When it comes to painting the interior of your home, choosing the right paint finish is just as important as selecting the perfect color. But, what interior paint finish is best?
The finish you choose affects not only the look of your walls but also their durability, ease of maintenance, and ability to hide imperfections.
With so many options available—ranging from flat and matte to gloss and high-gloss—it can be overwhelming to decide which finish is best for each room in your house. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about interior paint finishes, helping you make the best choice for your space.
What Interior Paint Finish is Best: Understanding the Differences
Interior paint finishes vary in terms of sheen, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Here’s an overview of the most common types of finishes and where they work best:
Flat/Matte Finish
Characteristics:
Flat or matte finishes have no shine or reflective qualities, giving walls a soft, velvety appearance. This finish is excellent at hiding imperfections on walls, such as small cracks or bumps, because it doesn’t reflect light. The result is a smooth, uniform surface.
Ideal Uses:
- Ceilings: Flat finishes are often used on ceilings because they don’t reflect light, reducing glare and making the ceiling less noticeable.
- Low-Traffic Areas: Flat finishes are perfect for rooms that don’t see much wear and tear, such as adult bedrooms, formal living rooms, and home offices.
- Older Walls: If your walls have a lot of imperfections, a flat finish can help mask them and create a more polished look.
Pros:
- Hides imperfections well.
- Non-reflective, creating a soft, elegant appearance.
- Ideal for ceilings and low-traffic areas.
Cons:
- Difficult to clean; can show marks and scuffs easily.
- Not suitable for high-traffic or high-moisture areas.
Eggshell Finish
Characteristics:
Eggshell finish has a subtle sheen that is just enough to give the walls a little bit of life without being too shiny. It’s a step up in durability from flat finishes and is more washable, making it a popular choice for many rooms in the house.
Ideal Uses:
- Living Rooms and Dining Rooms: Eggshell is often chosen for these rooms because it balances aesthetics and practicality, providing a slightly polished look without drawing too much attention to wall surfaces.
- Moderate-Traffic Areas: This finish works well in areas that see a moderate amount of activity but don’t require the durability of satin or gloss finishes.
Pros:
- Slight sheen adds a touch of elegance.
- More durable and easier to clean than flat finishes.
- Hides minor imperfections better than shinier finishes.
Cons:
- Not as washable as satin or gloss finishes.
- Slightly less effective at hiding imperfections compared to matte finishes.
Satin Finish
Characteristics:
Satin finishes have a soft, pearl-like sheen that provides a smooth, velvety look. This finish is more durable and washable than both flat and eggshell, making it a versatile choice for many areas of the home.
Ideal Uses:
- Family Rooms and Bedrooms: Satin finishes are perfect for spaces that require a balance between durability and style, such as family rooms and children’s bedrooms.
- Hallways: High-traffic areas like hallways benefit from satin finishes because they are easy to clean and can withstand frequent use.
- Kitchens and Bathrooms: Satin is also a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms where moisture and cleaning are frequent concerns.
Pros:
- Durable and easy to clean, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
- Soft sheen enhances the look of walls without being overly reflective.
- Versatile finish that works well in many different rooms.
Cons:
- Can show brush strokes and surface imperfections more than matte finishes.
- Not as reflective as semi-gloss or gloss, so it may not provide the high-shine look some homeowners desire.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Characteristics:
Semi-gloss finishes have a more pronounced shine than satin, making them highly durable and moisture-resistant. This finish is perfect for areas that require frequent cleaning, as it is easy to wipe down and maintain.
Ideal Uses:
- Kitchens and Bathrooms: Semi-gloss is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, where walls are exposed to moisture, grease, and frequent cleaning.
- Trim and Doors: The reflective quality of semi-gloss makes it a popular choice for trim, doors, and cabinets, providing a clean, polished look.
- High-Traffic Areas: Semi-gloss is durable enough for high-traffic areas like hallways, mudrooms, and laundry rooms.
Pros:
- Highly durable and moisture-resistant, making it easy to clean.
- Reflects light, adding brightness to a room.
- Great for trim, doors, and areas that need frequent cleaning.
Cons:
- Highlights imperfections more than matte or satin finishes.
- The shinier surface can be too reflective for large wall areas, depending on personal preference.
Gloss/High-Gloss Finish
Characteristics:
Gloss and high-gloss finishes are the most reflective of all the paint finishes, offering a mirror-like sheen. These finishes are extremely durable and easy to clean, but they can also highlight imperfections on the surface.
Ideal Uses:
- Trim, Doors, and Cabinets: High-gloss is often used for trim, doors, and cabinets to create a crisp, clean, and polished look that stands up to heavy use.
- Accent Walls: If you want to create a bold statement, high-gloss can be used on accent walls to add drama and contrast to a room.
- Furniture: Gloss finishes are also popular for painting furniture, giving pieces a sleek, modern appearance.
Pros:
- Extremely durable and easy to clean.
- Reflects the most light, creating a bright, polished look.
- Ideal for trim, doors, and areas that need to withstand heavy use.
Cons:
- Highlights imperfections, so surfaces need to be well-prepared.
- Can be too shiny for large areas, depending on the desired aesthetic.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Interior Paint Finish
Choosing the right paint finish goes beyond just personal preference. Several factors can influence which finish is best for your space:
Room Function
The function of the room plays a significant role in determining the best paint finish. Consider how the room will be used and what kind of wear and tear the walls might face.
- High-Traffic Areas: For rooms that experience a lot of activity, such as hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms, opt for more durable finishes like satin, semi-gloss, or gloss. These finishes can withstand frequent cleaning and are less likely to show signs of wear.
- Low-Traffic Areas: In rooms that see less activity, such as adult bedrooms or formal living rooms, you can choose a finish with a softer appearance, like matte or eggshell, since durability is less of a concern.
Desired Aesthetic
The finish you choose can greatly affect the overall look and feel of a room.
- Cozy and Soft: For a cozy, inviting atmosphere, matte and eggshell finishes work well. They create a subtle, understated look that’s perfect for bedrooms and relaxing spaces.
- Modern and Sleek: If you prefer a modern, polished look, consider semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes. These reflective finishes add brightness and can make a room feel more contemporary.
- Classic and Timeless: Satin finishes offer a balance between the softness of matte and the shine of gloss, making them a versatile choice for a timeless look in any room.
Lighting Conditions
The amount and type of light in a room, whether natural or artificial, can influence how a paint finish looks.
- Natural Light: Rooms with plenty of natural light can handle more reflective finishes, such as semi-gloss or gloss, which can enhance the brightness of the space. However, in rooms with less natural light, a matte or eggshell finish might be better to avoid too much glare.
- Artificial Light: Consider how the paint will look under artificial lighting as well. Glossy finishes reflect more light, which can brighten a room at night, while matte finishes absorb light, creating a more muted effect.
Surface Imperfections
If your walls have imperfections, such as small cracks, dents, or uneven textures, you’ll want to choose a finish that helps conceal them.
- Hiding Flaws: Matte and eggshell finishes are excellent for hiding imperfections because they don’t reflect much light. The lack of reflection helps to disguise bumps and irregularities on the wall surface.
- Highlighting Details: Glossy finishes, on the other hand, tend to highlight imperfections. If you’re using gloss or high-gloss paint, it’s important to ensure that the walls are well-prepared, smooth, and free of flaws before application.
Best Paint Finishes for Specific Rooms
Different rooms in your home have different needs when it comes to paint finishes. Here’s a guide to choosing the best finish for each space:
Living Rooms and Bedrooms
Recommended Finishes:
- Eggshell: This finish provides a balance of durability and aesthetic appeal, making it ideal for living rooms and bedrooms where you want a bit of sheen but still prefer a softer look.
- Satin: For rooms that need a little more durability, such as children’s bedrooms, satin offers a slightly higher sheen and is more resistant to wear and tear.
- Matte: If you’re going for a cozy, relaxing atmosphere, matte finishes work well in bedrooms, creating a calm, non-reflective space.
Considerations:
- Choose finishes that complement the overall design and comfort of the room.
- Test samples to see how the finish looks under both natural and artificial light.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Recommended Finishes:
- Semi-Gloss: Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, where walls need to withstand moisture, grease, and frequent cleaning. Semi-gloss provides a durable, washable surface that’s also resistant to mildew.
- Satin: Satin can also work in these spaces, offering good durability and moisture resistance with a slightly softer sheen than semi-gloss.
- Gloss: High-gloss finishes can be used on cabinets, trim, and doors in kitchens and bathrooms for a polished, easy-to-clean surface.
Considerations:
- Focus on finishes that are easy to clean and resistant to moisture.
- Ensure that surfaces are well-prepared before applying semi-gloss or gloss to avoid highlighting imperfections.
Hallways and High-Traffic Areas
Recommended Finishes:
- Satin: Satin is a durable, easy-to-clean finish that works well in high-traffic areas like hallways, where walls are prone to scuffs and marks.
- Semi-Gloss: For even more durability, especially in homes with children or pets, semi-gloss is an excellent choice for hallways, mudrooms, and other high-use areas.
Considerations:
- Choose finishes that can withstand frequent cleaning and are resistant to scuffs and marks.
- Satin or semi-gloss will provide the durability needed without sacrificing style.
Trim, Doors, and Cabinets
Recommended Finishes:
- Semi-Gloss: Provides a durable, cleanable surface with a subtle shine that enhances the appearance of trim, doors, and cabinets.
- Gloss/High-Gloss: For a more dramatic, polished look, high-gloss is the go-to finish for trim, doors, and cabinets. It offers the most durability and is easy to wipe down.
Considerations:
- Glossy finishes will highlight imperfections, so make sure surfaces are smooth and well-prepared before painting.
- Use a high-quality brush or roller to avoid visible brush strokes.
Ceilings
Recommended Finishes:
- Flat/Matte: Ceilings are typically painted with flat or matte finishes to hide imperfections and reduce glare from overhead lighting. This creates a uniform, non-distracting background for the room.
Considerations:
- Avoid using glossy finishes on ceilings, as they can create unwanted reflections and highlight any imperfections.
Comparing Paint Finishes: Pros and Cons
Each paint finish has its advantages and drawbacks. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which finish is right for your needs:
Flat/Matte Finish:
- Pros: Excellent at hiding imperfections, non-reflective, ideal for creating a soft, soothing environment.
- Cons: Difficult to clean, not suitable for high-traffic or high-moisture areas.
Eggshell Finish:
- Pros: Slight sheen, hides minor imperfections, more washable than matte, offers a more refined look than flat finishes.
- Cons: Not as durable or washable as satin or gloss finishes.
Satin Finish:
- Pros: Durable, easy to clean, soft sheen that works well in a variety of settings, balances aesthetics with practicality.
- Cons: Can show brush strokes, slightly more noticeable surface imperfections compared to matte finishes.
Semi-Gloss Finish:
- Pros: Highly durable, moisture-resistant, easy to clean, ideal for areas with frequent cleaning needs.
- Cons: Reflects more light, highlights imperfections, can appear too shiny for large wall surfaces.
Gloss/High-Gloss Finish:
- Pros: Extremely durable, reflective, creates a polished look, very easy to clean.
- Cons: Highlights imperfections, may be too shiny for large areas, requires more careful application to avoid brush marks.
How to Test Paint Finishes Before Making a Final Decision
Before committing to a paint finish, it’s essential to test it in your space to see how it will look and perform. Here’s how to test paint finishes effectively:
Using Paint Samples
Start by purchasing small samples of the finishes you’re considering. Apply each sample to a small section of your wall and let it dry completely. This will give you a clear idea of how the finish looks on your wall surface.
Observing the Finish in Different Lighting
Examine the painted samples at different times of the day and under various lighting conditions, both natural and artificial. Pay attention to how the finish interacts with light and how it affects the color and appearance of the room.
Touch and Durability Tests
After the paint has dried, touch the surface to assess its texture. You can also perform a durability test by gently wiping or scratching the surface to see how it holds up. This is especially important for finishes you’re considering for high-traffic or high-moisture areas.
Frequently Asked Interior Paint Questions
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about choosing the best interior paint finish:
What is the difference between satin and semi-gloss paint?
Satin has a softer sheen and is slightly less reflective, making it better for hiding imperfections; semi-gloss is more reflective and durable, ideal for areas that require frequent cleaning, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
How do I choose the right paint finish for my room?
Consider the room’s function, lighting, and the desired aesthetic. Test samples in different finishes and lighting conditions before making a final decision to ensure you’re happy with the look and performance.
Can I mix different paint finishes in one room?
Yes, you can mix finishes for different effects, such as using matte on walls and gloss on trim for contrast. Just ensure the finishes complement each other and suit the room’s overall design.
What paint finish is best for hiding imperfections?
Matte or eggshell finishes are best for hiding imperfections as they are less reflective and help to diffuse light, minimizing the appearance of surface flaws.
Ask Us for Help Choosing Finishes at Green Summit Contracting
Choosing the right interior paint finish is a crucial step in any home painting project. You could ask Glidden, Valspar, or even Sherwin Williams. Or you could ask us, becuase we have used them all. And we know our stuff.
The finish you select will impact not only the appearance of your walls but also their durability, ease of maintenance, and ability to hide imperfections. By understanding the characteristics of different paint finishes and considering factors such as room function, lighting, and surface imperfections, you can make an informed decision that enhances the beauty and functionality of your space.
Remember to test paint finishes before making a final choice, and don’t hesitate to consult with professionals if you need additional guidance. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy, matte-finished bedroom or a sleek, high-gloss kitchen, the right paint finish can make all the difference in achieving your desired look.