Paint Finishes
How To Choose The Right Paint Finish
No matter what type of paint finish you choose, it is important to understand what each one offers so you can make the best decision for your space.
When it comes to painting your walls, you have a lot of options when it comes to what type of finish to use. Different paint finishes give different looks and offer varying levels of protection from wear and tear.
Here’s what you should know about the different types of paint finishes and what they can do for your home.
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Types of Paint Finishes
Choosing the right paint finish for a room or project can be a tricky decision. There are several factors that come into play, such as how much traffic the room will get, how often it will be cleaned, how much sunlight and humidity it is exposed to, how often you plan on repainting and how much gloss you want to achieve. Worth mentioning, using low-VOC (low volatile organic compounds) paint for your projects is a great way to reduce toxic emissions and create an airy, fresh atmosphere in your home. Low-VOC paints have virtually no odour, which means they don’t contribute to indoor air pollution. Additionally, they are often made with natural ingredients such as plant oils and minerals, which are safer for humans and the environment. With a little knowledge about what are the different paint finishes and what their benefits are, you'll have no trouble picking out the perfect paint for your project!
The most common paint finishes are flat, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss.
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Matte Paint Finish
Matte paint has no sheen at all; it’s the flattest look you can get in a finish. This is great for hiding imperfections on walls but isn’t very durable against dirt and grime making it more suitable for low-traffic areas such as living rooms or bedrooms. Matte finish is the most popular paint option because of its flat appearance and ability to hide imperfections on walls. Matte finishes are great for minimalistic or traditional designs and are easy to touch up.
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Semi-Gloss Paint Finish
Semi-gloss paint has the highest sheen of all the finishes but still looks elegant on walls. It's very easy to clean and wipe down making it perfect for bathrooms, trim work, and other surfaces where you need to be able to keep things looking pristine.
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Gloss Paint Finish
Glossy paint has the highest level of sheen and is the most durable. It's perfect for areas that require frequent cleanings like cabinets, trim work, and doors. However, glossy paint can be more difficult to touch-up since it’s very reflective and any imperfections will be noticeable.
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Eggshell paint Finish
Eggshell paint has a low sheen, which makes it slightly more durable than flat/matte. This finish is also able to hide imperfections in the wall and is great for areas with moderate traffic like family rooms or dining rooms. Eggshell finish is similar to satin but with less of a sheen. It still provides excellent durability and easy clean-up, which makes it great for hallways or family rooms. Eggshell also works well in low-traffic areas like bedrooms or offices because its subtle shine gives off a softer, more muted look.
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Satin Paint Finish
Satin paint has a slight sheen that gives walls a soft, velvety look. It’s highly durable and good for high-traffic areas such as hallways and kitchens. Satin finish has a slightly glossy sheen and offers good resistance to moisture and stains, making it perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-traffic areas. Its subtle gloss gives your walls an elegant look without being too shiny.
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Chalk Paint Finish
Chalk paint finish is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to transform furniture and home decor quickly and easily. It's a type of decorative paint that can be applied directly to wood, metal, laminate and other surfaces, without the need for sanding or priming. This makes chalk paint a favourite for upcycling projects, as it can give outdated furniture and accessories an instant makeover.
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