You did it. After hours, or even days, of deliberation, you finally decided on the perfect paint color for your room. So buy a dropcloth, some rollers and brushes and get started!
Wait, not so fast. There is still one very important decision to make.
As you’ve probably guessed from the title, the finish of the paint can be just as important as the color itself.
There are 6 different paint finishes and they all serve different functional and have different aesthetic qualities.
- Matte Finish
Matte finished paints are also known as flat finishes or simply wall paints. Matte finish paints are most commonly used for interior walls. These paints are also great for touching up cracks, dings, etc. More and more manufacturers are claiming their matte finish paints are washable, but it is always a good idea to keep some extra on hand in case a spot appears differently after trying to wash it. - Flat Enamel
A flat enamel finish is a more durable, matte finish that stands up better to the occasional cleaning than traditional matte finishes. The flat enamel finish is ideal for hallways and powder rooms. - Eggshell
Eggshell finish paints have the slightest bit of gloss added to it, but still has matte finish qualities. Perhaps the middle ground of the finishes, eggshell can stand up to a fair bit of rinsing and cleansing compared to flat paints. - Satin
Satin finished paints have a bit more gloss, which results in a smooth look. Although it can be used for walls, satin finished paints are most often used for windows, trim, doors and ceilings. Because it can withstand cleaning, it is ideal for rooms that get a lot of traffic. - Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss paints have a delicate shine that doesn’t command attention, which makes them ideal for cabinets, doors and trim. - Gloss
Gloss paints have a very shiny and reflective finish that almost resembles plastic. Because of this high gloss, it is important to properly sand and prep furniture, as imperfections will shine through.