or ceilings, but can also
be used as wall paint. This is particularly suitable for walls in kid's rooms, kitchens, or bathrooms, or in areas which get a lot of traffic. Paint
with a satin finish is formulated to hold up to cleaning and light
scrubbing.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss
paint is most often used on doors, trim, and cabinets in kitchens and
bathrooms. It is easily cleaned and lays down a nice, subtle shine,
without being too glitzy. Take care with pre-paint preparation work,
as poorly prepared surfaces can be a bit distracting when highlighted
by a semi-gloss surface.
Glossy
High
gloss paints have an almost reflective quality, as their shiny finish
mimics the look of enamel or plastic. Though not widely used in home
interiors, it is becoming more popular for a dramatic look on
cabinets, trim, and furniture in very formal and very contemporary
settings. This finish will magnify any surface imperfections, so
careful preparation and sanding is essential before painting with
high gloss paints.
