Interior painting: Choosing the right paint finish

You have decided to hire a professional painter to do interior painting service and have settled on a paint color for your project.  Now you need to choose a paint finish. 

Do not get caught off guard when you are so close to the finish line (wink, wink). Here is a quick guide explaining different types of paint finishes and where they work best. 

What are interior paint finishes?

Paint finish, referred to as sheen, describes how much light will reflect off the dry, painted surface. Paint finishes will affect paint durability and how it appears in different light conditions. 

There are a few types of paint sheen, and we will talk in-depth about three of the most common paint sheens used in interior house painting projects. 

Matte/flat finish – smooth and opaque

Matte paint finishes are all about depth of color, and they are excellent for hiding imperfections on walls. 

Use for: Ceilings and sophisticated spaces

Matte paint finishes are a good choice for walls in large rooms like living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. That is because it will help hide imperfections and give your walls a smooth, uniform look. If you are applying a dark and rich paint color, a matte finish will reduce shine.

Durability score: 3/5

Do not use matte finishes on surfaces that often get handled, like doors and cabinets. It is also best to avoid matte finishes in kids’ rooms because its porous texture does not do well with frequent cleaning. Matte paint finishes can wear down from scrubbing.

Satin paint finish – flat and glossy

Satin paint finishes have a luster that appears velvety. In some light, the satin finish will look glossy, and sometimes it will look flat. It is best to use satin finishes on walls that have an even, smooth texture because it does not hide imperfections well.  

Use for: Creating interesting depth

If you want to use your paint to create more depth in a space, a satin paint finish is a good option. Satin paint finishes are also quite durable, so it is good to use them in hallways, kids’ rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. Satin paint finishes are also good on indoor and outdoor trim, exterior siding, doors, and shutters. 

Durability score: 4/5

Satin paint finishes are easy to clean, though it can lose its sheen if it gets scrubbed too much. Avoid abrasive scrubs when cleaning. 

Gloss finish – Brighten and pop

Gloss paint finishes offer the most amount of sheen. They appear to be shiny and polished, and it does well with frequent cleaning. 

Use for: Highlighting unique features and brightening dark places

A gloss paint finish can make architectural features stand out in a room with a flatter paint finish on the walls. 

If you want to brighten up a dark room, use a light paint color with a gloss finish to help reflect more light around the space. 

Gloss finishes are also good to use in kitchens, bathrooms, and kids’ rooms. 

Durability score: 5/5

We would not recommend it, but you could probably throw a pot of spaghetti sauce on a wall with a good gloss paint finish, and it will still look pretty good once you get it cleaned off. That is why gloss paint finishes are often used in kids’ rooms and on the trim around your house. 

Pro tip: If you do not want to paint your kid’s entire room with a gloss paint finish, install some wainscoting on the bottom 1/3 of the wall and paint that with a gloss finish. You can paint the upper part of the wall with a paint with a matte finish to create a nice contrast. 

Matte vs. satin vs. gloss for interior painting finish

Now that you know a little bit about different paint finishes, here are the factors you should consider when selecting a paint finish:  

Where are you using the paint?

Consider the space that you will have painted. Does it get a lot of light? How do you use the space? Identifying the characteristics of the area will best help you narrow down your paint finish options. 

How durable does it need to be? 

The next thing to consider is durability, or how well the paint will hold up over time. The higher the gloss, the more durable the paint will be. You will want more durable paint in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and kids’ rooms, as well as on objects like doors and cabinets. 

What is your decor style? 

Although a paint finish probably will not make or break your home decor, it can help create a cohesive style. Flat paints tend to lend themselves to a more minimal or rustic look, while glossier paints are more contemporary. 

What shape are your walls in? 

Flat paints will mask imperfections, while gloss finishes will highlight any flaws on your walls. You can still use a gloss finish on walls with flaws, but they will need more preparation before they can get painted. 

The professionals at Spectra Painting Contractors in the greater Boston area are always here to help you choose the best paint for your project. Our team of dedicated painting professionals will be happy to explore your painting options and get your painting project done.