In the case of home design and improvement, selecting the appropriate types of paint finishes is a pivotal aspect, influencing both the aesthetic appeal and durability of surfaces. The choice of paint finishes plays a crucial role in defining the overall look and feel of a space, contributing to the ambiance and style of each room.
Whether seeking a sleek, modern sheen or a more subtle, understated texture, understanding the nuances of types of paint finishes is essential for achieving the desired aesthetic impact and ensuring long-lasting, quality results in home decoration.
Types of Paint Finishes
During the process of selecting a paint type, we talked a lot about paint finishes. You might be wondering what look each of these types of paint finishes can give and what should you go for.
1. Matte Finish
- It also goes by the name flat paint, and the mostly matte finish is used for the walls.
- It is the least reflective finish out of all the types and even reduces the glare.
- It has a velvety texture and a great depth of color is achieved by this lustreless paint.
- This paint is hyperpigmented and this gives good coverage reducing the cost and time both.
- Imperfections in the walls and ceilings are easily hidden by this finish.
- Only down point is that it is difficult to wash the walls with a matte finish.
- The matte finish makes you feel calm and relaxed, hence it is quite suitable for bedrooms.
2. Eggshell Finish
- It gives a flat look with mild lustre and it is durable too.
- It also helps in covering up the imperfections and even helps in cutting off the glare.
3. Satin Finish
- It gives a glossy feel, not as much as eggshell though. It can even give matte look. The look- glossy or matte depends upon the lighting conditions of your room.
- It highlights the actual colour that you chose for your wall without reflection.
- Its durability is good too.
- It is recommended for the walls of the kitchen, bathrooms, and other such areas where frequent cleaning is demanded. Dust can be easily washed away in satin-finished walls.
- However, imperfections won’t be hidden by the paint and even brush strokes may become visible if not painted properly with care.
3. Glossy Finish
- This is the most reflective types of paint finishes.
- The durability is also high. It can withstand multiple cleanings.
- It can provide a great shiny look as it reflects a great amount of light. But even small imperfections will be highlighted by this finish as it is highly reflective.
- The glossy finish increases the energy levels of your body and sparks excitement in you.
Read More: How to Remove Stains from Wood (TIPS & TRICKS)
How to Know the Type of Existing Paint on Your Wall?
Take a cloth and dip it into denatured alcohol. Wipe the surface of the wall with this cloth.
If the paint rubs off on the cloth, then it is a water-based paint. If it does not stick to cloth, then it is oil-based paint.
1. Water-based Paint
- Water-based paints retain the color for a longer time.
- Pre-treatment with primer coat is not required for water-based paint and it can be used on all surfaces.
- It dries out faster too with not much lingering odor.
2. Oil-based Paint
- The most important characteristic of oil-based painting is its durability.
- Additionally, oil-based painting resists stains and rust too.
- However, they do not dry fast and produce a strong odour.
- Oil-based paints are good for kitchens, bathrooms, and other such areas where there is a possibility of moisture interference.
- It is recommended that turpentine is added to the paint to correct any misstep or spills during its application.
Points to be Considered During Painting
1) Scruff the Old Paint off the Wall
The older glossy paint should be scruffed off the wall surface with the help of sandpaper. This will allow the new layer of coating to bins with the wall.
Ensure the glossiness of the oil paint is completely removed for it is as harmful as the dust particles in the painting.
2) Clean the Wall for Dust Particles
The wall should be cleaned dry so that dust particles are removed else they will prevent the sticking of paint efficiently over the surface.
Paint your wall!
After the wall is cleaned and allowed to dry, painting can be easily done over the surface. While painting, the strokes should be kept even and the brush should not be overloaded with paint.!
Here is a quick review so that you can compare your options easily:
| Paint Type | Finish available | Application | Characteristics |
| Distemper | Rustic finish | No primer coat | |
| Emulsion | Silk, eggshell, satin, matte | Internal walls | Easy stain removal |
| Lustre | glossy | Internal walls for better aesthetics | Resists stain |
| Enamel | Glossy and opaque, Eggshell | Metallic surfaces like window grills Balcony Kitchen walls | Resistance to heat, water and stain |
| Textured | Artistic | Living room and other interior walls | High durability |
| Characteristics | Water-based paint | Oil-based paint |
| Colour retention | Long time | Comparatively shorter duration |
| Drying period | Less | More |
| Stain resistance | No | Yes |
| Lingering odour | Mild odour for a very short time | Strong odour for a longer period |
| Finish Type | Look | Characteristics | Durability | Application | Benefit | Cons |
| Flat or Matte | Matte finish Velvety texture | Less glare Least reflective | Medium to low | Bedroom | Hides imperfections in the wall | Difficulty in washing |
| Eggshell | Glossy finish | Less glare Durable | Medium | Living room | Hides imperfections in the wall | |
| Satin | Glossy finish [less than eggshell] | Reasonable reflectivity Durable | High | Living room Children room | Areas that are to be cleaned frequently like kitchen | |
| Glossy | Glossy finish | Most reflective durable | Very High | Kitchen, Bathrooms, Exterior Walls | Aesthetically Allows multiple cleanings | Imperfections are highlighted |
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