Types Of Paint Finishes

Types of Paint Finishes – The Perfect Guide to Help You

Do you want to know the types of paint finishes? Matte, velvet, satin, or gloss finishes correspond to a more or less high gloss appearance, for example, the amount of light that the paint can reflect.

Light is projected onto the paint at an angle of 60°, which makes it possible to measure the amount of light reflected. The more matt the paint is, the less light it reflects (less than 5%). In addition, a shinier paint reflects more light (60-100% reflected light).

Between these matt and glossy aspects, there are two intermediaries. They are the velvet aspect, which reflects a little more light than matt (5 to 15%), and the satin aspect, that reflects a little more (15 to 60%).

Types of Paint Finishes

Choosing between matt, velvet, satin, or glossy finishes means opting between a level of gloss and light reflectance. It’s a very personal choice, just as is the choice of colors. But to this choice, you have to add the specific characteristics of the use of each paint. Remember each room has its own type of paint!

Furthermore, you have to identify your needs, and choose a paint finish that adapts to the use of the room. Make sure you consider factors such as the appearance of the walls, number of passages, risk of soiling, dry or wet, and more. Finally, you need to make the right choices for a long-lasting result.

Matte Paint – Ideal for Interior Decoration

Many experts consider matte paint to be an elegant painting. That is because it gives a room a sober, chic, warm, and cozy atmosphere. If you want  to renovate or relook the interior, this paint can serve you well.

The more matt a paint is, the more opaque it is, and the less light it reflects. However, its imperfections of the surface are visible (badly filled hole, damaged surface, improper sanding and more).

Matte paint does not reflect light, and it guarantees a uniform rendering of color over the entire surface. Moreover, this paint is perfect for masking the slightest defects. Its texture masks the imperfections of a surface like in old houses or on loose walls.

This paint is water-based and is porous. Further, it can withstand light washing, but cannot resist stains that penetrate quickly in a porous film.

You will find the matte paint to be ideal for covering ceilings, large spaces, master bedrooms, offices, living rooms, and dining rooms. These areas experience less traffic, and therefore at less risk of polishing, rubbing, splashes, and stains.

Even if it does not shine, matt paint has a high covering power. You will find it very easy to apply, and it leaves little or no trace when rolled.

Velvet Paint – A Good Solution

Velvet-look paint is a very good compromise between resistance and aesthetics, between matt and satin. It is sometimes called “semi-matt” or “semi-satin”.

This paint catches the light very slightly, and thanks to its silky, powdery, and sometimes slightly dappled finish, this paint adapts perfectly to warm rooms.

Moreover, velvet paint reflects little light, and is easy to apply on walls.

This paint is very suitable for adult bedrooms, offices, living rooms, lounges, and dining rooms.

Further, it is easy to maintain and washable.

Satin Paint – The Most Versatile Paint

A satin painting reflects light, and its imperfections are visible.

Satin paint is more resistant than a matte finish, and therefore allows for better leaching (less porous paint), which means it is a more versatile paint. Therefore, it is suitable for both wet and dry rooms.

It is ideal for rooms with a lot of traffic. They include entrances, kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, children’s rooms, playrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, staircases, and corridors.

This paint is an ideal compromise between the matt and glossy appearance. It offers a high covering power while reflecting light. Furthermore, it is solid, non-polishable, and easily washable.

When it comes to rental housing, this paint can serve you well: a good washout between two tenants allows it to regain its lustre.

However, it should be noted that this paint hardly masks defects, and its application requires good preparation of the surface, and a safe gesture to avoid traces of roller. For the best outcome, it is better not to use it for ceilings.

Glossy Paint – Beware Of Defects

This paint has the tightest and brightest finish. The lacquered and glossy aspect is the most marked: this paint gives a mirror effect to the surfaces. It is suitable for application on new walls or walls in perfect condition.

Indeed, you should know one thing: this paint requires impeccable walls and without the slightest roughness: the slightest defect is visible! The more a paint shines, the more water-resistant it is. Glossy paint is therefore suitable for bathroom, showers, and kitchens.

Furthermore, glossy paint is very resistant, but more than 3 coats are often necessary to obtain an impeccable finish. You will  find this paint to be especially suitable for decoration to cover furniture and joinery, but its application remains difficult: it requires a great mastery of application.

This paint is the most solid and the most easily washable. It resists everything except the imperfections of its surface!

Conclusion – Types of Paint Finishes

You can determine that type of paint finish according to the use of the part.

Indeed, depending on the passage or the risk of dirt, we will not apply the same type of paint finishes:

Satin or glossy finish: You should use a resistant paint for the kitchen, bathroom, and toilets.

Velvet or satin finish: Choose a paint that is resistant to traffic, and therefore to the risk of dirt or rubbing, especially in the entrance hall, corridors, staircases, children’s rooms, or playrooms.

Matt finish: Use this paint for the baby’s room and adult’s room, and also for the living room, dining room, or even the office.

 

 

 

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