Painting your home can be a daunting task. Aside from having to choose the best color for your home interior, you must also consider how the sheen will look. Once you’re standing face-to-face with the endless number of colors and finishes to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Luckily, we’ve created a handy dandy guide to help you select the perfect one. Read along to learn more about each type of paint gloss and its unique purpose.
What Are the Different Types of Paint Gloss?
Did you know that paints come in several sheens or “gloss levels”? It determines how reflective the dried paint surface will be. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most common paint gloss options available:
High-Gloss
High-gloss paints are extremely reflective, with a gloss level of over 45%. Since they’re so shiny, they show far more textures and imperfections on a painted surface. That can be a desirable characteristic for some people. One of the perks of this type of paint gloss is that it’s durable and easy to clean, which is why it’s a great choice for high-touch areas like cabinets, trims, and doors.
Semi-Gloss
These paints have a gloss level of 30-40%, which means they’re fairly reflective of light sources. Since the paint surface is much smoother, these types of paints are easier to clean and maintain. Semi-gloss is an excellent choice for walls that encounter moisture, drip, and grease stains.
Satin
Satin paint has a gloss level of about 20-30%. Although it’s more resistant to staining than lower sheens, it’s still not as effective as higher-level paint glosses. This type of paint can be difficult to apply, but it’s easy to clean once the paint has dried.
Flat or Matte
Flat or matte paints soak up light rather than reflect it. They have a little sheen, so when light sources hit them, it diffuses and creates an even, soft-looking surface. Since flat paints have the most pigment and offer more coverage, they’re a great choice for people wanting to save time and money.
How to Choose the Right Paint Gloss
Are you having trouble choosing your paint gloss? Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Aesthetic – Think about how the final paint color and sheen will look. You should try applying sample paints onto your surface to get an idea of how the combination will appear after it dries.
- Use – Consider the utility of the room you’re painting. If it’s an area that requires more cleaning (like a kitchen, bathroom, and doors) you may want to use high-gloss paint.
- Light – Think of the light sources in your room and choose one that works well with them.
Selecting the right interior paint gloss can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Now that you know more about the different types, you can make a well-informed decision that works perfectly with your space!
About Platinum Painting of Fort Worth
At Platinum Painting of Fort Worth, we understand that your interior paint surfaces should reflect your desired mood, personality, and preferences. Our team will take the time to understand your goals and give you results that you’ll be completely satisfied with. If you need help choosing an interior paint gloss, we’ve got you covered. Visit our website or call (817) 885-5656 to speak to a member of our team.