the 411 on color finishes
- EDITION #14 -
After flipping through numerous fan decks, comparing strips of paint chips, and applying test swatch after test swatch, you’ve finally decided on the perfect paint color. But before you grab the drop cloths, painter's tape, and rollers, hold up. The decisions don’t stop there—you’ll also need to consider the paint finish. We know, you forgot until just now. But finding the right paint finish is just as important as finding the right color.
Finishes may go by different names depending on the paint brand, but there are basically three standard types: Flat/matte, eggshell/satin, and semigloss/high-gloss, which is sometimes referred to as pearl. Each finish has a different level of shine and reflects light differently. You might be tempted to grab some eggshell and call it a day, but choosing the correct finish can make a big difference.
There are pros and cons to each option, but considering all of them before picking up a brush will help save you time and money in the long run. To help you find the perfect finish for every space, we have given you the 411 down below.
FLAT OR MATTE
FLAT
With more pigment than any other finish, it’s the concealer of paints. Non-reflective, a flat finish will soak up light and hide any bumps or scratches in the surface of the wall. Flat finishes are the hardest to clean, so don’t use them in high-traffic areas. But if it’s high-quality paint, you should be able to gently scrub away any imperfections after paint has cured for 30 days. This is my go-to for ceilings, but if you choose to use it on the walls I’d say go for low-traffic rooms with lots of light, like an office or a formal sitting room.
MATTE
My favorite of them all and my number one pick for any room in the home if you are trying to go for that modern aesthetic. Matte is the least reflective sheen available and has a wonderful velvety texture which helps hides imperfections in walls and ceilings. It also offers great depth of color and is generally considered the standard sheen for walls.
EGGSHELL OR SATIN
EGGSHELL
It is the most common choice for walls across the industry, and eggshell in particular is Behr’s best-selling sheen. This finish has some of the style of the flat and matte paints, with a bit more durability against scuffs. Eggshell, or low-luster, finishes are so named because the slight sheen they provide is similar in appearance to the surface of an egg. Unlike flat paint, eggshell bounces light around the room while resisting the inevitable stains and scuffs of everyday life.
SATIN
Perhaps the best all-around player when it comes to durability. Right in the middle of the sheen spectrum, a satin finish is more light-reflecting than eggshell without appearing as shiny as semigloss. It hides imperfections like bumpy walls reasonably well, and it’s easy to clean and is best for humid spaces like bathrooms or dark rooms that don’t get a lot of natural light, like basements. Sating has some reflectivity, offers improved durability and is frequently used in demanding environments, like kitchens, bathrooms, family rooms, hallways, and kids' spaces where easy cleanup without a highly glossy finish is desired.
Tip: My secret is to use Satin on all the trims and doors instead of a gloss finish - to give it that more modern look, while still keeping the divide between the matte wall and providing a sheen with durability!
SEMIGLOSS OR HIGH-GLOSS
SEMIGLOSS
Sleek and easy to live with, semi-gloss is a happy middle ground. The look is shinier than a satin finish, semi-gloss is known for its radiance. It pairs well with other finishes when used as a an accent, too. If you need something durable, and you’re OK with shine, semigloss is your match. However, due to its heightened sheen, you’ll be able to see existing imperfections more easily. It is great in high-moisture, high-traffic areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms, or on crown moldings and trims to make them pop.
HIGH-GLOSS
Super light-reflective and statement-making, it’s also the most durable. Most designers would consider high gloss a specialty finish, as it has a glamorous glass-like effect, Barr explains. It does show imperfections, but it’s also extremely easy to clean. That being said, high gloss is the trickiest to apply. Barr suggests using a quarter-inch roller or a high-density foam roller for smaller spots. Use with accents that you really want to stand out, like furniture, doors, or cabinets.
Unsure which paint is best for your project? Don't skip the research. The type of paint you choose is just as important as the color, and can have a major effect on the character of your room, the quality of your paint job, and the vibe you want to achieve. You may choose dependent on the look of your space and, maybe more important, how easy it is to clean. Some finishes are also better suited for certain high-traffic areas or rooms frequented by youngsters, such as entryways, hallways, family rooms, and kids' bedrooms. There are also finishes that are more labor-intensive, such as high- and semigloss, which require multiple coats to achieve their ultra-shiny look. We want to hear if you used any of my tips to paint finished for your room! Please be sure to tag us on Instagram at @theRDAstudio and #theRDAway. If you would like specific recommendations go ahead and comment down below or contact us!
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Stay Creative,
P.S. (The Design Diaries will be my place where I unwind every week to talk to you guys about what is going on in my life plus anything you guys want to personally hear about... so please leave in the comments below if there is a special topic you want me to touch base on, as well as, feedback so I can curate my posts based on what you want to read!)