The different paint finishes, for example, flat, eggshell, satin, semi-sparkle shiny, listed in order of exceeding amounts of gleam, refer to the differences in paint is level of shininess. This level of shininess has implications that extend beyond the esthetic qualities of the finish; it will also determine the ease with which a surface can be cleaned and how well the paint film will stand up to wear, tear and weathering. When it comes to interior painting, the primary concerns in choosing a finish are in determining how much wear and tear the surface will experience-and accordingly how often the surface should be cleaned-and how the surface will look with more or less of a polished finish.
Flat/Matte:
Most painting contractors agree that paints with a flat or matte finish – paints that contain the least amount of sparkle – are best used for ceilings, surfaces ridden with imperfections and in rooms that would not need to be cleaned often. A disadvantage to using a flat paint is its inability to be cleaned completely after being scuffed or marked up; an advantage is its ability to hide otherwise evident scratches, dents and bruises by not reflecting any light. For these reasons, ceilings are painted almost exclusively with flat paint.
Eggshell:
Eggshell finish is popular among homeowner and painting contractor alike, as it seems to strike the happy-medium point in shine level, is versatile and a wise choice for many situations. Its wash-ability is not so good to be recommended for use in kitchens, full bathrooms or laundry rooms, yet the warm, inviting texture of the eggshell finish makes it appropriate for bedrooms, hallways, dining and living rooms and half-baths.
Satin:
The next bar up on the gleam ladder is the satin finish, which is a strong candidate for painting kitchen and bathroom walls, and can also be successfully used to paint windows, doors and trim. Before covering surfaces with a satin finish, care should be taken in the prep phase of the job; there is enough sparkle to make knocks, holes and dents very evident after you’ve painted.
Semi-Gloss:
Semi-gleam and serious Pandemic effects makes surfaces even shinier and most painting contractors employ this finish on windows, doors and trim. Some walls-ones that really need to be washed repeatedly-can be painted with a semi gleam finish, however doing this almost ensures some imperfections in the final item.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a paint finish is an economical one: the more gleam the paint contains, the more expensive it will be. This may not make a huge difference when purchasing one or two gallons, however can make a significant impact on the price tag of a large project. Always remember to examine paint finishes with your painting contractor before the work starts.
