Paint finishes guide

[Vin]

Matte / flat finish

Matte or flat-finish paints dry with no sheen – that is, they have a matte finish that does not reflect light. They work wonderfully at hiding imperfections on the wall and are forgiving on novice painters. Some paint specialists advertise washable matte paint. However, a matte finish is generally hard to clean, so it's advisable to keep leftover paint on hand for touch-ups. Matte paint is a good choice for ceilings or walls in rooms that receive little traffic, such as a study.
Eggshell finish

An eggshell finish is similar to a matte finish but it has a tiny glimmer of sheen when dry. Picture the low sheen of an egg and that is the effect your paint will produce. It suits walls as it washes slightly better than flat-finish paints.
Satin finish

Also referred to as velvet finish, a satin finish is often the glossiest finish a decorator will recommend for walls in rooms other than the bathroom and kitchen. It's ideal for children's bedrooms and other high-traffic areas such as hallways and living areas as it's suited to washing and light scrubbing. Satin-finish paint is regularly used for windows, doors, trims and ceilings, too.
Semi-gloss finish

Semi-gloss paint dries with a significant shine without being too glitzy. It is most often used on doors, windows, trims and bathroom and kitchen walls. It withstands water and frequent cleaning. Ensure, however, the surface is properly prepared prior to painting as its reflective nature highlights imperfections.
High-gloss finish

High-gloss paints have a reflective quality. They bring out even the slightest of imperfections, so meticulous surface preparation is essential. Some people find it too shiny and opt for semi-gloss instead. It is used mostly on windows, doors and trims. High-gloss is a good choice for painting furniture as it creates a modern, durable finish.

[DecorativeWalls]

Hey Vin,  this was really nice of you and should be very helpful to others viewing. 

there should be some kind of sticky to have it posted to the top - like the "evaluate the paint brush"

[rmichael]

DecWalls... Your wish is my command... 

[DecorativeWalls]

wow- that was great and fast rmichael  .   

I looked and thought , in a blink of an eye- where did it go.
 
Hopfully our viewers will find this helpful.

[BrushJockey]

I need to add a caution- different paint manufactures use different terms, and it can be confusing.  For instance, some like Benj Moore a satin is higher sheen than eggshell, but I have seen some companies use it lower.  Best to get a sheen chart of the paint you are going to use. But Vin's guide is a good rule of thumb to start with.

[Vin]

WOO HOO look at me I got a sticky

I agree with BJ its also similar with a product I use a lot, there satin which used to be semi gloss ( yes they decided themselves it was satin ) is extremely glossy not sure where they get the idea it ought be satin.

[Frankie]

WOO HOO look at me I got a sticky

I agree with BJ its also similar with a product I use a lot, there satin which used to be semi gloss ( yes they decided themselves it was satin ) is extremely glossy not sure where they get the idea it ought be satin.

The Regal Wall Satin has a pretty flat look to it. I use it for light colored ceilings all the time.the Aquavelvet is another great finish.(better then eggshell or semi gloss) and for touching up BM paints are the best.
I use all Benjamin Moore paints as well. and I like Grahams Ceramic for my Mate finish allot more...

[johnpaint]

yeah it really is a good idea to look for the sheen samples. Most stores have them. I get used to using the same paints and I kind of know them by heart, but get me paint and it's anyones guess. Sherwin Williams comes out with a new paint everytime I go in the store it seems, but don'r ever ask them for a exterior velvet sheen. they don't seem to know how to make them.
http://johnhowellconstruction.com

[perfectcolor]

I love the semi-gloss painting I did with my bedroom last week..

[abigailfinlay]

 Hi Vin,

    You have given a wonderful information.It is an excellent article....

Thanks for your information

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trompe l oeil

[specialkmh]

I have no idea which to pick. I am painting the living room, dining room, and kitchen all the same color. We have a very open layout. There's only 2 of us living there. No pets. No children. Do I need semigloss or satin paint? Is there really that much of a difference?

Please check out my blog www.downhomefeeling.blogspot.com.

I need advice!

[BrushJockey]

Yes there is a huge difference. In both application and looks.
For most rooms that don't require lots of water resistance and clean up (like baths and kitchens) I recommend using a Matte finish.  But as stated above, you need to check with the brand you are using, not all use the same terminology. But a higher gloss Like a semi looks cheap and "apartment" to me . For instance, Ben Moore's Regal matte ( a fine paint!) is almost flat looking, fairly good wash and a little side sheen. The Aura matte that Ben Moore has is significantly higher, but still not a full eggshell. The aura  Matte is my favorite finish. But it runs about $60 a gal.

[rmichael]

First, the vid on your site is not the best painting advice..    The only thing harder than rolling a wall is rolling a wall without an extension pole... add a roller extension pole to your list, for walls, a pole that adjusts from 2ft to 4ft. works out great. Do not use brown masking tape for the trim, use a blue painters tape. If you plan on painting the trim use a tape made for freshly painted surfaces like 3m's blue" Delicate" tape.
Brush (cut in ) corners and around trim before you roll, allow the brushed paint to dry to touch then roll as close as possible to the trim and corners. While rolling always end with a down stroke.
Do not use a semi-gloss on your walls, it will show every flaw in the walls and every mistake in application. Matte or flat paint is the most forgiving but if you think the walls need more" life" consider an eggshell sheen or a low sheen paint for the walls and save the semi-gloss for the trim.   

BTW Sherwin Williams "satin" could be considered an "eggshell" ... IMO it has a pretty low sheen for a "satin".

Best Luck,
rmichael

[chrisn]

First, the vid on your site is not the best painting advice..    The only thing harder than rolling a wall is rolling a wall without an extension pole... add a roller extension pole to your list, for walls, a pole that adjusts from 2ft to 4ft. works out great. Do not use brown masking tape for the trim, use a blue painters tape. If you plan on painting the trim use a tape made for freshly painted surfaces like 3m's blue" Delicate" tape.
Brush (cut in ) corners and around trim before you roll, allow the brushed paint to dry to touch then roll as close as possible to the trim and corners. While rolling always end with a down stroke.
Do not use a semi-gloss on your walls, it will show every flaw in the walls and every mistake in application. Matte or flat paint is the most forgiving but if you think the walls need more" life" consider an eggshell sheen or a low sheen paint for the walls and save the semi-gloss for the trim.   

Not to mention the use of the dreaded "BEHR"

    "better to leave the walls bare than put Behr on the walls"

[amcraftma]

Thanks for giving me a great info about that. At least I know the difference between the matte paint and the eggshell, also the semi gloss and a high gloss paints.
Thanks for sharing it Vin.