Which paint finish is best for your interiors?

  1. Flat
  2. Matte
  3. Satin
  4. Semi-Gloss
  5. Gloss
  6. Duco Finish or High Gloss

The right paint finish can create different effects. Overlooking this factor isn’t a huge mistake but it can affect the way a specific room looks. You may have mistakenly chosen a sheen that’s an eyesore or a mismatched finish that just doesn’t feel right.

When you were younger, you probably had a different vision of what the perfect room might look like. It could be glossy walls with vibrant colors or a mix of flat and satin patterns. Our vision changes as we grow older and so does our preferences. With that said, it’s helpful to keep in mind the different types of paint finishes.

Choosing the correct paint finish can impact the way a room looks. Imagine an artist starting on a new piece. They have to choose a medium that will convey the effect they want before getting started. This is similar to painting your interiors. It’s not wise to just buy the first bucket of paint you glance at because you might not get the look you want. Plus, you could end up wasting money.

Components of a Paint Finish

Components of a Paint Finish

Did you know that the glossiness of paint is determined by its chemistry? High gloss paint contains a lot of resin instead of pigments. The resins create a gloss finish and are responsible for its durability. For flat paint, there are more pigments than resins. You get a much better color payoff with flat paint as you require fewer layers to get the color you want.

In reality, different paint finishes are not always offered by a specific manufacturer. Different manufacturers might offer different terminologies. It’s best to do some thorough research on the product before purchasing it.

Flat

Flat finish paint has the most pigments mixed in the formulation. This type of paint has no sheen at all. Flat finishes are usually used as a primer or on ceilings. You can even use this to camouflage any small bumps and blemishes on your surface. Using flat paint as a primer for high traffic areas can help make your paint last longer while also providing a smooth base to work on.

Matte

Matte wall finish

 

Matte has a close texture to flat but not quite. It can hide imperfections because of its low sheen and turn simple spaces into elegant ones. This finish is probably one of the most natural out of all the choices. If you prefer something more durable than flat finish paint, matte is the way to go. Its finish ensures coverage with a minimal sheen, so you use less paint while still getting the effect you want. It’s easy to touch up this type of finish, no matter where you use it. If you want to keep up with the matte trend, paint your bedroom or dining room with this finish. When cleaning, use a damp cloth with a light hand.

Satin

Satin is a visually elegant, velvet-like textured paint. It’s smooth with a hint of gloss which can work well for trims, windows, ceilings, and doors. It can be used for your walls as well. The satin finish is not only pretty to look at but it’s also very durable and can withstand light rubbing and cleaning. Choose this for your family room, kid’s room, and laundry area. These places have a lot of activity and require a lot of cleaning. If your kids make a mess of the walls, you can easily clean it off with soap.

Semi-Gloss

Semi Gloss

Semi-gloss paint is easy to clean and has a subtle shine that’s still very elegant without being overpowering. This type of finish requires a bit of prep. You have to make sure that your surface is smooth or else it’ll highlight any bumps and uneven texture. This type can be used on cabinets, kitchens, bathrooms, and doors. Semi-gloss paint can ensure easy cleanup and an elegant sheen that can last for a long period of time.

Gloss

Hard-wearing surfaces need the durability of a gloss. Not only are you ensuring that your cabinets and trims last but you’re giving them an easy-to-clean surface. Be mindful of the reflectivity of the paint. You may end up highlighting blemishes with this finish if you’re not careful with preparation. This finish is different from semi-gloss and Duco Finish. The glossiness of this is much more subdued compared to Duco Finish. It’s also a smoother sheen compared to Duco Finish’s intense gloss. Gloss is also great for updating the look of your furniture as well. If you’re tired of the old worn-down look, a fresh coat of gloss paint can bring your chosen surface back to life.

Duco Finish or High Gloss

Duco Finish

A Duco Finish ensures a long-lasting and high-gloss look. Not only does this finish look great, but it provides an excellent water barrier that doesn’t crack or flake. The finish of high-gloss is similar to plastic. You can increase the durability of your interior wooden kitchen furniture compared to a gloss finish. No need to worry about cracking and flaking every time you open your cabinet. It can be overwhelming to the eyes and it can reflect a lot of flaws. Duco finish requires a lot of prep before applying. Make sure to sand and prime the surface before you start coating your surfaces.  Use even strokes as well so that you avoid any brush marks.

Key Takeaway

Paint color isn’t the only thing you should concentrate on. You can choose from various colors all day but if you choose the wrong finish, the overall design can look incomplete and awkward. Avoid this by choosing the best paint finish with this handy guide.

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