Are interior paint finishes really that important? The answer is yes, it matters which type of paint finish you choose.
Different paint finishes create different looks and durability levels, so it’s important for homeowners to have all the facts before choosing one.
Interior Paint Finishes: Do They Matter?
Getting ready to paint your walls? Here’s a pro tip: don’t skip interior paint finish. Most homeowners focus on their paint color choice, but can overlook the importance of the paint finish they select.
A room’s paint finish not only makes a difference in how your paint color looks, but it also impacts the durability of your paint job. Plus, there are more types of paint finishes than you might realize, so it’s important to choose the right one.
Some of the most common include:
- Flat or matte paint finish
- Velvet paint finish
- Eggshell paint finish
- Satin paint finish
- Semi-gloss paint finish
- Gloss paint finish
Keep reading for a breakdown of the most popular types of interior paint finishes.
Flat or Matte Paint Finish
A flat paint finish, also referred to as a matte finish, has little to no sheen. It creates a soft, non-reflective appearance that helps conceal imperfections. If you want a sleek, modern look, a flat paint finish is your best bet. It’s often more cost-effective than other types of finishes, too.
The downside of using a flat paint finish is that it’s less durable than other types of finishes. It’s more prone to scuffs and marks and is difficult to clean.
This type of paint finish is best suited for low-traffic areas in your home, such as a dining room or primary bedroom. It’s also ideal for ceilings since durability is not a crucial factor.
Velvet Paint Finish
Want a subtle sheen that doesn’t overpower your paint color? A velvet paint finish is the solution. It offers a smooth finish that’s more durable than a flat finish and hides imperfections better than shinier paint finishes.
A velvet finish enhances your paint color by adding richness to your walls, creating a luxurious look. While not as durable as shinier finishes, it’s easier to clean than flat finishes. However, keep in mind that it can show marks or streaks if it isn’t applied correctly.
This finish is best suited for rooms that receive moderate traffic, such as a dining room, guest bedroom or home office.
Eggshell Paint Finish
As its name suggests, an eggshell finish resembles the sheen of an eggshell, and it’s the most popular interior paint finish. Consider it the bridge between flat finishes and glossier finishes. The slight sheen adds durability, elegance and balance.
Eggshell paint finishes are easier to clean and maintain than flat finishes; however, they can highlight your walls’ imperfections.
This paint finish is ideal for rooms where durability is crucial, yet a slight shine is desired, such as living rooms, hallways and family rooms.
Satin Paint Finish
Satin paint finishes have a more noticeable sheen than eggshell finishes, but they’re still on the soft side. They create a polished, inviting look while offering more durability than other paint finishes.
Rather than looking overly glossy, the best way to describe a satin paint finish is as a subtle glow. Another perk is that it resists mildew and is very easy to clean. However, a downside is that it highlights surface flaws and is difficult to touch up if a mistake is made.
This paint finish is best suited for high-traffic areas where durability is a top priority, such as kitchens, children’s bedrooms and bathrooms.
Semi-Gloss Paint Finish
Semi-gloss paint finishes are the second shiniest paint finish option. The high shine makes it very durable, moisture-resistant and long-lasting. The shine brightens up walls and beautifully reflects light.
Another perk of semi-gloss paint finishes is that they’re easy to clean. You can quickly scrub away stains and keep your walls clean without a lot of elbow grease. However, this finish can also highlight every bump and scratch on your walls.
This paint finish is best for areas you want to brighten up, such as your kitchen or bathroom. It’s also a popular choice for trim, doors and cabinets.
Gloss Paint Finish
Lastly, gloss paint finishes are the shiniest finish available. They give your walls a sleek, mirror-like look that adds drama and a modern touch. Gloss paint finishes are the most durable paint finishes and the easiest to clean, which makes them perfect for surfaces that need extra protection.
The downside to glass paint finishes is that they tend to reveal every flaw and brush stroke, and can appear too harsh on certain surfaces.
This paint finish is best used for accent details, such as decorative trim, doors and furniture.
Not sure which paint finish is right for your walls? A handyman can help match your aesthetic goals with your durability needs, make a professional recommendation and apply the right paint finish.
What is the Best Time of Day to Paint Your Walls?
Is there a perfect time of day to paint your interior walls? Most homeowners don’t realize that the time you paint matters and can have a significant impact on the finished product.
The best time of day to paint your walls is late morning to mid-afternoon. Humidity is lower during these hours, which helps your paint dry faster and avoids smudges or drips.
This time of day also offers plenty of natural light, which is important for achieving the look you want. The natural light shows you the paint’s true color without tricky shadows. It will also help you know how many coats to apply and which areas need touchups.
Is It Better to Roll or Brush Walls?
As you gather the supplies needed to paint your interior walls, it’s natural to wonder whether you need a paint roller or a brush. The truth is, you need both, as each method serves a different purpose.
Rather than asking if you should paint with a roller or brush, a better question is to ask when and how you should use each tool.
For instance, a paint roller is the best tool for painting large, flat surfaces. The roller applies the paint efficiently and smoothly, making it easy to distribute and achieve an even coat.
Paint rollers also minimize the appearance of brush strokes, which gives your walls a smooth, finished and professional look. Use a paint roller when you want to paint large sections of your walls or ceilings.
Paint brushes, on the other hand, are ideal for smaller details. They offer precision and can reach places that a paint roller can’t. For example, paint brushes are perfect for tricky corners. They’re also ideal for painting trim, baseboards, moldings and the edges of windows, doors and ceilings.
If you’re looking for control and accuracy, opt for a paintbrush. While it takes more time than a roller, the polished end product is worth it.
How Do I Paint My Interior So It Looks Professional?
Want to achieve the look of a professional paint job by doing it yourself? With a few tips and tricks, you can make your home look professionally painted.
The first tip is to start with your ceilings to prevent drips from getting on freshly painted walls.
It’s also smart to paint large areas, like walls, using a paint roller. Work in small sections and apply long, even strokes to avoid streaks. Use a paintbrush to tackle the small, hard-to-reach areas.
Another important tip that will help you achieve a professional look is to invest in high-quality tools. Cheap paintbrushes and rollers will result in uneven application and messy edges. For the most polished outcome and long-lasting results, opt for professional-grade tools.
Want to ensure your paint job is flawless? Skip the DIY method and get in touch with a handyman. A professional can save you time and headaches and ensure durability.
Achieve a Flawless Paint Job With Professional Help
With the right tools and techniques, you can paint your walls yourself and achieve a polished look. However, it takes a good amount of time and patience.
For an easier route that guarantees a flawless outcome, contact a local handyman to get your paint job done for you.
ABC Can Handle Any Painting Project
There are a lot of considerations when it comes to painting and, without proper expertise, you could still end up disappointed when you are done. Instead of spending your free time collecting the proper tools and learning painting techniques, contact the handymen at ABC Home & Commercial Services. Our professionals are highly skilled and would be happy to help with any painting project you have in mind, whether it’s something small like painting trim or a more involved project.
