Types of Paint Finishes

The Paint Centers understands finding the right paint can be an ordeal. We’re here to help you navigate the confusing world of paint finishes. Our professional team has over 75 combined years’ paint experience, and we’d love to help you find the perfect type of paint for your home. We are a proud Benjamin Moore provider and are thrilled to bring you the high-quality variety of colors you deserve.

1. Matte/Flat

Matte and Flat paints offer the lowest amount of sheen but do the best at hiding scrapes or blemishes. Matte paint needs fewer coats and is easier to touch up than glossier paints. These paints also benefit from being easily cleaned by a sponge; be wary of using chemical cleaners as this may damage the wall.

We love matte/flat paints on drywall, ceilings, and low-traffic areas. This deep but unreflective paint is perfect for:

• Master Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Closets

2. Eggshell

Eggshell is among the more popular paint finishes. Famous for having a low sheen and soft brushed finish (like the eggshell it is named after), this paint is perfect for rooms with soft lighting and big spaces. Eggshell paints resist stains and scuffs and are more washable than higher sheen paints.

Eggshell paint shines in low- to mid-traffic areas. We suggest these paints for:

• Living Rooms
• Entryways/Hallways
• Family Rooms

3. Satin

Satin paint is the most versatile paint available. The finish works with nearly any room and gives a pearly finish; this combines wonderfully with natural light for a welcoming effect. This is the first of the paint finishes that starts to demonstrate moisture resistance and is easier to clean than lower gloss finishes. We suggest Benjamin Moore Aura Interior for your matte, eggshell, and satin paint needs.

By reaching a middle ground between easy-to-clean and moisture resistant, satin becomes a perfect paint for high-traffic areas or areas exposed to water. We love satin paint for:

• Children’s Bedrooms
• Kitchens
• Offices/Playrooms
• Laundry Rooms

More reflective than Satin, Semi-gloss paint loves to show off its shine. This paint gives a modern, sleek appearance, perfect for bright lights and dark flooring. Semi-gloss highlights whites and off-whites, giving them a more radiant appearance than other paints.

Boasting a higher moisture resistance than satin, semi-gloss shines in these areas:

• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Doors
• Kitchens

High-gloss gives the highest level of reflection, is the most moisture-resistant paint finish, and is perfect for highlighting accent pieces or giving curb appeal to doors and shutters. One detail worth noting for semi- and high-gloss paint is the additional coats required to achieve and even and clean finish.

This luminous finish is best-suited on:

• Doors
• Cabinets
• Outdoor Shutters
• Molding
• Trim

In Conclusion

The real truth is that there are no hard and fast rules—you should paint your space with whatever product you like the most! The best way to determine that is to swatch your paint in the space and make sure you enjoy how that swatch looks in various lights and times throughout your day before making a final decision.

Knowing what paint is perfect for you is a task we’d love to help you with! At The Paint Centers, our team of qualified professionals is eager to help you achieve the house of your dream. We have locations in Flint, Grand Blanc, Fenton, and Clarkston, MI. We have loved being a part of these communities over the years. Contact us or stop by one of our stores today to get the help you need on your project.