Choosing the Right Paint Finish for Your Project

Redecorating a room can be a cathartic experience that ends in a fresh, fun, and functional living space. Unfortunately, there are a lot of elements that go into ensuring that you really get the results you want. While many people spend countless hours choosing the right color, considering furniture placement, and even how artwork and soft furnishings will tie in, making sure that they choose the right paint finish often gets overlooked. As there are quite a few options out there, it will be worthwhile to get to know them a little better to ensure you really make your project work for you.

Exploring different paint finishes 

Whether you are new to painting or consider yourself a pro, understanding different paint finishes can be difficult. While many of us will have heard of matte and gloss finishes, there are other types out there that will change not only the feel of a paint project, but also aspects like durability.

Flat paint finishes 

A flat paint finish will not reflect light. It’s this characteristic that makes it the ideal selection for hiding surface imperfections. It’s worthwhile to know that it isn’t particularly durable however, and isn’t advised for high-traffic areas. This is why it’s typically used for ceilings in living rooms and bedrooms.

Matte paint finishes 

While matte paint is similar to flat, the key difference is that matte finishes have a low luster that is better at diffusing light to mask imperfections than shiner options. Again, this isn’t a finish that will stand up to a lot of wear and tear. You are more likely to find it used on feature walls in living rooms and bedrooms, especially those that host the TV, lots of shelving/bookshelves, or large pieces of furniture that don’t get moved around a lot.

Both flat and matte finishes are fantastic for creating a cozier feel by absorbing light.

Satin and eggshell paint finishes 

Satin and eggshell are widely used paint finishes within the home, as they are typically shinier and provide reflective qualities while being more durable. If you are hoping to decorate a children’s room, these can be a fantastic choice, as they are also more pigmented. They are also great for kitchens and bathrooms too, as they are easier to wipe down and hold up better in areas with higher moisture levels. As these serve as a middle ground for projects, they are thought to be more cost-effective, as they will go a little further and last a little longer than their counterparts.

Semi-gloss and gloss paint finishes

Semi-gloss and gloss are the most durable and moisture-resistant finishes available. You will typically find that gloss is thick and better used for wooden paint projects such as doors, skirting boards, furniture updates, and trim, but semi-gloss has a more durable finish with slightly less shine and can be found in kitchens, bathrooms, and children’s playrooms.

Semi gloss and gloss both reflect light and will brighten spaces, and are increasingly being used on unique features like wall paneling for a fresh and clean feel. In 2024, these finishes come in an array of colors and can be used for bold choices and high dramatic impact, so don’t overlook them when letting your creativity flow.

Top tips when selecting the right paint finish

Firstly, when you want to achieve the right aesthetic, a top tip is that flat finishes are typically considered modern, while glossy options can feel more traditional or formal. One of the key considerations when choosing should be the amount of light that you are hoping to bring into a room. Remember that a higher gloss is better for darker rooms, and flatter finishes will reduce glare and help to balance natural light.

Secondly, it’s always advisable to get a few different paint samples in different finishes and apply them to a small area in the room you hope to decorate. This will help you see how they perform and react in your unique space.

Our last tip is that maintenance should come into consideration, because higher gloss finishes will need to be cleaned more frequently, whereas flat and matte paints won’t be suitable for high traffic areas like around light switches and near doorways and will need repainting more frequently.

Sometimes it will be worthwhile to turn to house painting experts, such as those at https://dupaint.com.au, who have a deeper understanding of how unique your project is and exactly what finishes will have the greatest function and visual impact.

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