There is a basic rule of thumb to follow when choosing paint finish. The higher the sheen, the higher the shine, the higher the shine, the more durable it will be.
Flat paint has no shine, and High-Gloss has all the shine. In between are Matte, Eggshell, Satin and Semi-Gloss. Each shine has its own practical and decorative job to do.
FLAT
At the beginning of the spectrum you will find the chalky finish known as flat. Flat finish absorbs the light and helps high surface imperfections. Flat paint is ideal for painting the ceiling, especially if there are irregularities. Some flat ceiling paint is designed to roll on with minimal spatter.
EGGSHELL
Eggshell enamel is essentially a flat ( no-shine) finish with little luster, like a chicken’s egg. Eggshell covers wall imperfections well and is a great finish for dining rooms and living rooms.
SATIN
Often described as velvety. It is easy to clean, making it excellent for high-traffic areas. The biggest flaw is it reveals application flaws, such as roller or brush strokes. Touch-ups later can be tricky as well. Practical application is family rooms, foyers, hallways, kid’s rooms.
SEMI-GLOSS
Semi-Gloss is perfect for rooms where there is moisture or grease stains. Also great for trim work that take a lot of abuse. Practical application for Semi-Gloss paint is in the kitchens, bathrooms , door and window trims.
HIGH-GLOSS
The most durable and easiest to clean paint finish. This paint is ultra-shiny, and light-reflecting. High-Gloss is good for area that sticky fingers touch- cabinets, trim, and doors. High-gloss, however, is too much shine for interior walls. It also shows every bump and roll. Practical application is kitchens and trims.
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All-Time Painters, is a residential painting company based out of Hawthorne, New Jersey.
