Choosing the Right Paint Finish for Your Walls: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding Paint Finishes

Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is a “paint finish,” and what are your options?

Paint finishes refer to the sheen or gloss level of the paint, which impacts not only the appearance of the paint on your walls but also its durability and ease of maintenance. These finishes range from matte to high gloss, each offering distinct benefits (and some drawbacks too).

Types of Interior Paint Finishes

Here’s a quick walkthrough of your options, outlining what the finish looks like, where it’s a good fit, and a couple pros and cons to consider. 

Matte (Flat) Finish

• Description: A finish with a non-reflective surface that hides imperfections well.
• Best Uses: Ideal for low-traffic areas like adult bedrooms and dining rooms.
• Pros and Cons: Offers a smooth look but is less durable overall.

One caveat to add here. Lower-sheen finishes have become MUCH more durable than they used to be, especially if you use higher quality paint. So if you hate the idea of shiny, glossy paint, don’t worry. You can find a good option that will still perform well.

Eggshell Finish

• Description: Has a slight luster and more durability than matte, resembling the low sheen of an eggshell. The name makes sense then, right?
• Best Uses: Perfect for living rooms and hallways.
• Pros and Cons: Easier to clean than matte but doesn’t hide imperfections as well.

Eggshell has been the go-to finish choice for a long, long time. Definitely has some of the benefits of flat paint, but just that hint of a shine that lots of homeowners like. Plus the increased durability.

Satin Finish

• Description: A velvety sheen that withstands cleaning and light scrubbing.
• Best Uses: Highly versatile for any room, including kitchens and bathrooms.
• Pros and Cons: Offers durability but can show application flaws like brush strokes.

As you may have noticed, the glossier the paint gets, the more unforgiving it is of both surface imperfections AND application mistakes. In other words, you need to really spend time on preparing the walls and then know how to paint without leaving brush or roller marks.

Semi-Gloss Finish

• Description: Reflective and durable, great for areas with moisture.
• Best Uses: Bathrooms, kitchens, and trim.
• Pros and Cons: Resists mold and mildew but highlights wall imperfections.

This isn’t a finish you see on walls very often unless someone is going for a very specific aesthetic choice. Brighter, shinier, and not a super easy product to work with unless you have real painting chops.

High Gloss Finish

• Description: The most durable and easiest to clean, with a shiny appearance.
• Best Uses: Often used for accents like doors and cabinets rather than walls.
• Pros and Cons: Offers high durability but requires meticulous application to avoid flaws.

As you can probably guess, this is the toughest finish to work with. Super bright and durable, but it loves to show any little bit of wonkiness on the surface that it can. That’s why you typically see it on doors, trim, or very specialized applications.

Choosing the Right Paint Finish for Your Room

Okay, let’s unpack it and get practical here. How do you choose the right paint finish for your room?

Think bigger than just the style you want, considering:

1. The room’s function. How much traffic, wear, and tear is it going to experience?
2. Environmental factors. Are you dealing with steam, moisture, or deep cleans? Kitchens and bathrooms are definitely the best examples of these kinds of spaces.
3. Maintenance preferences. Do you want to be able to touch up blemishes quickly and easily, or will you be relying more on professional upkeep?
4. Existing surface condition. Remember, higher-gloss paint requires a LOT of careful prep, so it might not be a good fit if you have older walls with battle scars, for example.
5. Your lighting. Light can dramatically affect the appearance of the paint finish, especially natural vs. artificial. Keep in mind that lower-sheen paint tends to absorb light, while higher-sheen paint tends to bounce it right back like a mirror.
   

Living Room & Bedrooms

Opt for eggshell or matte finishes to create a cozy atmosphere and hide imperfections.

Kitchen & Bathrooms

Satin or semi-gloss finishes are best for moisture resistance and ease of cleaning.

Hallways & High Traffic Areas

Satin finishes offer durability and ease of cleaning, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.

FAQs

Q. What’s the best finish for a kid’s bedroom?

Satin or eggshell finishes offer durability and ease of cleaning, ideal for children's rooms.

Q. Can I mix different finishes in the same room?

Yes, but make sure you have a plan. For example, use a higher gloss finish for trim and a lower sheen for walls.

Q. How often should I repaint my walls?

This depends on the room's traffic and wear. Generally, every 5-7 years for busy areas and 7-10 years for others.

Q. Does the paint finish affect the color appearance?

Yes, higher gloss finishes can make colors appear brighter, while matte finishes offer a softer look.

Have more questions about your next interior painting project? Contact us at Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction! Call 541-967-8900 or request a free estimate today!