5 Types of Wall Paint Finishes: Choose Your Perfect Match

When giving your interior walls a fresh coat of paint, choosing the perfect color is just the beginning. The paint finish can dramatically affect the look and feel of a room. Understanding the different types of wall paint finishes is key to making the right choice for your space.

Let’s dive into the paint finishes that a New Jersey interior house painting contractor might recommend and discover which one suits your walls best.

Matte paint, also known as flat finish, is the most common interior wall paint. It doesn’t reflect light directly, which means it’s great for hiding imperfections like bumps and small cracks. It gives walls a smooth and even look. However, it can be a bit more challenging to clean, so it’s best used in rooms that don’t get a lot of fingerprints or dirt on the walls.

Next up is the eggshell finish, which has a slight hint of shine and resembles the surface of an eggshell. It’s more durable than matte and is easier to clean, making it a good choice for most rooms, including living rooms and bedrooms. It has a low level of reflectivity, so it’s good for hiding imperfections while also being more washable.

Satin finishes offer a pearl-like sheen and are more durable than both matte and eggshell. This makes them ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and children’s rooms. They withstand cleaning and light scrubbing better, so they’re practical for spaces that need regular wiping down.

Semi-gloss paint is more reflective and stands up well to moisture, making it a great choice for areas like bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes. It’s also highly durable and easy to clean. The downside is that it can make wall imperfections more noticeable, so it’s best applied to smooth, well-prepared surfaces.

Gloss paint has a high sheen, and it’s the most durable and easiest to clean of all paint finishes. It’s often used for trim, woodwork, and areas that need to stand up to heavy use. While it’s too shiny for an entire wall, it’s excellent for making details pop.

The most popular among all the types of wall paint finishes is undoubtedly the eggshell finish. It strikes a perfect balance with its soft, inviting glow that isn’t too shiny. This makes it a favorite among various types of wall paint finishes. Eggshell is durable enough for cleaning and can hide imperfections better than shinier options. It’s versatile, working well in almost any room, including living areas and hallways.

This finish reflects light gently, creating a warm ambiance without the glare that glossier finishes can produce. Homeowners and professional interior painting contractors alike often choose eggshell for its practicality and subtle elegance. It’s the go-to for those wanting to achieve a long-lasting, classic look.

For older walls with a bit of history and character, the best choice among the types of wall paint finishes is often a matte or flat finish. This option excels at hiding the small imperfections and blemishes that come with time, such as nicks, dings, and the occasional uneven patch. Matte finishes absorb light rather than reflecting it, which means less attention is drawn to any irregularities.

Moreover, this type of finish offers a classic, smooth look that can help walls appear more even and uniform. While matte is not as easy to clean as some other finishes, its ability to conceal flaws makes it a smart pick for walls that have seen a few years. It’s a finish that can bring out the beauty in the age of a space, giving it a dignified and refined appearance.

Selecting the right type of wall paint finish depends on the room, the amount of traffic, and how much you’re willing to put into maintenance. Matte and eggshell finishes are great for low-traffic areas, while satin and semi-gloss are better for busy spaces. Gloss finishes are perfect for trim and details that you want to stand out.

Remember, the right finish can transform a room, not just by the color it brings but also by the ambiance it creates through its texture and sheen. Now that you’re equipped with knowledge about the types of wall paint finishes, you’re one step closer to picking the perfect paint for your project. Whether you’re going for a cozy, subtle look or a bold, durable surface, there’s a paint finish that’s just right for your walls.

When it’s time to update your home’s walls, Elite NJ Painting stands ready to transform your space. Our skilled professionals are experts at selecting the right types of wall paint finishes to suit the unique character of your home. We pride ourselves on delivering a flawless finish that hides the years and highlights the beauty.

For walls that tell a story of elegance, reach out to Elite NJ Painting. Don’t let the charm of your home fade! Let us help you revitalize your space with the perfect finish.

Contact Elite NJ Painting today at 908-869-8799 for a free consultation.