Types of Paint Finishes

Most people focus on their preferred colour when it comes to painting and give it no more thought. But did you know that the paint you choose for your interior walls also comes with different finishes? From matte to glossy, the type of paint finish you choose can add a lot to your favourite colour.

Painting walls or furniture can transform the entire feeling of a room. It is always a good idea to understand the different paint finishes and how they will look in your space. Before you start your next painting adventure

Paint finishes can completely transform the final look of a specific colour, and it is up to you to make the right choice to give your house the look that you want. There are also some things to consider when making a choice regarding your final paint finish, such as the traffic in the room or the surface you are painting on.

Types of Paint Finishes

1) Matte paint finishes

Matte paint, or Flat paint has a lot more pigment than the other types of finishes. It has very little sheen and delivers a velvety texture. It does not reflect any light and is great for covering imperfections on your walls, like cracks. It also offers excellent coverage.

Chalk paint is a very popular paint with a matte finish, which does not show the brush strokes.

The only downside of matte paints is that they are difficult to clean and can attract dust.

2) Eggshell paint finishes

Eggshell paint is soft with a very dull sheen. It is called “eggshell” because it resembles the texture and shine of the shell of an egg.

Eggshell covers wall imperfections and is easier to clean than flat paint. It is most often used because of its smooth appearance.

Eggshell paints also have a low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content, meaning they are safe to use indoors and are great for walls and ceilings.

3) Satin paint and silk finish

A satin paint finish has the same kind of shine as a pearl. It is excellent to use on wood or trims in the home. This type of finish also works well in kitchens and bathrooms because of its resistance to water damage, as it is easier to clean than eggshell and matte finishes.

This type of paint finish is not great at covering imperfections on the walls, and if you have to touch it up, the marks will be clearly visible.

It is a great paint for high-traffic areas because it is very easy to clean.

4) Semi-gloss paint finish

Semi-gloss paint has a glossy finish that reflects a lot of light. It is great to brighten up a dark wall as it allows light to travel.

It is resistant to moisture, making it a great paint for bathrooms, and it is also incredibly easy to clean.

The unfortunate part of semi-gloss finishes is that they clearly show any imperfections and are very difficult to apply.

5) High-gloss paint finish

High-gloss and supper gloss paints have a glossier finish than any of the other paints. They have the ability to almost completely reflect light, brightening up a dark room.

This type of finish is very popular on feature walls, and it is even used in commercial kitchens because it is so durable and easy to clean.

Want to learn how to choose the right finish for your wall? Click here!