When it comes to painting your home, choosing the right color is only half the battle. The type of paint finish you select can significantly impact both the appearance and durability of your walls. This blog will guide you through the different types of paint finishes, suggest the best finishes for each room, and highlight some of the best and worst paint brands on the market.
Types of Paint Finishes
1. Flat/Matte Finish
- Characteristics: Non-reflective, conceals imperfections well.
- Best For: Low-traffic areas like ceilings, dining rooms, and adult bedrooms.
- Pros: Hides wall imperfections and offers a smooth look.
- Cons: Less durable and harder to clean.
2. Eggshell Finish
- Characteristics: Slightly reflective with a soft sheen.
- Best For: Living rooms, family rooms, and bedrooms.
- Pros: Easy to clean and more durable than flat finishes.
- Cons: Slightly more difficult to apply smoothly.
3. Satin Finish
- Characteristics: Smooth, with a slight gloss.
- Best For: High-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms.
- Pros: Durable, easy to clean, and resistant to mildew.
- Cons: Can show brush strokes and surface imperfections.
4. Semi-Gloss Finish
- Characteristics: Moderately shiny and reflective.
- Best For: Trim, doors, kitchens, and bathrooms.
- Pros: Highly durable, easy to clean, and moisture-resistant.
- Cons: Highlights imperfections on walls.
5. Gloss Finish
- Characteristics: Very shiny and reflective.
- Best For: Cabinets, trim, and doors.
- Pros: Extremely durable and easy to clean.
- Cons: Shows every imperfection and requires a smooth application.
Best Paint Finishes for Each Room
Living Room: Eggshell or Satin
- These finishes provide a balance of durability and aesthetics, offering a soft sheen that enhances the room’s warmth and elegance while being easy to clean.
Bedroom: Flat/Matte or Eggshell
- For adult bedrooms, flat or matte finishes create a calm, serene environment. For children’s bedrooms, consider eggshell for its easy maintenance.
Kitchen: Satin or Semi-Gloss
- Kitchens require a finish that can withstand moisture and be cleaned frequently. Satin and semi-gloss finishes are ideal for these high-traffic areas.
Bathroom: Satin or Semi-Gloss
- Similar to kitchens, bathrooms benefit from the moisture resistance and easy cleaning properties of satin and semi-gloss finishes.
Hallways: Satin
- Hallways see a lot of traffic, making satin finishes perfect due to their durability and easy maintenance.
Ceilings: Flat/Matte
- Flat finishes are best for ceilings as they hide imperfections and reduce light reflection, creating a uniform look.
Best and Worst Paint Brands
Best Brands:
1. Benjamin Moore: Known for its superior coverage, durability, and rich color choices. The Regal Select and Aura lines are particularly popular for their performance.
2. Sherwin-Williams: Offers a wide range of high-quality paints. The Duration Home and Emerald lines are excellent for their durability and washability.
3. Behr: Available at Home Depot, Behr Marquee and Premium Plus Ultra lines provide excellent coverage and durability at a reasonable price.
Worst Brands:
1. Valspar: While widely available and budget-friendly, some users report inconsistent coverage and durability compared to higher-end brands.
2. Glidden: Another budget option, but often criticized for requiring more coats and not providing the same level of finish quality as premium brands.
3. Dutch Boy: Known for its ease of use but falls short in terms of longevity and coverage compared to top-tier brands.
Choosing the right paint finish can enhance the look and durability of your home's interior. By selecting the appropriate finish for each room, you can ensure that your walls are both beautiful and functional. When it comes to paint brands, investing in high-quality options like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Behr can save you time and effort in the long run, providing a finish that lasts. Avoid lower-end brands if possible, as they may not deliver the same level of satisfaction. Happy painting!