paint finishes

Sheen and Luster: Types of Paint Finishes and Their Ideal Uses

When it comes to painting your home, there are many different factors to take into account. For example, you’ll need to consider brands, colors, accents, and patterns to match your existing decor and create the perfect look for your home.

But there’s still one important factor that you’ll need to decide on. And although it may seem negligible, it can make all the difference in terms of your paint’s longevity and overall appearance.

Paint finishes, also known as sheens or lusters, can impact the look, feel, and durability of your walls and ceilings. In this article, we will take a look at several different types of paint finishes and their ideal uses.

Types of Paint Finishes

There are several different types of paint finishes, and the one you choose will depend on the look you are trying to achieve and what you use the space for.

Flat Finish

A flat finish has no reflectivity, which makes it ideal for concealing imperfections on walls and ceilings. Flat finishes work best in low-traffic areas like bedrooms and dining rooms, and they are also the most common choice for ceilings.

Flat finishes create a soft appearance with no shine, which makes them an excellent choice for covering small flaws and uneven surfaces. Keep in mind that flat finishes are much harder to clean than other types of paint finishes, so it’s best to use them in areas where people and objects are less likely to touch the walls.

Eggshell Finish

With a subtle shine, an eggshell finish is essentially one step up from a flat finish. Since they have a moderate sheen, eggshell finishes are more versatile than some other options, making them suitable for moderately used spaces like family rooms, hallways, and bedrooms.

Although they are more washable than a flat finish, you still need to use caution when cleaning an eggshell finish to avoid removing paint from your walls.

Satin Finish

Satin finishes are durable and easy to clean, which makes them a great choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and children’s rooms. Satin finishes stand up well to scrubbing and moisture while also resisting stains.

Semi-Gloss Finish

Semi-gloss is an exceptionally durable and water-resistant paint finish. It’s perfect for trim, doors, cabinets, and areas that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Semi-gloss offers a noticeable shine and is easy to clean, and it also resists moisture, stains, and wear and tear.

Gloss Finish

Gloss finishes have a high sheen, which makes them ideal for highlighting certain architectural details, such as railings, molding, and trim. Gloss finishes are also great for outdoor furniture since they are weather-resistant and easy to clean.

Find the Perfect Shine With GLS Painters

Since 2009, GLS Painters has been transforming the homes and businesses of New Jersey residents in Sicklerville and the surrounding areas. Here at GLS Painters, we specialize in both interior and exterior painting, and no job is too big or too small for us.

If you have a painting project in mind but need some professional advice, GLS Painters has the knowledge and experience to help you find the ideal colors and paint finishes for your home or business.

Click here to get in touch with GLS Painters today!

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