Importance of Different Paint Finishes

Have you just bought a house and want to change the color? If that is a yes, then the paint color that you choose is important. However, did you know that the type of finish that you put over the paint is just as important? There are five different types of finishes that you need to know about. You’ll be able to decide which is best for your house once you do.

 

Definition of a paint finish

 

Well, a paint finish is a texture that the paint has once it dries. It tends to be somewhat glossy so that it can reflect light in a room well. If you guessed that a paint’s finish plays a large role in determining how you perceive its color, you’re absolutely right. Here is more information on the five paint finishes:

 

• Matte/Flat
• Semigloss
• Eggshell
• Gloss
• Satin

 

Matte/Flat Finish

 

Your walls will have a smooth and uniform look when you choose a flat paint finish. You want to use this type of paint finish in rooms where you don’t want the walls to reflect a lot of light. Good examples of these rooms include living and dining rooms.

 

Flat paint is perfect for making walls with rough and/or uneven areas look nice, smooth, and polished. Good examples of imperfections that it can mask include patches, popped paint bubbles, and nail holes. You also want to use flat paint on ceilings. Keep in mind that you’ll need fewer coats of paint when you use paint with a flat finish. It’s because there will be fewer areas to touch up and perfect with more paint. The paint finish will also have less contrast – this also translates into fewer paint coats needed.

 

Semigloss finish

 

This type of finish has a satin-like sheen and texture and reflects more amounts of light. You can actually add light, color, and more personality to a room if you use a semigloss finish in a neutral color (white, cream, or light beige). All you have to do to clean is wipe it down with a damp washcloth – it’s that easy to clean. It’s best used on Trim.

 

Eggshell finish

 

This type of paint doesn’t have a high shine factor, in fact, its sheen is easy on the eyes. It has the luster that an eggshell has – hence the name. That said, it tends to reflect a lot of light. It will make the walls look like they’re ‘glowing’ because they’ll be reflecting the natural and artificial lights in a particular room. You’ll find that you’ll have an easier time cleaning this type of paint finish. It will also last much longer than other types of paint finishes.

 

Satin finish

 

You’ll find this finish on most walls in most buildings around the world. These tend to reflects higher amount of light than the first two types of finishes. Maybe that’s why people want to use it in rooms where people are almost always around. These include halls and rooms where kids sleep. What you’ll love about this type of finish is that it’s quick and easy to clean

 

Gloss finish

 

This is the creme-de-la-creme of paint finishes since it reflects the most amount of light. Most developers like to use it on accessories in a building like cabinets, moldings, and doors. However, you’ll be spending more on paint. That said, it lasts and is very easy to clean.

 

Where Do You Want To Use Each Type Of Finish?

 

Use flat paints in rooms where lots of reflection is not desirable. Eggshell paints tend to absorb more moisture, so you want to restrict using it to rooms where there isn’t a lot of moisture. As a general rule, you should avoid using it in kitchens and bathrooms.

 

Developers love to use a satin finish the most because it can easily be used in any room without any problems. You can use semigloss in rooms that are constantly exposed to moisture. Good examples are bathrooms, kitchens doors, and trim. You use gloss finishes on doors and trim. That said, you can also use it on walls since it tends to make any surface that it’s applied to shine.

 

To know what finish would suit your home or office, call Right Track Painting & Sealcoating at (617) 480-9831.