Paint Finishes Paint comes in a variety of different finishes, which correspond to the levels of light they reflect.
When choosing your paint finish it's important to consider both practicality i.
e.
the area to be painted, and your personal preference i.
e.
what you would like the finished look to be.
Matte This has a non-reflective finish and is usually used on interior walls and ceilings.
It's especially good if you have to cover up imperfections such as small bumps or cracks, as it doesn't reflect light.
It also hides small imperfections in application, such as brush or roller marks.
A matte finish will provide a good depth of colour but is not easily wipeable.
Some matte finishes advertised as washable are easier to keep clean.
However, it's always a good idea to keep some spare paint handy to cover up any wear and tear in the future.
Matte paint is easy to touch up, and any retouching you do in the future should blend in nicely.
Eggshell and Satin An eggshell paint finish is similar to a matte finish but has a tiny amount of sheen to it when dried.
Satin is slightly glossier than eggshell.
They area good choice for interior walls and wash slightly better than matte paint.
They can be good in smaller spaces with little natural light, as they will reflect some light.
They are also sometimes used in more demanding areas, like kitchens and bathrooms, where easy clean up without a high gloss finish is preferred.
These paint types are also often used for interior woodwork and metal, including radiators.
Although these finishes are easier to maintain than matte, they are more likely to show any imperfections or flaws in application, such as brush or roller marks.
Retouching any wear and tear in the future is a little more noticeable than with matte paint.
Semi Gloss and Gloss These are the most reflective sheens, they reflect light and brighten a room.
They are wipeable, highly durable and stand up to multiple cleanings.
They are traditionally used on wood and metal surfaces but can also be used to dramatic effect on walls and ceilings.
They do show flaws however, so aren't recommended for large wall or ceiling volumes.
They are easy to clean, and therefore work well for windows, sills and doors.
It's difficult to touch up any damaged areas in the future, as any additional applications will show.
Instead it is usually necessary to repaint the entire area.