A Guide to the Types of Interior Paint Finishes

A trip to the hardware store to pick out paint will not only put you in front of a wide variety of paint sample colors, but also a variety of interior and exterior paints that have specific purposes depending on their finishes. While the salesperson can likely direct you in the right place, it is also nice to have an understanding of types of paint and their purposes. The Knoxville movers are here to help you learn the basics of interior paint picking. Once you’ve decided on a color, you have to determine the finish.

Matte Finish: Matte finish also goes by Flat Finish, and it has a surface that lacks sheen. Most interior walls do best with this type of paint. Because of the lack of shine, matte/flat paint is the ideal choice for those looking to paint imperfect walls that may have cracks, bumps and therefore will not reflect light off of these imperfections. Keep a small container of the paint once you are done so that you can touch up if washing makes it fade over time.

Eggshell Finish: Just like an actual eggshell has a low level of sheen, eggshell paint has a hint of shine. Eggshell paint is good for walls with minor imperfections and is more durable to clean than matte finish paint, so eggshell finish paint is great for those homes where children and pets live, because it is washable.

Satin Finish: As you can probably guess from the name, satin finish paint has a velvety look with amped up shine. Often used as accents and smaller areas, satin can also be used in high traffic areas like the kitchen.

Semi-Gloss: Doors, trim, and cabinets often get painted with semi-gloss. The subtle shine to it is great to accent areas of rooms. Remember to clean surfaces well before painting with semi-gloss, because dirt and other grime will be highlighted with the sheen that comes from semi-gloss. Semi-gloss is also good for the humidity and moisture you get in the bathroom.

Glossy: Paints classified as high glass are so shiny that they are practically reflective. Walls rarely get this type of paint, but cabinets, trim and furniture can look sleek with this type of paint. Sanding is essential prior to using glossy paint.