Selecting the Best Paint Finish
Choosing the right paint finish is crucial to achieving the desired look and feel in your home. As an interior designer, I understand the importance of selecting the right finish for each space to ensure both aesthetic appeal and practicality. I’ve broken down the characteristics of each finish to easily decipher which finish would be best for your next project!
Matte Finish: Matte paint offers a non-reflective, smooth finish that is ideal for ceilings and formal spaces where a subtle, elegant look is desired. However, it's important to note that matte finishes can show marks and dings easily and can be challenging to clean. For a flawless finish, consider using a high-quality matte paint such as Sherwin Williams Emerald Matte or Benjamin Moore Aura Matte.
Eggshell Finish: Eggshell paint has a low luster, velvety appearance that is easier to clean than matte finishes, making it suitable for moderate traffic areas such as dining rooms, family rooms, and bedrooms. It's also a great choice for walls and ceilings where a subtle sheen is desired. For a durable and high-quality eggshell finish, consider using Behr Premium Plus Ultra Eggshell Enamel.
Satin Finish: Satin paint offers a pearl-like finish that is slightly reflective and easy to clean, making it ideal for moderate to high traffic areas such as family rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. It's also a great choice for moulding and millwork, as it adds a touch of elegance and is more durable than matte or eggshell finishes. Sherwin Williams Cashmere or Benjamin Moore Regal Select are excellent choices for a high-quality satin finish.
Semi-gloss Finish: Semi-gloss paint is easy to clean and resistant to dirt and stains, making it perfect for high traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and children's rooms. It's also ideal for decorative statements, moulding and millwork, doors, walls, and ceilings where a bit of shine is desired. For a durable and long-lasting semi-gloss finish, consider using Behr Premium Plus Ultra Semi-Gloss Enamel.
High Gloss Finish: High gloss paint is highly durable and stain resistant, making it ideal for high moisture areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. It's also great for accent pieces and ceilings where you want to make a bold statement. However, high gloss finishes can be challenging to apply and can show imperfections on walls, so proper preparation is key. For a high-quality high gloss finish, consider using Sherwin Williams ProClassic Interior Acrylic Enamel or Benjamin Moore ADVANCE Interior Paint.
Choosing the right paint finish for each area of your home is essential for achieving the desired look and feel. By selecting high-quality paints from trusted brands such as Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr, you can ensure that your paint finish not only looks great but also stands the test of time.
