What Are The Different Interior Paint Finishes?
By: Garrick Revels
Tags: Construction Management, Painting, Construction

Finishing Room Painting

Unlike electrical contractors or concrete contractors, painting contractors are viewed by many people as ones who fulfill an aesthetic element in a structure rather than a functional one. While the paint color does wonders for the space’s appearance, the project management for construction projects knows that the paint itself plays a more critical role in a building: to protect it from elements such as wind, water, moisture, mold, and dirt.

Much like managing construction projects that are larger in scale, a lot goes into the painting phase of a project, from fitting it into the construction schedule to prepping the space to choosing what type of paint is best used for the room.

To know more about different kinds of paint types, I will recommend the article “Different Types of Paint Used in Construction and Its Applications,” However, paint types is not the only way to categorize paint. Another way is to classify them by finish or sheen.

What is “paint finish” and why does it matter?

Essentially, the finish or sheen on the paint refers to the amount of light reflected from the paint’s surface — the glossiness of the paint. They range from matte/flat to high-gloss on the sheen scale, with eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss in between. Shinier finishes reflect light and dull paints (ones without a sheen) absorb light.

With that said, why is sheen important? Simply put, it needs to suit the function of the space. More than that, the gloss also affects the apparent color, both decorative and practical. Each finish has its characteristics that are a better fit for different rooms with different purposes.

Tips in choosing paint finishes

Know the purpose of the room.

The various rooms in a house have different functions, with that, different levels of traffic and activity. On the same note, the paint finishes have features that coincide with the room’s function, as mentioned before.

For instance, rooms like adult bedrooms and dining rooms experience little activity and traffic. That’s why a matte or eggshell finish is acceptable to be applied to them — they don’t require heavy cleaning. On the other hand, some frequently used rooms and much activity (particularly from kids) need a more durable type of paint (glossier finishes) that is also easy to clean. Examples of these rooms are children’s rooms where scruff and wall writing is expected, kitchens where oil, grease, and smoke are standard, and bathrooms where moisture content is high and mold is a risk.

2. Understand the finish’s chemistry

Darker and richer colors typically contain more colorant, boosting their sheen. So, if the client wants to paint a room a dark and rich color but doesn’t want that much sheen, go down a level on the sheen scale.

3. Hide imperfections

It’s better to use less glossy finishes, mainly matte or flat finishes, on surfaces that are imperfect, sun-washed, and large because the imperfections will show with a higher sheen level.

Compared to the previous statement about dark colors, lighter colors are better for moderately to frequently used rooms because it makes the room look brighter and the low sheen hides flaws on the walls and ceilings.

4. Be careful when cleaning.

This tip is more of an aftercare tip. As the finish gets glossier, it increases in durability and ease of cleaning. Matte/flat finishes are more delicate, making them trickier to clean. When applied, advise your clients to be careful when in the room because touching up the paint will prove difficult.

Because glossier paints are generally more durable and easier to clean, they are more appropriately used in highly used rooms like the kitchen or the bathroom, where there are high moisture and plenty of grease and dirt.

5 Different Types of Paint Finish

Matte or Flat Finish

Flat or matte paints are the least shiny among the finishes, with zero sheen in it. The can be considered one of the most budget-friendly options because it gives the most coverage as it allows more pigment to come through. Plus, because it absorbs rather than reflects light, it’s the best choice for rough surfaces, covering up flaws, and an overall uniform look with just a few coats.

On the downside, flat paints are the least durable of the finishes. Some cleaning products can damage it, which is unfortunate as it is tough to get stains out of it. That’s why they are best used in spaces and surfaces that are not used as much, like the adult bedrooms, dining rooms, and ceilings.

2. Eggshell Finish

Above matte/flat is eggshell finish, which more lustrous and has a delicate low sheen (similar to that of an eggshell). One of the most popular paint options, this type of paint can also cover up imperfections, but not as well as matte/flat paints.

With a little more shine in it, eggshell paints are a bit more durable, making them great spaces with low to medium traffic that is not easily scuffed up, like hallways, entryways, and living rooms.

3. Satin Finish

Considerably the most common paint finish used, sating paints have a higher sheen than eggshell, giving it a velvety look. They are also easier to clean, better at stain resistance, and are relatively more durable than the previously mentioned options. These factors make it acceptable to apply satin paints in high activity and traffic areas, like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas, and family rooms.

From a decorative point of view, satin paints are also perfect for parts that need definition. Its distinctive luster is ideal for highlighting features, such as windows, trim, shutters, and even the front door’s interior.

But be wary when applying satin paints. The sheen on it tends to show brush and roller strokes, making touch-ups a bit trickier in the future.

4. Semi-gloss Finish

Higher up than the satin finish on the scale, semi-gloss paints are shiny and reflective. And as they go higher on the scale, so does their resin content, upping their durability and cleaning ease. They are also mild-resistant, making them great for high-traffic areas that get plenty of moisture and need to be frequently cleaned, like bathrooms and kitchens. Semi-gloss paints are also great for rooms that experience a lot of wear and tear, usually from children. So, they are ideally applied in kids’ bedrooms, family rooms, and even on trim.

With a glossier finish, underlying flaws will come through easier. With that, ample prep work on the surface must be done before applying paint with a semi-gloss finish.

5. High-gloss Finish

Of course, high-gloss paints reflect the most light, making them the shiniest and glossiest of the paint finish bunch. This means that they are the most durable and the easiest to clean and handle heavy scrubbing daily. That’s why a high-gloss finish is perfect for rooms that produce and get a lot of moisture, grime, dirt, and grease — kitchens and bathrooms.

It’s not only ideal for heavily trafficked spaces but also frequently used features, like doors, cabinetry, and trim. Additionally, it can be used on outdoor detail, too, like shutters.

But with all its positives, high-gloss paints have their significant cons. The biggest concern is that it is the trickiest to apply out of all the paints. Imperfections are easily visible because of the high amount of light reflected on it. That’s the reason why much prep work on the surface is needed before applying it. Make sure there is little to no flaws on the surface when using high-gloss paint.

Summary

Painting is one of the last steps in a construction or renovation project. Contrary to popular belief, it holds importance in both improving a building’s or room’s physical appearance and catering to its function.

Although it is a factor in determining the space’s ambiance or aesthetic, painting is more for function rather than beauty. Its primary purpose is to protect the surfaces from natural and artificial elements, such as dirt, moisture, wind, and dirt.

Over and above that, each finish on the sheen scale has its own characteristics, abilities, and purpose.

● Matte/flat paints have the most coverage, can easily cover up imperfections, but are the most delicate and hardest to clean.

● Eggshell paints are similar to the matte/flat finish but have a slight glossiness to it and is a bit more durable.

● Satin paints are a level above eggshell and have a velvety finish.

● Semi-gloss finishes are significantly more durable and easier to clean, but imperfections highly visible.

● High gloss paints are the glossiest among the finishes and are also the most durable. However, a lot of prep work is needed when using this because they hardly cover up flaws on the surface.

With that, it’s safe to say that choosing the right paint finish for the space is essential for the project. Neglected to do so could lead to an unappealing room, a shoddy job, and disappointed clients.