Choosing the right paint finish is as important as selecting the color itself. Each finish has distinct qualities that impact not only the look but also the durability and functionality of your painted surfaces. Here’s a breakdown of the most common paint finishes and their ideal applications.

Matte Finish
Matte paints have a non-reflective, smooth texture that provides a velvety appearance. They effectively hide surface imperfections, making them a popular choice for walls and ceilings. Modern matte paints are washable, making them suitable for areas like bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways. For high-humidity spaces such as bathrooms, there are specialty matte finishes designed for moisture resistance.

Eggshell Finish
Eggshell paints have a soft, subtle sheen that strikes a balance between matte and satin. They are more durable than matte finishes and are a great choice for areas with moderate traffic, such as living rooms, dining rooms, and foyers.

Satin Finish
Satin paints offer a smooth finish with a slight sheen, making them more reflective and durable than eggshell. They are easy to clean and resist stains, which makes them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, trim, and doors. Satin finishes also enhance architectural details, giving a subtle yet elegant glow to the surface.

Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss paints are shiny and highly durable, standing up well to moisture and frequent cleaning. They are often used on trim, doors, and cabinetry, where a polished appearance and durability are needed. The reflective quality of semi-gloss paint also helps to brighten spaces.

High-Gloss Finish
High-gloss paints provide the most reflective and dramatic finish. While they offer exceptional durability and are easy to clean, they require a perfectly prepared surface since the gloss highlights imperfections. High-gloss finishes are commonly used for accent pieces, furniture, or creating standout features in a room.

When choosing a paint finish, consider the function of the space, its traffic level, and the desired aesthetic. Higher gloss finishes are better suited for high-traffic or high-moisture areas, while lower gloss finishes work best for subtle, elegant appearances and hiding imperfections.

With the right finish, your walls and surfaces can achieve the perfect combination of style, practicality, and durability.

Credit: Benjamin Moore & Co
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