The Difference Between Paint Finishes in Jamestown RI

If you are like many other residents who are eager to transform their homes with fresh paint, you may spend ample time selecting the perfect shade and little time deciding on a paint finish. While paint color is understandably crucial to the end result of your home painting project, you should not overlook the important role that the finish will have on the final look. Before you request your interior painting estimate from your trusted painting contractor in Jamestown RI, here is what you should know.

Flat Paint

This finish is appropriately named because it has a 5 percent sheen at best. Because of the flat finish, the paint absorbs light. Little to no light is reflected, so there is no shine once the paint has dried. Notably, flat paint offers the most thorough coverage, so the home painting project may be completed more quickly with this finish. Be aware that sheen can magnify flaws on the walls, such as divots and scratches. If your walls show some wear, you will appreciate the fact that flat paint hides wall flaws. On the other hand, flat paint is difficult to clean, so it will show wear more easily and quickly. It also must not be as durable as other paint finishes.

Matte

Matte paint is a step up from flat paint with up to a 10 percent sheen. It offers many of the same benefits as flat paint, such as thorough coverage and great concealment of flaws. Because it is slightly easier to clean than flat paint, it may be well-suited for areas that require minimal cleaning. Generally, you should avoid using matte paint in living areas and busy hallways.

Eggshell

Paint with an eggshell finish has a 10 to 25 percent gloss. Compared to matte paint, it is not quite as efficient at concealing wall flaws. However, it is durable paint with great coverage. Eggshell paint is relatively easy to wash compared to matte and flat paint finishes. Because of this, it is often used in bedrooms, living rooms and hallways.

Satin

For areas of the home with heavier traffic, a satin paint finish may be ideal. This finish has a 25 to 35 percent sheen. It reflects light well, so it may not be the best option if your walls are heavily flawed. The finish is easier to clean, so you can keep the walls looking greater for a longer period of time. Often, this finish is used in areas where children play as well as in kitchens, hallways, bathrooms and other high-traffic areas.

Semi-Gloss

Semi-gloss paint is very reflective with up to a 75 percent sheen. The sheen can magnify flaws. However, this paint is easy to keep clean, and it is very durable. Because of how glossy it is, most people avoid using it in living rooms and bedrooms. It may be used well in bathrooms and kitchens. It is also a preferred option for doors and trim pieces.

High-Gloss

High-gloss paint has a glassy finish with an 85 percent sheen or more. The sheen adds a vivid element to the paint’s color. Because of how durable and easy it is to clean, high-gloss paint is often used on doors, cabinets and trim. Its sheen makes it relatively undesirable for use on walls. The sheen will highlight imperfections, so you should spend time prepping the surfaces before applying high-gloss paint.

You can see that the paint’s finish can have a major impact on how easy the application process is and the end result. It also impacts prep work required, maintenance efforts and even the longevity of the paint. At Two Brothers Painting, we are a trusted painting contractor in Jamestown RI with more than 15 years of experience satisfying our many valued clients. We are licensed and insured home painting experts, and we are excited to help you bring your interior decorating vision to life. Contact our team at Two Brothers Painting today to request an interior painting estimate for your next project.