How to choose the paint finish for your project.

Even after a homeowner has chosen the perfect color for a room, there's another very important decision to make. With 5 or 6 paint finishes to choose from, you should learn the benefits of each and determine the right one for your job.

Matte Finish?

Whether called flat finish or wall paint, this type of interior paint has a matte surface. This paint finish is usually used on interior walls. It's especially good if you have to camouflage small wall bumps, cracks, or other imperfections, as this finish does not reflect light. While some flat paints are advertised as washable today, you may need to touch up scratches or marks by covering with a bit more paint, so be sure you keep some on hand after you've finished painting.

Eggshell Finish?

If you can picture the very low sheen of the shell of an egg, you have an idea of how an eggshell paint finish will appear. With only a slight hint of shine or gloss, it's good for walls and holds up better with cleaning than a flat finish paint.

Satin Finish?

Satin finish paint has a smooth, velvety look with a bit more gloss. It is most often used for windows, doors, trim.  Many customers choose Valspar satin for walls.

We charge 40% more to paint with Satin finish as it has too much sheen to be touched up.  We must paint corner to corner if there is a problem spot on a wall painted with satin.

Satin finish paint is particularly suitable for kids' room walls, kitchens, or bathrooms, or in areas which get a lot of traffic. Paint with a satin finish is formulated to hold up to cleaning and light scrubbing.

Semi-Gloss?

Semi-gloss paint is most often used on doors, trim, and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms. It is easily cleaned and lays down a nice, subtle shine, without being too glitzy. Take care with pre-paint preparation work, as poorly prepared surfaces can be a bit distracting when highlighted by a semi-gloss surface.

Gloss

?High gloss paints have an almost reflective quality, as their shiny finish mimics the look of enamel or plastic. Though not widely used in home interiors, it is becoming more popular for a dramatic look on cabinets, trim, and furniture in very formal and very contemporary settings. This finish will magnify any surface imperfections, so careful preparation and sanding is essential before painting with high gloss paints.

There are some particular application specifics that you should consider when selecting an interior paint finish.

Ability to clean and Durability?

While most manufacturers have developed all paint finishes with good cleaning qualities, a general rule is that the shinier the paint finish, the better it will stand up to washing and cleaning.

Kid-Friendly Finishes?

When painting children's rooms, we recommend using an eggshell sheen paint on the walls and semi-gloss for doors and moldings. These finishes are formulated to better withstand repeated cleanings.

***The secret to the sheen is the titanium dioxide.  The more the titanium dioxide is ground the less sheen in the paint