The Difference Between Paint Finishes in Blaine MN

Painting even a small room in your Blaine MN home is a big project that comes with long-term ramifications. You may be studying paint chips in an effort to find the perfect hue for your space. While the tone is undeniably important, you should not overlook the critical matter of the paint’s finish as you prepare for your home painting project. From flat paint to high-gloss paint, there are six distinctive options for you to consider. Each type of finish has unique attributes, benefits and drawbacks. These attributes can affect everything from the application techniques your interior painting contractor uses to how you care for the paint in the years to come. Before you make your final selection, take time to explore the finishes in greater detail.

Flat Paint

On one end of the spectrum, flat paint has a no-gloss finish. The paint seemingly absorbs light, and this can give the paint a dull look. One of the most important benefits of flat paint is its concealing properties. Because the paint does not reflect light, it camouflages imperfections on the walls. Notably, it is also relatively easy to achieve full coverage with flat paint. Compared to the other finishes, flat paint is the most difficult finish to keep clean.

Matte Paint

Matte paint is a step above flat paint on the sheen spectrum. The finish has up to a 10-percent sheen, so it is only moderately glossier than flat paint. Compared to flat paint, it may show a few more imperfections on walls, and its coverage may be less extensive. However, matte paint is slightly easier to clean and is somewhat more durable and hardwearing than flat paint.

Eggshell Paint

As you progress up the spectrum, you will come across eggshell paint. This paint has up to a 25-percent sheen. It performs better than matte paint in its maintenance needs and durability. However, its reflective properties can make wall imperfections more noticeable. Because this paint finish is approximately midway through the spectrum, it has balanced pros and cons. This makes it a suitable option for many rooms throughout the home, including bedrooms, living areas and hallways.

Satin Paint

Like eggshell paint, satin paint is a mid-level option with noticeably more sheen. In fact, these paints have up to a 35-percent sheen. Compared to eggshell paint, satin paint is somewhat easier to clean, and it is somewhat more durable. However, the sheen is not overbearing or too dominant. Satin finish paint will reveal more blemishes than the other finishes mentioned thus far. Often, satin paint is used in busy areas of the home where the walls may receive more wear and smudges. These areas include bathrooms, kitchens, foyers and children’s bedrooms.

Semi-Gloss Paint

If you step up to paint with a semi-gloss finish, it will be significantly shinier than satin paint. This is because it has a 75-percent sheen. Many people avoid applying it to walls in bedrooms and living areas because of how reflective it is. However, its durability and ease of cleaning make it a viable option in the messiest and most heavily used rooms in the home, including the kitchen and bathrooms. Semi-gloss paint is one of the two finishes commonly used on doors and trims.

High-Gloss Paint

High-gloss paint sits at the top of the sheen spectrum with 85-percent sheen or more. Its brilliant reflective properties can highlight wall flaws, but it can also make paint colors look more lustrous and beautiful. The sheen makes it a poor choice for walls. However, its durability and easy cleaning requirements make it well-suited for cabinets, trim and doors.

The paint finish you select for your next home painting project will directly impact the look of the paint once it has dried. It will also impact the prep steps that may be required before paint is applied and what efforts must be made to clean the walls over the years. With so many factors at play, you should not make a hasty decision. At Schwartz & Sons Painting, we are an experienced painting contractor committed to customer satisfaction. We have been working hard for years helping our clients in Blaine MN and beyond achieve their interior decorating goals. We want you to love the results that we deliver, and this begins with the selection of the right paint color and finish. Through a complimentary color consultation, our team can help you to make a lovely selection that lives up to your expectations. Contact our team at Schwartz & Sons Painting today to set up an appointment for a consultation and to receive a free interior painting estimate.