You have decided to paint your house. Before you whip out the brushes and inevitably get paint all over your pants, you might want to do some research on the finishes that will be added to the paint you choose. There are six different paint finishes: gloss, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell and matte or flat. Each finish has many different components to them that could sway your decision.

Here is some basic information about each finish and some helpful tips to contribute to your choice in paint.

Gloss

A gloss finish is going to be the most expensive finish that can be purchased. The higher the gloss the more money the paint will cost. The reason for the higher price is because a glossy paint has high durability. These paints are great for kitchens, cabinets, doors and some trim.

Pros:

• Easy to clean
• High durability
• Great for high traffic areas

Cons:

• Needs more prep work before painting
• Needs more coats when painting
• Not great for interior walls
• Can show flaws on the surfaces
• Most expensive

Helpful Tip: If the paint color is a darker, richer tone then you will want less shine in the finish, so a gloss finish may not be the finish for you.

Semi-gloss

Semi-gloss is similar to the gloss finish. The difference is that there is less of a shine so it can go in more areas. This finish is the best for a room that has high humidity, like the bathroom or kitchen and is great for trim.

Pros:

• Easy to clean
• High durability
• Great for bathrooms or kitchens

Cons:

• Needs more prep work before painting
• Needs more coats when painting
• Shows flaws on surfaces

Helpful Tip: Semi-gloss is a great paint for areas that are prone to grease stains. Just gently wipe or scrub the area and the grease stain will lift.

Satin

A satin finish is one of the most commonly used choices. This finish has a small shine to it but not as noticeable as a gloss or semi-gloss. A popular painting surface are trims and shutters but can also go in rooms that have high traffic because it is easy to clean.

Pros:

• Easy to clean
• Durable
• Can resist mildew
• Doesn’t easily fade from sun exposure

Cons:

• Needs more prep work before painting
• Shows brush strokes on lighter colors
• Touch ups are not easy

Helpful Tip: Exterior paint that has a satin finish can repel water and does not easily fade when exposed to sun for long periods of time.

Eggshell

Starting to panic on which finish to put in your paint? Eggshell is the safest option. The reason for this is because there’s a small shine to the paint, similar to the small shine you see on an egg, hence the name. This paint is easier to clean than a flat finish and is a popular choice for most interior rooms.

Pros:

• Cleans effectively
• Durable
• Covers flaws on the wall
• Easy touch ups

Cons:

• Harder to clean than a gloss or a satin
• Can show scuffs in high traffic areas

Helpful Tip: If you’re looking to spruce up your bedroom with a new color, eggshell is a great finish for bedrooms and hallways.

Flat/Matte

This is a great paint finish for hiding damages and other layers of paint. The paint has the most pigment and does not reflect the light, like the other finishes. If you’re trying to paint within a budget, then this finish will get you farther.

Pros:

• Cheaper
• Hides imperfections
• Requires less coats and prep work

Cons:

• Does not clean well
• Paint will come off when wiping it down
• No light reflection

Helpful tip: Though this paint does not clean well, it’s great for areas that have light traffic. Your ceiling, for example, is a great place for this paint.

Make sure you’re doing your homework before you choose paint for your home. Assess the rooms that are going to be painted by checking for sun exposure, traffic, wall imperfections and moisture. You want the paint you choose to last until you’re ready for a new change.

To help with your next painting project, contact Experts In Your Home – we do more than you think!