The choice of paint is a crucial element in interior design. This is about much more than just choosing a color. Paint finishes are more important than texture, pattern or print for a design. Not only are they important for the aesthetics of the wall or the vibe, but they also serve many other purposes.

What is a Paint Finish, exactly?

The final look or texture of paint is called the paint finish (also known as sheen). The amount of light reflected by the paint is also a way to identify it. These two factors influence the way that the eye perceives a colour. It is important to decide on the finish before you start painting.

The paint finishes can be classified according to the texture and amount that it reflects. We will discuss each of the most common types of paint finishes in brief.

1. High Gloss (80% to 90% gloss)

It is the most gleaming of all finishes. This finish is the most reflective and gleaming. The colour is brighter because it has a smooth surface with no undulations. It is easy to clean, but it does not do a good job of hiding imperfections. It can be difficult to use a glossy paint finish on old houses. The desired finish is achieved by applying many coats, compared to less glossy finishes. It is not only used on walls but also furniture, doors, frames, etc.

Summary:

1. The surface of the metal is very shiny.
2. Clean easily
3. Doesn’t hide surface imperfections
4. Old houses are not recommended
5. Most commonly used on door frames and doors.

2. Semi-Gloss (41 to 69% gloss).

This finish has a gloss, but it is not as glossy as the previous one. It is also easy to clean. This finish is not very good at hiding imperfections because of its smooth surface. It is not too noticeable and can be used to accent other finishes. This paint does not shine but it is resistant to moisture. It is ideal for cabinets in kitchens, bathrooms, and doors that are subjected to heavy traffic.

Summary:

1. The same but a little less shiny
2. It is also easy to clean.
3. Doesn’t hide surface imperfections
4. Recommended for kitchens, bathrooms, and cabinets.

3. Satin (26 to 40 gloss)

This finish has the same texture and appearance as satin cloth. It is slightly shinier than eggshell, but not as reflective as semi-glass. This puts it in the middle of the spectrum of sheen. It covers up the majority of surface imperfections.

The surface can be easily cleaned with a rag or scrubber. It is slightly more water resistant than other matte finishes, but because it’s not glossy it doesn’t appear as bright.

Summary:

1. Shiny with a matte finish
2. Minute stains are easy to remove
3. Hides minute surface imperfections.
4. Reflects light and brings out colour.
5. Ideal for small spaces with limited natural light

4. Eggshell (from 10% to 25% gloss).

Many designers use eggshell as a finish for interiors. This is especially true in living rooms, hallways and other areas that are shared by many people, such as dining rooms, family rooms, or common areas. It’s washable and has a low gloss, which helps to hide surface imperfections. This popular finish is named after the eggshell texture.

Summary:

1. Matte with a subtle shine
2. Minute stains are easy to remove
3. Walls in high-traffic areas are good for wall coverings
4. Ideal for kids’ rooms, living rooms dining rooms and halls.

5. Flat or Matte

(Flat: 0% to 4% gloss); (Matte: 5% to 9 % gloss)

It is the complete opposite of a glossy finish. Flat or matte finishes are similar to glosses in that they lack reflective properties. These two finishes, though often grouped together, are actually slightly different. The matte finish is slightly glossier than the flat finish and can be washed, but not as easily as the other finishes.

They both do a good job at hiding imperfections, but a flat surface cannot be easily cleaned if it gets dirty or scuffed. This finish is easy to touch up, but it’s also very difficult to tell the difference between the original paint finish and the touch-up. Ceilings are usually best painted with a flat finish. Matte finish, also known as velvet or suede finish paint is typically chosen for walls that are in high traffic areas.

Summary:

You can also use chalk paint.

Before you choose materials or furniture, make sure to know the paint finishes available so that you can pick one that is most suitable for your design. Consider all aspects, both aesthetically and functionally, before making a decision. Comment below to tell your favorite paint finish.