Paint Finishes: A Primer!
Gloss. Semi-Gloss. High Gloss. Flat. Satin. Eggshell. Flat… and you thought choosing the perfect color was the tough part! Welcome to the confusing world of paint finishes. Finishes play a vital part in the overall look of the space.
One of the most important factors is durability. You really want to protect your investment and easy to clean is probably the number one factor for most homeowners. Children and pets can take a major toll on a freshly painted interior, so ease of cleaning is essential.
However, it can be a bit of a Catch 22. In general a paint finish that is high gloss (or shine), the greater is its durability. However, the more gloss a paint is, the more likely it is to show dirt. This is why variations on paint finishes have exploded. You can choose the right finishes for different traffic areas, allowing you to manage the look and get the most out of your paint.
Brands are important too. Generally you get what you pay for. Don’t scrimp on a great brand – it will show. Color quality is a term and in lesser brands can create a dirty look to the walls. The key to choosing the right paint finish is really more about finding a balance between than anything else.
When choosing your paint you have to balance three fundamental desired outcomes. They are aesthetic, durability, and cleanability. Here are the paint finishes you’ll want to avoid (and choose) for an easier-to-clean home, according to top interior designers.
High Gloss Finish
High Maintenance and not good for high traffic areas, but reflects light well and wonderful for a statement wall or door.
Glossy Finish
Great in kitchens and for home cooks! Food spills, grease, wipe up very well without leaving a stain.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Often used on baseboards, doors, door casings it offers a slight gloss without reflecting too much light.
Satin Finish
East to clean, good for children’s rooms, high traffic areas. Offers a very velvety quality. Recommended that professional painters apply this paint as it can show lots of flaws and brushstrokes.
Eggshell Finish
Think the glossy finish on an eggshell – hence the name. It offers a little bit of sheen but it’s harder to touch up. Lots of people love it as they find it gives the balance of the three durability, aesthetic and cleanability.
Matte Finish
Harder to clean but great for hiding imperfections of brushstrokes. Easy to touch up with more paint. Designers often used this as a contrast to a satin sheen on millwork and doors to create dimension and depth to surfaces.
Flat Finish
Offers great coverage, and doesn’t show dirt. Best for drywall walls and ceilings. Stylistically it gives a great backdrop to allow furnishings to pop. Here are some picks from Business Insider to get you started.
Top picks for the best interior paint you can buy:
- Best interior paint overall: Behr Premium Plus — $29.98 per gallon
- Best interior paint for stain removal: Valspar Signature — $34.98 per gallon
- Best budget interior paint: PPG Diamond Interior — $26.98 per gallon
- Best interior paint for a makeover: Sherwin Williams Infinity — $43.98 per gallon
For more talk about paint, or anything real estate, contact Karen today! She’s informed and can help with all your real estate needs.
