Types of Paint Finishes, Sheens and Textures

When selecting a paint finish for a room, it’s not just about the color—you’ll also need to consider how reflective you want the surface to be and how the paint will stand up to cleaning and wear. Each type of finish, from matte to high-gloss, creates a distinct look and serves different purposes. Understanding the differences ensures you’ll choose paint that meets your practical needs while enhancing the style and atmosphere of your space.

If you find yourself debating between eggshell and satin finishes, you might want to dive deeper into the nuances by reading this comparison of eggshell and satin paint. This can help you refine your choice based on the specific room you’re painting and the conditions it will face.

Understanding Paint Sheen

What is Sheen?
Sheen refers to how much light a paint reflects. Paints are typically organized into two categories:

• Flat/Matte Paints: Absorb more light, no shine.
• Glossy Paints (Semi-Gloss, High-Gloss): Reflect more light, creating a brighter, shinier appearance.

How It’s Determined:
Glossier paints have higher resin and lower pigmentation. Flatter paints have higher pigmentation and lower resin. Your choice will depend on how you want the room to look and how easily you’ll want to clean the walls.

Tip: Before painting, consider using a primer, especially if the surface is porous or unevenly colored, to ensure a smoother, more consistent finish.

Types of Paint Finishes

From least reflective to most reflective:

1. Matte or Flat Paint:
   • Non-reflective, hides imperfections well.
   • Requires fewer coats, easy to touch up.
   • Less durable and can’t withstand scrubbing with cleansers.
   • Ideal for low-traffic areas like adult bedrooms, ceilings, or dining rooms.
2. Eggshell Paint:
   • Low sheen with a soft, smooth finish.
   • Easy to clean and more stain-resistant than flat paint.
   • Good for low- to mid-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.
   • Slightly harder to touch up than satin.
3. Satin Paint:
   • Versatile finish with a subtle sheen and durability.
   • Resists mildew, fading, and is easier to clean than lower-sheen paints.
   • Great for high-traffic, moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and kids’ rooms.
4. Semi-Gloss Paint:
   • More reflective than satin; creates a smooth, bright appearance.
   • Ideal for areas with higher humidity and frequent cleaning (bathrooms, kitchens) or trim and utility spaces.
   • Shows surface imperfections more readily but is very durable and easy to wash.
5. High-Gloss Paint:
   • The shiniest and most reflective option.
   • Extremely durable and stain-resistant.
   • Perfect for doors, cabinets, molding, and outdoor shutters.
   • Needs more prep and coats but offers a glass-like finish that’s easy to clean.

Paint Primer:
Primer helps even out the painting surface and allows paint to adhere better. In some cases, you can buy paint-and-primer-in-one products. Specialized primers address stains, water marks, and knots in wood.

Other Considerations

• Quality: Higher-quality paints cover better and are more durable.
• Ease of Cleaning: Shinier paints are generally easier to clean.
• Family/Kid-Friendly: If you have kids or pets, consider finishes like eggshell or satin for walls, and use semi- or high-gloss for trim or cabinets.
• Experimentation: Don’t hesitate to test a small patch of paint to see how it looks once dry and under your home’s lighting conditions.

By taking time to understand each sheen’s characteristics, you’ll be better equipped to pick the right type of paint finish for every room. With the right combination of color and sheen, your walls will look great, stand up to daily wear, and reflect your personal style.