If you’re like many homeowners, you may find the task of repainting a room somewhat daunting. Once you’ve chosen a color, how do you know which finish to select; and does it really matter? What will happen if you put flat paint in the bathroom or a high gloss in the living room? Fortunately, once you learn the ins and outs of paint finishes, you’ll be a DIY painting master and be able to tackle any paint project with ease. 

Flat Finishes 

Typically, flat finishes are used in rooms with very little foot traffic. The flat finish, while it aids in hiding imperfections, is typically also very easily scuffed and dirtied. It’s also more difficult to keep clean, with many flat finishes rubbing off the wall with very little effort. If you’ve got a busy home, it’s best to leave the flat finishes to your ceiling. 

Eggshell

The next step up from flat, eggshell finishes are a great choice for low traffic rooms. They are more durable than a flat finish, but not quite as durable as a satin finish. Eggshell finish paints typically can be wiped down with a sponge, but may not be able to withstand more aggressive scrubbing. You’ll find this particular finish gets its name from its appearance, which is similar to an eggshell: somewhat flat with very little sheen to it. It covers imperfections and can be a great choice for spaces such as adult bedrooms, laundry rooms, or a home office. 

Satin 

Satin paints feature a higher sheen than eggshell, which as you have realized by now typically results in more durability for the finish. This particular paint finish is ideal for areas such as kids’ bedrooms or playrooms. If you have an active household, you may find this to be the perfect sheen for other high use areas including living rooms, dining rooms, hallways and more. Take note that while the satin finish is more durable (and can withstand more scrubbing), the level of sheen can also highlight flaws and imperfections in the wall. Therefore, be sure to thoroughly prep your walls before you begin painting. 

Semi-Gloss 

In many paint lines, the semi-gloss finish tends to be second most durable with the second highest sheen to it. It’s typically used on trim in a home, but it can also be used on the walls in heavy, high traffic areas, or in areas that need regular cleaning. For example, semi-gloss paints are ideal for kitchens where grease can accumulate. It is also a great choice for bathrooms or mudrooms, where moisture and dirt can quickly accumulate. Semi-gloss also tends to withstand more heavy duty scrubbing, which adds to its appeal for these high traffic rooms. 

Gloss 

Gloss paints are not typically found on walls, but rather are used for more specific items such as built-in cabinetry in a mudroom, kitchen cabinets, or doors and window trim. High gloss paints will show every imperfection on a surface, so it’s incredibly important to sand and finish the area as smooth as possible before you begin painting with any full gloss product.

Final Tips and Tricks 

Color can also have an effect on the type of finish you should choose. For example, if you’re using a lighter color, such as in a kid’s room or a play area, it’s okay to go up a sheen for added durability. This is because lighter colors won’t highlight the sheen of the finish as much as a darker color might. For darker colors, sheen will be more visible, so you may wish to consider going down one to help prevent any unnecessary shine. This will also help reduce the appearance of imperfections on your walls if any are present. 

Painting a room doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Knowing the difference between each type of sheen and combining that with the knowledge of who uses what room in your home for what tasks, such as kids in the playroom, you’ll be able to effectively choose the best paint finish for your space. Remember you have a local trusted resource for all your painting questions at Herzog’s with paint centers located throughout the Mid Hudson Valley and Albany region.