Tips on Choosing The Right Interior Paint Finish

Once you have taken hours sorting through numerous paint colors and finding the perfect color for your room, there is another very important decision to make.  With more than five finishes to choose from, it is important to learn the benefits of each and determine which paint finish is best for your room.  Here are a few tips on selecting the perfect finish for your interior home application.

Matte Finish
Some paint manufactures call it flat or wall paint. This type of interior paint has a very matte surface. Builders will often use it when they are finishing out a residential construction job, because it is especially good if you have to camouflage small wall bumps, cracks, or other imperfections, as this finish does not reflect light.

Photo Courtesy of Gallery From Posh Interiors, LLC

 
Even though some flat paints advertise as washable, you still need to keep a bit on hand to cover up scratches and marks. If you try to wipe off marks from the wall,  sometimes you will also wipe off the paint.  I personally only like using flat paint in rooms with very little traffic such as a formal living room or dining room.

Flat Enamel
Flat enamel paint is durable with a flat, matte finish. It is the idea choice for powder rooms and halls, as it holds up to occasional cleaning.

Eggshell Finish
If you can imagine the subtle, very low sheen of an egg, you have an idea of how an eggshell paint finish will appear on your wall.  With only a slight hint of shine or gloss, it's good for most walls and holds up better with cleaning than a flat or matte finish paint.  This is my favorite paint type. Eggshell is perfect for kid's rooms.

This room is painted using an Eggshell Finish

Satin Finish
Satin paint has a smooth, velvety look with a bit more gloss than Eggshell paint. Satin is most often used for windows, doors, trim, or ceilings, but can also be used as wall paint, if you don't mind the slight gloss. Satin paint is most suitable for kid's rooms, kitchens, or bathrooms, or in any areas of the home which get a lot of traffic.

Semi Gloss
I see semi gloss paint misused more than any finish. I have walked in homes and seen this on walls. Semi-gloss paints should be used on doors, trim and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms.  It is easily cleaned and has a nice subtle shine, without being to oily looking.  Make sure you prepare the surface before using a semi gloss paint, as you will be able to see imperfections in the space after it dries.

Glossy 
High gloss paints have a very shiny finish, which almost mimics enamel or plastic.  Although it is not widely used in home interiors, you are starting to see more of this finish in modern and contemporary settings on trim, furniture and cabinets.  Just like semi gloss paint, you must also make sure you sand and smooth your surface during prep work, as high gloss paint will show imperfections on your surface once it dries.

Send me your before and after pictures if you have painted a room and changed the paint type.

Terrell Dinkins

Residential Designer

Atlanta Interior Design

www.poshinteriorsllc.com