Understanding Interior Paint Finishes

We get this question all the time, ‘what paint finish should we choose?’ Choosing the paint finish for interior surfaces depends on the desired amount of shine. There is also the all-important durability factor, whereby the paint finish should be...

We get this question all the time, ‘what paint finish should we choose?’ Choosing the paint finish for interior surfaces depends on the desired amount of shine. There is also the all-important durability factor, whereby the paint finish should be chosen respective to the use and traffic of the surface. For example, it wouldn’t make sense to paint a less durable finish on a entry door that is used many times per day. Hand marks, scraping from bags and clothing would come into contact with the door daily…so a more durable paint would be better suited for this application. The paint finish’s below range from dull to shiny.

Flat Finish: This is the least shiny finish available and is best suited for ceilings, closets and interior walls. Since this finish isn’t shiny, it doesn’t clean well, so isn’t best suited for kitchens, bathrooms or children’s bedrooms.

Matte Finish: This is a step above the shiny spectrum from flat. The matte finish has a touch of sheen to it, so it is more durable than the flat finish, but still has a flat looking softness to it.

Eggshell Finish: This paint finish is often used in rooms where there may be contact with water, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Satin Finish: This finish has more sheen than eggshell but is a step down from semi-gloss. Use this finish for surfaces that need a sheen, but are low on traffic. Satin finish is mostly found on moldings and trim work.

Semi-gloss Finish: This finish is scrubbable, which is a good choice for moldings, doors and other areas that are constantly touched by hands.

High-gloss Finish: This finish provides a shiny polished look. This finish is found on surfaces that need to be cleaned.

Remember that the higher the level of sheen, the more it will reflect light, so imperfections on the wall surface will be more easily notices. If you have any questions in choosing the right paint finish, call MHCcontracting for a free estimate.