The Difference Between Paint Finishes in Chicago

Are you trying to decide which colors to use for your upcoming home painting project in Lincoln Park Chicago? As important as it is to select the right tone for the space, you should not underestimate the important role that the paint’s finish makes. In fact, paint finishes can impact the application process as well as your ongoing experience with the paint over the years in several ways. What should you know about paint finishes before you hire a painting contractor and request an interior painting estimate for your project?

Flat Finish

Flat paint has little to no sheen, so the paint tends to absorb light rather than reflect it. The paint color may appear to be duller. The unique composition of flat paint makes it challenging to keep clean. However, flat paint also has numerous benefits. For example, its composition is excellent for concealing flaws on walls and other surfaces. Even coverage is also easy to accomplish with flat paint. Given all of the qualities of flat paint, this is often used in low-traffic areas. Some examples are studies and guest bedrooms.

Matte Finish

Matte paint is relatively dull with only a 10-percent sheen. Because it is slightly glossier, it has stronger durability and is easier to clean than flat paint. However, it falls short in these areas compared to the other types of paint finishes. While it reveals some wall flaws, its concealing properties are still spectacular compared to paints with a glossier finish.

Eggshell Finish

Eggshell paint has middle-of-the-road properties in the areas of durability, maintenance, sheen and coverage. With a 25-percent sheen, it is a good go-to option for most areas of the home. This includes rooms that may be more heavily used, such as living rooms, bedrooms and hallways.

Satin Finish

With a 35-percent sheen, satin paint is also a mid-level option that has wonderful applications throughout most areas of the home. Because it is more durable and easier to maintain than paint with an eggshell finish, it is a suitable option for children’s areas, foyers, kitchens, bathrooms and other areas where the walls may need to be cleaned more frequently.

Semi-Gloss Finish

Semi-gloss paint is noticeably shinier than satin paint. In fact, it may have up to a 75-percent sheen. Its sheen may make it undesirable for use in living rooms, bedrooms and most other areas of the home. However, many people apply semi-gloss paint on kitchen and bathroom walls because of how easy the paint is to clean. In addition, semi-gloss paint is a smart option for trim and doors throughout the house.

High-Gloss Finish

With an 85-percent gloss, high-gloss paint has a glass-like finish. Its reflective properties create a bold luster for all paint colors. However, this paint shows off even minor imperfections in surfaces. Regardless of the surface being painted, the space should be thoroughly prepared before the paint is applied. High-gloss paint is most commonly used on trim, doors and cabinets because it is easy to clean and very durable.

You can see that the finish will affect the application steps that your painting contractor uses. Because the sheen will impact the luster and richness of the color, it could impact your color selection. Durability and maintenance will come into play for as long as you enjoy the paint in your home. With so many factors to weigh, you must give careful consideration to the paint’s finish as you make your final selection.

At Fine Painting, we are an interior painting company in Lincoln Park Chicago that brings years of experience to the table. Our painters are true experts who always focus on quality workmanship. At the same time, we consistently complete our projects on time and on budget. Regardless of the scope of your project, you can benefit from a free color consultation with our team. To book a consultation and to request a free interior painting estimate, contact our team at Fine Painting today.