We’ve all been there—standing in front of the wall of paint color samples at your local paint or hardware store. Comparing colors to each other and trying to picture it in your home. But what if we told you there was another decision to be made when picking out your paint?
One of the most important decisions to make—besides the color—is the type of paint finish. The most common types of paint finishes are satin, matte, and gloss. Each finish offers a different effect on your interior design, elevating the feel of your space when chosen right.
At
VanDerKolk Painting, we pride ourselves in helping homeowners choose the right paint finish for their home’s interior based on the project, paint color, and the finish’s durability to ensure a long-lasting and beautiful paint job.
That’s exactly why we are breaking down the differences in satin vs. matte vs. gloss paint in this comprehensive paint finishing guide.
Choosing a paint color for your room may be the first and most important decision in the painting process, but choosing the right paint finish is a close second.
The finish affects how the paint reflects light. Some finishes, like a high gloss finish, are the most reflective, giving off a shiny effect. Other finishes, like matte, are not reflective at all.
But appearance isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing a paint finish. The type of finish also determines the paint’s durability. Some finishes are more durable than others, meaning some are better in high-traffic areas than others. (Don’t worry, we’ll dive into where to use each paint finish in your home.)
The three most common types of paint finish are satin, matte, and gloss. We’re diving into each of their appearances, pros and cons, where to use them, and which colors look best.
The satin paint finish offers a silky and velvet-like look on the walls. It is slightly reflective, often referred to as a happy medium between matte and gloss.
The most identifying properties of satin paint finish include:
Since the satin paint finish is highly durable and great for relaxing spaces, we recommend using it in
bedrooms, offices, and living areas. But its moisture-resistant qualities also make it an excellent option for
kitchens and
bathrooms.
When choosing a satin paint finish, it looks best in earthy tone colors like muted green, brown, beige, pale blue, and gray.
Matte paint finish is also sometimes referred to as flat paint. With a matte finish, the paint does not reflect light but instead absorbs it, giving a smooth and soft look to the walls. Rooms that provide a more elegant aesthetic can greatly benefit from matte paint finishes.
When you choose a matte paint finish, you can expect the following:
Since matte paint finishes are not very durable, they work best in low-traffic areas, such as bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms to ensure it lasts as long as possible. For this reason, it’s also a
great paint to use on ceilings.
When choosing matte paint, it tends to look best in soothing hues that are warm and muted, such as cream, beige, blue, and green.
Gloss paint finish is the most reflective of the three finishes we’re comparing. However, you can choose a high gloss or semi-gloss finish, depending on how sheen you would like the wall to be.
This gloss finish is perfect in smaller rooms that you would like to make them feel slightly bigger while also making a bold statement.
Some of the qualities you’ll notice when using gloss paint finish include:
Since gloss paint is highly durable, it is best used in high-traffic areas of the home, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways. It can also be used on woodwork such as doors and trim. If you’re thinking of
adding an accent wall, gloss paint is a great choice to really make it stand out.
Some colors that look best in a gloss finish are bright, bold hues like red, blue, pink, orange, and yellow. It also looks great in black and white if you’re using it for woodwork and details around the house.
When it comes to elevating your current interior design, choosing the right paint finish for your project can completely transform the outcome.
When deciding which paint finish is right for your project, consider which room you’re painting and how often it’s used. Is there consistent humidity in the room, such as cooking or showering? This will help you decide the durability level of the finish.
Next, it’s time to consider the ambiance of the room. Is your goal to create an elegant and calming space for relaxation or focus? Or are you looking to make a bold statement and add some fun energy to the room?
Lastly, what colors are you thinking of painting the walls? This is going to also help in deciding which finish to choose because it can affect the color’s appearance.
Not sure which paint finish is right for your project type? VanDerKolk Painting is here to help!
Choosing the right type of paint for your interior home project can feel overwhelming and confusing, especially with so many different opinions out there.
When you work with experienced painting professionals at
VanDerKolk Painting, we will guide you through which type of paint and finish is best for the project and your interior design vision. We’ll weigh the pros and cons of the paint type and choose one that will last the longest.
But that’s not all! Our trained painters will prep and
prime your walls before adding a precise and perfect coat of no- or
low-VOC paint, instantly transforming your space and bringing your vision to life.
Request a free estimate for your interior home painting project, or call
616-202-6570 today!
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We provide quotes at absolutely no cost. Requesting a quote gives you an opportunity to meet with one of our team members, better understand our process, and explain the details of your project. You can request a free quote by filling out the form, or by calling us at 616-202-6570.
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VanDerKolk Painting - Grand Rapids Painting Company
225 Graham Street SW | Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
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