Paint finish or sheen refers to the amount of light the paint reflects. The type of paint finish you use impacts the overall aesthetic of your interiors.
Most homeowners spend plenty of time choosing the right color for their walls but forget to invest thought into the paint finish until the last minute. Furthermore, they select a paint finish solely based on appearance, overlooking its functional role.
Paint finish can completely transform the way a color looks on your walls, hide imperfections, protect walls from moisture, and even influence the feel.
To make an informed decision, it’s essential to understand the key differences between the most common paint finishes. To help you out, we’ve got a detailed breakdown: Matte vs. Gloss vs. Satin—What Is the Best Paint Finish for Your Home?
1. Matte Finish
A matte finish, also known as a flat finish, has the least sheen or gloss. It offers a smooth and velvety texture, ideal for a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere.
Pros of Matte Finish
Hides Imperfections: If you have an old house with surface imperfections like dents, cracks, or uneven texture, a matte finish could be the perfect solution for you. A matte finish hides the flaws and can give your wall a smooth appearance.
Soft and subtle: The matte finish is less reflective than its glossy counterparts. So, if you’re not a fan of shiny walls, a matte finish could help you achieve a softer glow.
Easy touch-up: Whether it’s scratches incurred during a furniture move or a mischievous child painting on the walls, there are many reasons why you may need to touch up certain areas with a fresh coat of paint. When repainting surfaces, a matte finish seamlessly blends into other sections on the wall, giving it a more natural appearance.
Cons of Matte Finish
Less Durable: A matte finish is more likely to absorb dust particles and stains and can start looking dirty over time. That’s why matte finish is not preferred for areas that are in direct contact with traffic.
Hard to clean: Scrubbing a matte finish can lead to paint damage, making your walls shabby and pale.
- Best Areas to Use Matte Finish: Bedroom, living room, and ceiling are the best areas to use a matte finish. Whereas the kitchen, bathroom, and children’s room would be best avoided.
2. Gloss Finish
The gloss finish is highly reflective, creating a shiny and polished look. It is often used for places that require easy maintenance and durability. It is widely available in both semi-gloss and high-gloss variants.
Pros of Gloss Finish
High durability: A gloss finish is highly resistant to moisture, stains, and dirt. High humidity can cause paint to peel and lead to fungal growth, which is a major health risk. Using a semi-gloss or high-gloss paint finish can prevent water vapors in the air from entering your walls.
Easy to clean: Cleaning a wall with this type of finish is quick and easy. All you need is a damp cloth and a soft cleaning agent to restore the shine of your walls. There’s no need for excessive scrubbing either; usually, a quick wipe is enough.
Enhance Design: You can use a combination of paint finishes to enhance the design features of your house. The best use for gloss finish is to highlight doors, trims, windows, moldings, etc.
Cons of Gloss Finish
Shows Imperfections: Uneven textures and cracks can also get highlighted by the sheen of a gloss finish. So if you’ve got things to hide, it’s best to avoid anything too glossy.
Too shiny: If you want sophisticated, subtle aesthetics to be the vibe of your house, then a gloss finish might not be the best for you.
- Best Areas to Use Gloss Finish: Doors, furniture, kitchen cabinets, and bathrooms are some of the areas where using a gloss finish may accentuate your living space.
3. Satin Finish
Satin finish strikes a balance between matte and gloss finishes. It offers a subtle sheen that is slightly reflective yet soft. Satin finish is the most popularly chosen paint finish in Singapore.
Pros of Satin Finish
Durable and easy to clean: Satin finish can withstand moderate scrubbing and does not fade or peel after washing.
Soft glow: When it comes to sheen, a satin finish lies somewhere between matte and gloss. Its shine is not overbearing and adds a soft glow to the walls.
Hides imperfection: If your walls have uneven texture or minor flaws, a Satin finish can come to the rescue. It hides imperfections, maybe not as efficiently as matte, but definitely in a visually appealing way.
Cons of Satin Finish
Tricky touch-ups: Touch-ups of this type of paint finish do not seamlessly blend and are somewhat visible.
- Best Areas to Use Satin Finish: Hallways, kid’s rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens are ideal areas for a satin finish. For the living room, you might want to go with a softer, more subtle look with matte.
Why is the paint finish most popular in Singapore?
The satin finish is the most popular paint finish in Singapore, as it offers a balance of functionality and aesthetics.
Reasons behind the popularity of the satin finish in Singapore:
- Moisture Resistant: Singapore experiences high humidity levels throughout the year. Satin finish can withstand humidity, making it an ideal option for Singaporean homes. It keeps the paint from peeling and prevents fungal growth and mold.
- High Durability: Singapore has high traffic, leading to increased dust particles in the air. A satin finish does not absorb dust as easily as its counterparts, making it more durable.
- Versatility: The satin finish offers a sophisticated look and the potential to highlight design features. It can be used on walls, doors, trims, and almost everywhere else in the house.
- Washability: A satin finish is easy to clean. A damp cloth on the surface should be enough to remove most stains.
Understanding the differences between matte, gloss, and satin finishes can significantly impact the ambiance and functionality of your home. Most homeowners prefer to use a combination of two paint finishes to enhance design features and durability without having to compromise on aesthetics.
At Fixlaa, we provide painting services to homeowners all across Singapore. Our expert painters know the best products and brands available in the market and can assist you in the paint finish selection.
To schedule a painting service consultation with experts at Fixlaa, If you’re interested in painting-related tips and information, stay tuned to our blog.
