If you’re thinking of refreshing the walls in your home with new paint, you’ll need to decide on both a color and a finish. The latter plays a big role in the way the walls give off a certain shine and reflect light. To transform a matte finish into one with sheen, a glazing mixture is added to the paint. The sheen can be adjusted based on where you plan to paint and how much shine you prefer. Here’s what you should keep in mind so you can give a professional painter an idea of your exact preference.

How to Select the Right Type of Paint Finish

1. Flat

Flat, or matte, paint bears a velvet-like finish. The color payoff is rich, but there is little to no shine. Interior painting contractors sometimes use it to fix minor imperfections, like uneven spots or to patch repair a section of a wall.

2. Eggshell

Your painter will nearly always suggest eggshell as the most practical option for an interior job. It’s a reliable choice that offers a hint more luster than a matte finish, but it won’t leave behind an obvious shine. It’s especially popular for its stain-resistant properties. It’s also easy to maintain and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Eggshell paint is an ideal choice for a busy room, like a kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom.

3. Satin

Satin paint offers just a touch more gloss in its finish than eggshell. This type of paint may flatter rooms that are more decorative, like fancy powder rooms or elegant studies. Always have a qualified painter do the job for you, as it requires precise workmanship to prevent the appearance of obvious brush strokes or paint roller marks.  

4. Semi-Gloss

Semi-gloss paint is often recommended for peripheral accents, like trim, woodwork, crown molding, mantles, and door frames. It’s a smart selection for these areas because it lends a naturally attractive sheen to the surface, and it’s an easy way to draw the eye to these architectural details.

5. High-Gloss

Paint with a high-gloss finish produces a rich shine that is typically reserved for furniture or other accent pieces. It has a glass-like finish, and painters rarely use it directly on the walls.

 

If you’re interested in giving your home a new look, fresh paint will make a world of difference. For over 35 years, the painters at Bill’s Painting have proudly provided Cincinnati, OH, businesses and homeowners with reliable services. These expert exterior and interior painting contractors are equipped to handle all jobs, from simple touchups to complex repairs. More than your standard painting contractors, they offer services designed to create the perfect end result, including methodical prep work and hand-washing all exteriors before painting the outside of a home. Visit them online to find out why they’ve earned such a flawless reputation, or call them at (513) 742-3937 to set up an appointment today.