paint finishes simplified
As an Interior Designer that has worked with paint everyday for over 20 years, I’ve made hundreds, if not thousands, of paint selections. When I choose a paint color for a client, I am often asked about what Finish I recommend and typically that depends on how the client lives. In this blog, I’ll be sharing with you my tips and some of the thought processes behind selecting paint finishes so you can feel best equipped to make your own selections should the need arise.
Tip: I want you to ask yourself, “How do I live?” or “How does my family live?” Remember this question as you’re reading through the information below. By the end, you should have a clearer understanding of which paint finish may be best for you!
Flat Finish
Flat paint has a matte finish and is the easiest to touch-up because it blends really well. Typically, if you ask a painter or a builder what finish they prefer for the walls of any project, they will say they prefer a Flat finish. Flat paint helps hide drywall imperfections and is often used in new construction projects because they can paint the walls and easily re-touch any scuffed up spots without having to paint an entire wall.
My preferred use of Flat paint is on all drywall ceilings. There is no sheen, the ceilings are unlikely to be scuffed, and it hides imperfections.
Tip: Paint turned upside down (on a ceiling) will appear darker than the swatch.
Eggshell and Satin Finish
Eggshell and Satin finishes are very similar with the only real difference being Eggshell has just a touch less sheen than the Satin finish. Eggshell is my go to for most walls, especially for moms that prefer to wipe a spot clean.
It has been the trend for quite some time to paint furniture and cabinetry with a Satin finish. I still like this look (especially if done with a lacquer paint – lacquer paint has more of a shine to it), but I think the trend is moving toward High Gloss finishes.
Tip: Eggshell and Satin vs. Flat
If you have a busy home with children and animals running throughout, or if your business gets a lot of traffic, it’s most likely that your walls will get marks. A flat finish tends to minimize the appearance of marks and can easily be retouched while an Eggshell or Satin finish is easy to wipe down or clean up but flaws are definitely more noticeable. So, I usually let my client decide what is more important to them.
Semi- Gloss and High Gloss Finish
Now I’ll be honest, every time I tell my cabinet guy that I want high gloss on my cabinets, he gives me that ‘Please, No’ look. It’s much harder for a high gloss to be sprayed on without messing it up, but when done right, OMG, it’s gorgeous! Take an accent chest, spray it with high gloss lacquer paint, and you have a show stopper!
I typically do all my trim in semi-gloss or high-gloss. Glossier paint makes colors brighter and it reflects light beautifully. It is also the easiest to clean!
My dream is to do an entire room in high gloss lacquer paint. Maybe a rich green or blue or charcoal black. However, it would take not only a painter that is confident in his skills with high-gloss lacquer, but a client that is ready for a bold and dramatic look. Might have to try this in my own home one day!
