Quick Guide: Identifying Paint Finishes: Flat, Eggshell, Semi-Gloss

Choosing the right paint type is essential for both aesthetics and durability. Flat, eggshell, satin/low sheen, semi-gloss, and high-gloss paints all have distinct characteristics, such as their level of sheen, ease of cleaning, and ability to hide imperfections. Flat paint, also known as matte, has a non-reflective surface with no sheen, resulting in excellent depth of colour but is challenging to maintain as it is prone to scuffs and stains. Eggshell paint has a subtle sheen, is more washable than flat paint, and is ideal for areas with traffic like dining rooms. Satin/low sheen paints have a slightly higher gloss, are easy to clean, and are ideal for areas requiring some gloss and good cleaning properties. Semi-gloss paints have a shiny, reflective sheen, are durable, and are used in rooms requiring frequent scrubbing. High-gloss paints have the highest reflectiveness, are the toughest, most stain-resistant, and easiest to clean.

Flat paint is non-reflective, rich in colour, but challenging to maintain

Flat paint, also known as flat matt paint, has a very low gloss level, typically between 0% and 4% sheen. This lack of gloss gives flat paint a non-reflective quality, meaning that light directed at it will be absorbed or scattered, rather than reflected back. This makes flat paint ideal for use on walls with bumps or scratches, as it can easily conceal these blemishes. Flat paint is also well-suited to low-traffic rooms, like dining rooms and offices, as well as ceilings.

While flat paint is non-reflective, it is also rich in colour. Paints with lower gloss levels, like flat paint, tend to have higher levels of pigmentation. This means that the same colour in a flat paint will appear richer and brighter than the same colour in a higher gloss paint.

However, flat paint can be challenging to maintain. Flat paint is less durable than higher-gloss alternatives and is more difficult to clean. Flat paint is also more prone to staining and scuffing than eggshell or semi-gloss paints, which can make it harder to keep in good condition over time.

If you are considering using flat paint, it is important to keep in mind the level of traffic and activity in the space. Flat paint is best suited for low-traffic areas, as it may not withstand the wear and tear of high-traffic areas. Additionally, if the space is likely to be exposed to moisture or stains, a more durable and washable paint, like eggshell or semi-gloss, may be a better option.

Overall, flat paint can be a great choice for creating a rich and non-reflective finish, especially in low-traffic areas or spaces with imperfections you want to conceal. However, the maintenance and durability challenges of flat paint may make it less suitable for high-traffic or moisture-prone areas.

Semi-gloss is shiny, durable, and easy to clean

When it comes to paint, gloss is about shine—the glossier the paint, the more light is reflected from its surface, giving it a shiny, glossy, or glass-like appearance. Flat or satin/low sheen paints, on the other hand, have a rough surface profile after drying, resulting in a "flat" look.

Semi-gloss paint falls between flat and high-gloss paints in terms of shine. It has a slightly glossy appearance and is less reflective than high-gloss paints. This means that while semi-gloss paint will give your walls a polished and sleek look, it won't be overly shiny.

Semi-gloss paint is also known for its durability. It offers good stain resistance and can withstand scrubbing, making it easy to clean. This is why semi-gloss paint is commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms, which often require frequent cleaning due to moisture, mildew, and stains. It is also suitable for high-traffic areas, such as doors and utility rooms, as it can stand up to wear and tear.

Compared to flat paints, semi-gloss paints are easier to clean and more resistant to stains and moisture. They are a good choice for areas where some gloss is desired, but good cleaning properties are also necessary. However, it's important to note that higher gloss levels, including semi-gloss, can sometimes highlight defects and imperfections on surfaces.

Eggshell has a subtle sheen, is washable, and resists stains

Eggshell paint has a subtle sheen, making it a good choice for those who want a finish that is not too flat but also not too shiny. It has a slightly duller sheen than satin paint. Its low gloss makes it cleanable and resistant to wear and tear. It is easier to maintain than matte paint, and its slight gloss prevents stains from soaking in.

Eggshell paint is more washable than flat sheens, and it resists stains and scuffs. It is considered more difficult to touch up than satin paint, but its subtle sheen makes it easier to clean than lower-gloss finishes.

Eggshell paint is perfect for low- to mid-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, entryways, family rooms, and dining rooms. It is also suitable for high-traffic spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, and children's rooms. It is a great option for woodwork, offering a durable and attractive finish on doors, trim, and furniture.

The slight sheen of eggshell paint allows light to reflect gently off the walls, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere without the harsh glare of a glossier paint. It is a versatile finish that combines aesthetic appeal with functionality, making it ideal for various rooms in the home, especially living rooms and bedrooms, where comfort and style are key.

Satin is a low-lustre finish, with good stain resistance and durability

Satin paint is a versatile, middle-of-the-road option for your painting projects. Satin is a low-lustre finish, with good stain resistance and durability. It is ideal for indoor and outdoor use and can be used on both large surfaces and details like trim. Satin paint is glossier than eggshell finish paint but flatter than semi-gloss paint. It has a slight sheen, a soft sheen, or a pearl-like finish. Satin paint is best used for surfaces with a low impact, such as door casings, doors, windowsills, and trim.

Satin paint is also a good choice for areas where some gloss is desired, but good cleaning properties are also necessary, such as kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. Satin paint has a moderate time window for drying and curing, making it a great option if you're on a tight timeline but don't want to use flat paint, which cures even faster. Satin paint is also moisture-resistant, making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.

Satin paint is also simple to apply. It dries moderately quickly, in about an hour under optimal conditions. Satin paint is also easy to clean, with strong cleanability. Its tight pores mean that markers, food stains, dirt, and liquids clean off better than with flatter paints. Satin paint is also resistant to lap marks.

However, satin paint is not ideal for rooms with a lot of sunlight, as it has a higher level of sheen and is reflective. It can also highlight surface imperfections more than flat paints.

High-gloss is highly reflective, tough, and the easiest to clean

When it comes to paint, gloss is about shine—the amount of light reflected from the painted surface. High-gloss paints have the highest level of reflectivity, giving them a slick, contemporary look. This high reflectivity also means that high-gloss paints emphasise surface imperfections.

High-gloss paints are the toughest and most durable paint finish. They are stain-resistant and stand up well to contaminants and traffic. This makes them the easiest to clean. High-gloss paints are commonly used on doors and cabinets, where they are exposed to dirt and oil, and they can also be used for trim and some woodwork.

To clean a high-gloss painted surface, it's important to use the right materials and techniques. Before cleaning, clear away surface dirt and dust with a microfiber cloth. When it's time to wash the wall, use a mild detergent—a few drops of dish soap—and a microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, acetone, and nail polish, as these can damage high-gloss paint. It's also best to avoid excessive force when cleaning, as too much scrubbing can cause damage.

High-gloss paints are ideal for high-traffic areas and can be a good choice for rooms with higher humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. They can also be a good option for windowless or low-light spaces, as their reflectivity helps them to bounce light around the room.

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