The Right Paint Finish
About 5 different paint finishes and how they affect color
When it comes to painting a room, choosing the right color is only part of the equation. Equally important is selecting the right paint finish, as each finish creates a different look and has specific practical benefits.
Whether you want a subtle, matte look or a high-shine, glossy finish, understanding paint finishes will help you make the right choice for your home or your client’s home.
Let’s dive into the five main types of paint finishes, their unique properties, and how color plays a role in the final effect!
The Matte/Flat Finish
First, we have the matte (also known as flat) finish, which is perfect for a soft, subtle look. This one is best for low-traffic areas like bedrooms, dining rooms, and ceilings.
Matte finishes are known for their smooth, non-reflective surface, which absorbs light rather than reflecting it. This quality makes matte finishes perfect for creating a soft, understated look that allows color to appear rich and deep.
Darker colors especially benefit from a matte finish, as it adds a velvety richness that doesn’t overwhelm the space. However, matte paints tend to be more prone to scuffs and stains, which is why they’re not ideal for high-traffic areas.
How Does it Affect Color?
Matte finishes give deeper colors a cozy, almost cocooning effect, while lighter colors appear soft and serene. Keep this in mind if you’re aiming for a tranquil atmosphere!
The Eggshell Finish
Then there’s the eggshell finish, a versatile and low-sheen option that’s best for living rooms, hallways, and medium-traffic areas.
Eggshell is a popular choice for its slight sheen and greater durability than matte finishes. With a soft, subtle shine, eggshell finish is versatile enough for most rooms and pairs well with a wide range of colors.
It’s particularly useful in areas that need a touch more durability, as it resists scuffs better than matte while still providing a refined, sophisticated look.
How Does it Affect Color?
Eggshell finish is forgiving for most colors, but it’s especially effective with medium shades. It adds a hint of reflectivity that can bring out undertones in a color, making shades appear warmer or cooler depending on the room’s lighting.
The Satin Finish
The satin finish has a smooth, elegant sheen, and is recommended most for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
A satin finish is slightly more reflective than eggshell, offering a soft gloss that’s easy to clean. Satin finishes are perfect for spaces where durability is a priority, as they can withstand frequent cleaning without losing their sheen.
They work well in rooms exposed to moisture, like kitchens and bathrooms, where the finish's resistance to mold and mildew becomes essential.
How Does it Affect Color?
Satin finishes can enhance vibrant colors, adding an almost jewel-like quality to bold hues. Lighter colors can take on a silky, elegant look with satin, while darker colors appear more sophisticated and dramatic.
The Semi-Gloss Finish
The semi-gloss finish, on the other hand, is known for it’s polished, functional look. This finish is best for kitchens, bathrooms, cabinets, and trim.
Semi-gloss paint has a noticeable shine and is exceptionally durable, making it a go-to for areas that need to withstand high traffic and regular cleaning. Its moisture resistance makes it ideal for damp environments.
The glossy nature of semi-gloss paint also adds an air of polish to your space and makes colors appear slightly brighter.
How Does it Affect Color?
Semi-gloss finishes make colors “pop” more than matte or eggshell, giving bright colors an even more intense effect. Lighter colors take on a crisp, clean look, while darker shades can appear glossy and dramatic. However, semi-gloss finishes will also accentuate wall imperfections, so careful wall prep is recommended.
The Gloss Finish
Finally we have the gloss finish (also referred to as high-gloss), which is naturally both high-impact and reflective. This one looks best on furniture, cabinets, doors, and accent walls!
Gloss paint is the most reflective finish and is often used to make a statement. While rarely applied on entire walls, gloss finishes are ideal for accent pieces where you want to create a striking effect.
This finish’s reflective nature can make a bold color look even more intense, adding an ultra-modern or glamorous touch to the space.
How Does it Affect Color?
Gloss finishes amplify color, making reds, blues, and blacks appear richer and bolder. It’s also perfect for whites and pastels, giving them a sleek, polished look that works well in contemporary spaces. Keep in mind that gloss shows every brushstroke, so applying it carefully is essential for a professional result.
3 Things to Consider When Choosing a Finish
Consider the room’s function
High-traffic areas benefit from satin or semi-gloss finishes, while low-traffic areas can handle the more delicate look of matte or eggshell.
Think about the lighting
Matte finishes absorb light, making darker colors richer and warmer, while glossier finishes reflect light, giving an illusion of brightness.
Match the finish to your color
For lighter, softer colors, an eggshell or satin finish adds a slight glow. For bolder colors, a semi-gloss or gloss can give a high-impact, sophisticated effect.
Choosing the right finish is key to showcasing your color choice while enhancing the functionality and style of each room!
Hopefully you learned something new about the different types of finishes today, and thank you so much for reading!