by michael daigle · 9 Jan 2024Table of Contents
You've finally decided to tackle that interior wall paint job you've been putting off. You head to the hardware store and are immediately overwhelmed by the options - eggshell or satin, semi-gloss or high gloss? The sheen, or paint finish, makes a big difference in the final look and durability of your walls. Don't stress, we're here to help you figure out which is the best paint finish for your needs.
What Are Matte, Satin, and Gloss Paint Finishes?
When it comes time to pick out paint for your walls, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is
choosing between matte, satin, and glossy finishes. Each has its pros and cons, so consider
your needs and priorities to determine what will work best in your space.
Matte paint, also known as flat paint, has a dull, non-reflective finish that hides imperfections in walls and ceilings. It’s great for coverage but stains easily and is difficult to clean. Matte is a good choice if you want to downplay the appearance of rough or uneven surfaces.
Satin paint has a soft, subtle sheen and a smooth finish. It resists stains better than matte and is more durable and scrubbable. Satin paint is a popular choice for walls in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. It strikes a good balance between matte and glossy.
Glossy paint has a shiny, highly reflective finish that makes colors appear more vibrant and bright. It is extremely durable and moisture-resistant, perfect for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, trim, and doors that need frequent cleaning. However, glossy paint will accentuate any imperfections or unevenness in the walls.
Whether you want an ultra-smooth matte, a subdued satin, or a high-shine gloss, the right paint finish can transform the look and feel of your space. Consider how much light and what kind of wear and tear the room will get to choose a finish you'll be happy with for years to come. The final result will be walls you're proud to show off!
Where to Use Matte, Satin, and Gloss Paint
When deciding between matte, satin, and gloss paint finishes, think about where you're painting and the look you want. Each has its pros and cons, so choose wisely!
Matte Finish
Matte paint has a flat, dull sheen and hides imperfections well. It's great for ceilings or walls in low-traffic areas like bedrooms. However, matte paint stains and marks easily and is hard to clean.
Satin Finish
Satin paint has a soft, subtle sheen that resists stains better than matte. It's a popular choice for walls, trim, and cabinets in living rooms, family rooms, and hallways. Satin provides good durability and coverage but may show some brush strokes.
Glossy Finish
Glossy or semi-gloss paint has a shiny, reflective sheen that stands up well to cleaning and scrubbing. It's ideal for doors, trim, cabinets, and high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and kids’ rooms. However, glossy paint accentuates imperfections and may require an extra coat for full coverage.
In the end, think about how much light and what kind of use the room gets. Matte hides flaws but stains easily, satin offers a good balance, and glossy paint handles heavy use. Try samples to see how the different sheens look in the actual space. With the right prep and application, any of these finishes can give you a professional-looking result. The choice comes down to your priorities and personal style.
Pros and Cons of Matte Paint Finishes
Matte paint finishes have a flat, dull sheen and a grainy, porous texture. They absorb light rather than reflect it, giving walls a softer, more natural look.
- Matte paint hides imperfections in walls and ceilings. Its non-reflective, light-absorbing quality conceals flaws, bumps or cracks that could show through with a glossier sheen.
- Matte finishes are ideal for high-traffic, kid-friendly spaces. They resist stains, scratches and marks better than satin or gloss paint. Spills or scuffs can be wiped away without damaging the paint finish.
- Matte paint complements casual, cozy decorating styles. Its soft, muted sheen works well in farmhouse, cottage, rustic or bohemian interiors.
- Matte finishes reduce glare and light reflection. They absorb ambient light rather than bouncing it around the room, which can be easier on the eyes. This makes them a good choice for media rooms or bedrooms.
- Matte paint touches up and patches better than other finishes. Its dull, grainy surface hides touch up marks and blends in patched areas seamlessly.
- Matte finishes are breathable, allowing moisture to pass through. This makes them ideal for bathrooms, kitchens or basements where humidity may be an issue. They resist mildew and mold growth better than satin or gloss paint.
While matte paint has many benefits, it also has some downsides to consider. It stains and marks more easily, requires more frequent touching up and washing, and has poor resistance to abrasion or frequent cleaning. Matte finishes may not be the most durable or scrub-able choice for high-traffic commercial spaces. For most homeowners, though, the pros of matte paint outweigh the cons, making it a versatile choice for many interior rooms.
Pros and Cons of Satin Paint Finishes
Satin paint finishes offer the best of both worlds—not too flat but not too shiny. Satin paint has a soft, subtle sheen that provides depth and dimension without being too reflective. It’s a great choice if you want a finish with a bit of luster that still hides imperfections well.
Easy to clean
Satin paint is more durable and stain-resistant than flat paint, making it easy to wipe clean. Spills and splatters can be washed off without damaging the finish. It’s a great choice for high-traffic, high-humidity areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and kids’ rooms.
Hides imperfections
While not as effective as matte paint, satin paint still helps disguise small cracks, dents, and surface flaws. Its soft sheen helps reflect some light while still obscuring minor imperfections. Satin is a good choice if you want to improve the appearance of an older wall surface.
Resists fading
Satin paint contains polymers that help prevent color fading from sunlight and environmental exposure. It will maintain its color vibrancy for many years without significant fading. This makes satin paint ideal for exteriors as well as interiors.
Prone to showing brush strokes
The slight gloss of satin paint means brush strokes may be visible, especially in direct lighting. It requires a careful painting technique to get an even, professional-looking finish. Rolling the paint on with a high-quality roller cover or brush will help minimize visible brush strokes.
Mid-range price
Satin paint is moderately priced, costing a bit more than matte paint but less than gloss paint. For most homeowners, the additional cost of satin paint is worth the benefits in durability, stain resistance, and fade resistance.
In summary, for most interior home surfaces, satin paint offers an ideal balance of sheen, durability, and ease of use. Its soft, luminous finish hides minor flaws while still being stain-resistant and scrubbable. Though a bit trickier to apply, satin paint will give your home a polished yet natural-looking finish.
Pros and Cons of Gloss Paint Finishes
Gloss paint finishes offer some advantages but also some downsides to consider before choosing this option.
Durability
Gloss paint is extremely durable and stain-resistant. Its smooth, polished surface prevents dirt and grime from sticking, making it easy to clean. Gloss paint can withstand frequent scrubbing and washing without damage. For high-traffic, high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms, gloss paint may be your most long-lasting choice.
Appearance
Gloss paint has an attractive, shiny appearance that makes surfaces gleam. For trim, cabinets, and doors, gloss paint can provide a sleek, polished look. However, the shiny surface also shows imperfections prominently. Any flaws, cracks, or uneven surfaces will be amplified under gloss paint. Several coats may be needed to achieve an even, blemish-free finish.
Difficult to Apply
Gloss paint can be difficult for DIYers to apply smoothly. Its thick formula and fast-drying time require some experience to brush on evenly without drips or streaks. Special rolling techniques and high-quality brushes are also needed. For the best results, you may need the help of a professional painter.
Glare
The shiny, reflective surface of gloss paint can produce glare in some lighting conditions. This may not be ideal for all rooms and can be hard on the eyes. Test gloss paint in the space first to ensure the level of sheen works with your lighting and doesn’t cause bothersome glare spots.
Fumes
Gloss paint releases strong fumes and unpleasant odors as its oil or latex base dries. Proper ventilation, open windows, and fans are a must, especially in small, enclosed spaces. The fumes can linger for days after application, so plan accordingly. Eco-friendly low-VOC or no-VOC gloss paint options are also available if fumes are a concern.
In the end, choosing between matte, satin or gloss paint comes down to weighing the pros and cons for your specific needs and preferences. Gloss paint may be the perfect choice if you want an durable, scrub-resistant finish, but consider the potential downsides of glare, difficult application, and strong fumes before making a final decision.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Matte, Satin, and Gloss
When choosing a paint finish for your home, several factors come into play. Think about how each room is used and your own personal style preferences.
Durability
How much wear and tear will the room get? High-traffic areas like hallways, family rooms, and kids’ bedrooms need a durable finish like satin or gloss. These provide good protection and are easy to clean. For lower-traffic rooms, matte or satin will work great and hide imperfections in the wall surface.
Appearance
Matte paint has a flat, non-reflective finish that helps hide imperfections. Satin provides a soft glow with minor sheen. Gloss paint is highly reflective for a bright, shiny look. Glossy finishes in bold colors can make a dramatic statement. For most homes, satin and matte in lighter, neutral shades are versatile and complement any decor.
Lighting
The amount of natural light in a room also determines the best finish. Glossy paint reflects more light to brighten a space. In low-light rooms, gloss paint may appear dull or uneven. Matte and satin provide better coverage in these areas. For the most even finish in any room, two coats of paint are usually needed.
Ease of Cleaning
Glossy paint wipes clean easily since its slick surface prevents dirt and stains from penetrating. Matte paint is more porous so stains tend to soak in. Gloss is great for bathrooms, kitchens and kids’ rooms where stains are likely. Use a quality primer for the best protection on any finish.
Application and Touch-Ups
Gloss paint shows more imperfections, requiring careful application for an even coat. It also shows touch-ups more. Matte and satin paints hide flaws and touch-ups better. For DIYers, these easier-to-apply finishes may be preferable.
Considering how you use each room and the factors important to you will determine whether matte, satin or gloss is the best choice. The good news is you can combine different finishes throughout your home for the perfect tailored look in each space.
Matching Paint Finish to Room Function and Style
When choosing a paint finish for your rooms, consider how the space is used and the overall look you want to achieve. The sheen, or shine, of the paint finish directly impacts the appearance and durability.
Matte (Flat) Finish
A matte finish has no sheen and hides imperfections in walls and ceilings. It’s a good choice for low-traffic, casual areas like bedrooms and dens. Matte is easy to touch up but stains and marks easily. It works well for darker accent walls.
Satin Finish
With a soft, subtle sheen, satin finish offers a nice, middle-of-the-road option. It stands up well to cleaning and resists stains better than matte. Satin is a great choice for living rooms, dining rooms, hallways, and kids’ rooms. It provides depth and dimension without too much shine.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss finish has a mid-level sheen that stands up very well to frequent cleaning, scrubbing, and stains—perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, trim, and doors. The moderate shine helps make the surfaces wipeable but isn’t too glossy. Semi-gloss also helps bring out the textures of wood trim and cabinetry.
Gloss (High-Gloss) Finish
The highest sheen, glossy finish, has an ultra-smooth, shiny surface that withstands heavy traffic and moisture. It’s ideal for trim, cabinets, doors, and high-use, high-humidity areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms. However, the high shine shows more surface imperfections. Glossy finish can make a statement on an accent wall.
The level of sheen comes down to personal style as well as how much light you want reflected in the space. In the end, choose the paint finish that fits how you use your rooms and the look you want to achieve. Whether you prefer an ultra-smooth gloss, a soft satin glow or a matte natural feel, the right paint finish can make all the difference.
Caring for and Maintaining Different Paint Finishes
Once you’ve chosen a paint finish for your walls, it’s important to properly care for it to keep your space looking its best. The level of maintenance required depends on which finish you select.
Matte Finish
Matte paint is the most low-maintenance. It hides minor imperfections in walls and touch-ups blend in seamlessly. However, matte is difficult to clean and stains can be hard to remove without damaging the paint. Gently wipe away marks with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For stuck-on messes, make a paste from water and baking soda or water and white vinegar and apply with a soft cloth. Rinse and wipe clean with water. Avoid abrasive cleaners which can dull the finish.
Satin Finish
Satin paint offers a smooth, velvety sheen and stands up well to cleaning. Use the same methods as matte paint but satin can handle occasional use of commercial cleaners if needed. Satin may show some imperfections on walls so do an extra coat of primer first. Touch up satin paint as soon as possible to avoid color mismatches.
Glossy Finish
Glossy paint has a shiny, reflective quality but requires the most maintenance. It scratches and stains easily and marks are highly visible. Clean glossy walls regularly with a microfiber cloth to prevent buildup of dirt and oils. For stuck-on messes, make a paste with water and baking soda or water and white vinegar and gently blot until removed, then rinse clean with water. Avoid harsh abrasives. Patch any scratches or chips promptly to prevent moisture from getting under the paint.
No matter the finish, keep your space well-ventilated when cleaning or painting and consider wearing gloves. Keeping walls clean and performing regular touch-ups will help your paint job maintain an attractive appearance for years to come. With the proper care and maintenance, your walls will continue to be a source of beauty in your home.
Matte, Satin or Gloss: Frequently Asked Questions About Paint Finishes
You have so many options when it comes to paint finishes, it can be hard to choose. Here are some frequently asked questions to help determine whether matte, satin or gloss is right for you.
What's the difference between matte, satin and gloss paint?
- Matte paint has a flat, dull finish with no sheen. It hides imperfections well but stains and marks easily.
- Satin paint has a soft, subtle sheen and a smooth finish. It offers good durability and stain resistance.
- Gloss paint has a shiny, reflective finish. It is very durable and moisture-resistant but shows imperfections.
Which is most durable?
Gloss paint is the most durable, followed by satin, then matte. The higher the sheen, the more resistant the finish is to stains, marks, scratches and moisture. Gloss paint works well for high-traffic, high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Which provides the best coverage?
Matte paint provides the best coverage in one coat due to its flat finish. The flatter the paint, the more it is able to hide imperfections like dents, dings or patches under the new paint. Gloss and satin paint may require an additional coat to achieve an even finish.
Which is easiest to clean?
Gloss paint is the easiest to clean since its slick finish prevents dirt and grime from sticking. Matte paint is the most difficult to clean as its porous finish tends to absorb stains. Satin falls somewhere in the middle.
Which sheen should I choose?
- For walls, choose matte or satin. Gloss can appear uneven and unnatural on large surfaces.
- For trim and doors, choose satin or gloss. The higher sheen provides durability.
- For cabinets and furniture, choose the sheen based on your desired finish. Matte for a natural wood look, satin for subtle sheen or gloss for a smooth lacquer-like finish.
In the end, it comes down to the look you want and how much durability and cleanup you need. Matte, satin or gloss—you can't go wrong with any of these classic paint finishes.
Final Thoughts
So now that you've read about the pros and cons of each paint finish, it's time to decide which one is right for your next DIY project. Whether you want an ultra-smooth high-gloss shine, a soft matte look, or something in between with satin, you can't go wrong. The most important thing is picking a finish that fits your personal style and the room you're painting. If you're still unsure, buy some paint samples to see how the different sheens look in your space. Once you find 'the one' you'll be ready to grab your brushes or rollers and get to work. Whichever finish you choose, take your time and enjoy the process—you'll be admiring the results for years to come!