Paint Finishes Explained: How to Choose the Right One for Each Room

If you’re finding it overwhelming to choose a paint finish due to the wide range of options, you’re not alone. While picking the perfect paint finish can make a huge difference, it can be a tough choice because of all the available options. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with expert advice coming from painting services Vancouver!

In this blog post, we’ll explain what a paint finish is, different types of it and how you can pick the perfect one for your different spaces.

What is Paint Finish?

Paint finish or sheen, is the amount of light that a painted surface reflects once it’s dry. It is the level to which your paint shines. The higher the sheen is, the shinier the paint will be. But it’s not just about the reflected light and shininess, sheen also affects how the colour looks, how durable and easy to clean the paint is. Here is a guide to different finish types, and the pros and cons of each type:

1. High-Gloss Paint Finishes

High-gloss finishes are the shiniest option available. They get the shiny appearance by reflecting the most light and giving your walls a polished look. Additionally, they’re very durable and easy to clean which makes them an excellent choice for high-use surfaces like doors, trim, and cabinets. However, these finishes are generally more expensive due to their durability and high shine.

Pros

• The reflective shine gives a mirror-like finish.
• High-gloss finishes are very durable and ideal for surfaces that get used a lot.
• These are very easy to clean which makes them great for areas that need frequent cleaning.

Cons

• High gloss finishes make any bumps or flaws stand out due to their shininess
• These finishes are not ideal for large walls as they can be too bright, and are best used on smaller surfaces.
• Their high prices make them a costlier option than other finishes.

1. Semi-Gloss Paint Finishes

Semi-gloss finishes are slightly less shiny than high-gloss ones but are still bright and reflective. They are also durable and easy to clean. On top of that, these finishes handle moisture very well, and are most suitable for spaces like kitchens and bathrooms where humidity and splashes are common. They offer a balanced option with mid-range cost and durability, and can be a good option if you’re looking for a shiny finish without breaking the bank.

Pros

• They’re shiny but not as bright as high-gloss finishes.
• Semi-gloss finishes are the most suitable option for high-moisture areas.
• They’re easy to clean which makes them ideal for areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Cons

• While they’re less shiny than high-gloss finishes, flaws might still be noticeable.
• Extensive prep work is needed before applying semi-gloss finishes to get the best results
• Although less expensive than high-gloss, they’re still pricier than satin or eggshell finishes.

Read More: How to Prepare Your Home for a Professional Paint Job

1. Satin Paint Finishes

Satin finishes have a soft, velvety appearance that offers an inviting look, perfect for living rooms and bedrooms. They can handle the everyday wear and tear quite well making them a moderately durable option. While not as easy to clean as the gloss finishes, they are still better than flat finishes. One thing to watch out for is that brush strokes can be easily visible on satin finishes, so applying the paint smoothly is important. Satin finishes are usually a more affordable option than the glossy finishes and might be a better choice if you’re looking for a balance of appearance and practicality.

Pros

• The soft sheen gives satin finishes a very gentle and velvety look.
• Their moderate durability makes them suitable for moderate traffic areas like bedrooms, living rooms and hallways.
• Satin paint is less reflective than gloss paint, so it can help hide small imperfections in woodwork, such as dents, scratches, or chips.

Cons

• The brush strokes might be visible if the painting services you hired don’t apply it properly.
• They’re not moisture resistant and can be less durable in high-moisture areas.
• They can be difficult to clean, and might get damaged if you’re not careful.

1. Eggshell Paint Finishes

Eggshell finishes are named so as they’re similar to the eggshell’s texture—slightly lustrous but not too shiny. Although they’re not as aesthetic as the glossy finishes, they can be a practical choice, and might hide imperfections and stains. They offer a good balance between practicality and appearance, without being too glossy or too matte. Eggshell finishes are economical and provide good value for money.

Pros

• They offer a subtle and elegant finish with low sheen.
• They can hide imperfections and stains and are a good choice for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms.
• They’re generally affordable and a durable option.

Cons

• Eggshell paint is difficult to touch up and you might need to repaint the entire wall to get a uniform look.
• They’re less durable than semi-gloss or high-gloss paints because they contain less resin.
• These finishes offer low sheen which might not be ideal for creating a modern or contemporary look.

1. Flat Paint Finishes

If you want to hide any imperfections or bumps in your walls, flat or matte paint finishes are the perfect choice with the least amount of shine. They’re great for ceilings and low-use areas like bedrooms where durability is less of a concern. Flat finishes are not recommended for high-use areas as they can be difficult to clean. However, they make the surfaces smooth and non-reflective, and create a cozy space. Flat finishes are the most affordable paint option and are the best choice if you want to cover large areas without spending a fortune.

Pros

• They provide a non-reflective and smooth look.
• They hide imperfections well and are great for covering wall flaws.
• Flat finishes are the most affordable option and offer good value for money.

Cons

• They’re not very durable and might not be suitable for high-traffic areas.
• Matte finishes can’t handle moisture and exposure to water can damage the finish.
• They might require multiple coats for complete coverage which adds to the costs of painting services.

Get Help from Professional Painting Services Vancouver

Still feeling overwhelmed by the choices? If you’re unsure which finish will work best for your home, consider reaching out to professional painting services.

Brighten up your spaces with Budget & Save Painters, your go-to painting services provider in Vancouver! Our team takes the stress out of choosing the right paint finish for each room. We focus on quality work and make sure you’re happy with the results. Whether you want a fresh look or a bold change, we’ll guide you through the entire process.

Don’t let the wide range of options confuse you—Contact us today, and let’s create something beautiful together.