How To Choose the Right Paint Finish For Your Home

Whether you’re planning a move, or just want to freshen up your home for you own enjoyment, how do you know which paint finish to choose when there are many options available? Depending on your desired amount of shine and durability, one finish will be more ideal than another. Today, we’re sharing the various types of paint finishes as well as the recommended areas for each.

Flat or Matte Finish
Flat or matte finishes are most commonly used in new homes as they hide imperfections so well. Because these finishes don’t reflect light directly, flaws are less noticeable. One downside is that stains are more difficult to remove with a flat finish, as the texture is more porous, trapping dirt and making cleaning more challenging. Flat paint works best on ceilings and interior walls of formal rooms. It’s less suited for high traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, children’s bedrooms, hallways and stairwells.

Eggshell Finish
Eggshell finish has a light sheen, similar in appearance to the surface of an egg. Eggshell finishes are moderately easy to clean and resists stains and scuffs better than a flat finish. Meanwhile it still offers good coverage to hide imperfections. Although it cleans up better, it still isn’t ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.

Satin (Pearl) Finish
Satin finish has a smooth, almost velvety appearance. It provides a slightly more reflective surface, making it better for frequently used areas, as it holds up well to heavy cleaning and light scrubbing. This finish withstands moisture well, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. It’s also commonly used in children’s bedrooms, walls, doors and hallways.

Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss finishes offer a nice, subtle shine and are easy to clean, including scrubbing. Because the finish reflects light, it shows flaws much easier than a flat or eggshell finish, making it very important to have your preparation work done well. Semi-Gloss paints are more commonly used on doors, trim, baseboards, moldings, railings, and cabinets.

High-Gloss Finish
High gloss finishes have almost like a reflective quality, as their shiny finish mimics the look of plastic or enamel. A high gloss finish is stain resistant and easy to scrub, making it a good choice for areas with high wear and tear such as kitchens, baths, trim, railings, doors, cabinets, etc. Kitchen spatters and coloring clean up best with this finish. Keep in mind though this reflective finish will magnify all minor imperfections.

For a great local company that excels in customer service, be sure to stop by Leduc Wall Fashions on Main Street. They can help you determine what finish is best for your home, and they also do a fantastic job at helping you choose colors.

If you or anyone you know has considered buying or selling a home, give us a call. It’d be our team’s highest honour to serve you!

Jason Rustand with RE/MAX Real Estate serves with the highest level of integrity and excellence every time. For more info on this topic or others related to real estate, LIKE our Jason Rustand Team Facebook page, call us direct at 780-980-2828, email jrteam@shaw.ca or visit WeSellLeduc.com