Pro Painter’s Advice: Can You Paint In The Winter?

Choosing the best paint for your next project can often seem a daunting task —There are a ton of considerations to make. But don’t worry. We’ll help you get there. In this post, we’ll be breaking down paint finish types. You have probably heard or read a great deal about paint finish types. “Shiny finishes are more lasting,” some say, or “matte finishes are too dirty.” We are here to give you fantastic news: today’s paint technology makes this selection easier. Nowadays, newer formulas have eliminated previous limitations these paint finish types once had. Now, matte finishes can be washable, or shiny paints can hide imperfections better. Does this mean any paint finish will do? Yes and no. If you want to choose your favorite finish with your desired specifications, you sure can. However, do keep in mind that each finish has certain characteristics that make it more suitable for particular needs. Variety grants an ideal option for every painting project that changes with its requirements.
Guide To Paint Finish Types
Ultimately, we want to share with you how to choose a paint finish smartly to achieve your desired results based on your needs. Without further adieu, let’s dive into it!
What Are Your Options Today?

What Are Your Options Today?

If you were unfamiliar with paint finish types, these are classified by their sheen. They can be (from shiniest to flattest) high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell, matte, and flat. Note: Some people use flat and matte terms interchangeably. Matte paint can have a small amount of shine, vs. flat paint, which is mostly used in ceilings. High-gloss paints were commonly known as the most durable, and matte paints, although very appealing in looks, required more maintenance and weren’t suitable for high-traffic areas. Now that things have changed, we are breaking them down once again, considering their new specifications:
High-Gloss

High-Gloss

The shinier, the more durable. But don’t get carried away, as these paints can show more defects. Still, that isn’t necessarily bad when used in the right spots. A high-gloss paint is excellent for accentuating doors, trims, and other details that you want to stand out.

Semi-Gloss

Semi-Gloss

A little less shiny but still resistant, a semi-gloss paint can perform well in high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms and won’t highlight defects as much. You still want to be careful and prep the walls correctly, but you have the guarantee they are moisture and chip resistant.

Pro Tip: You can get a hard paint finish for extra durability.

Satin & Eggshell

Satin & Eggshell

The satin paint finish has a pearl-like effect, and the eggshell paint finish has a luster effect, like an egg (hence the name). They are the middle ground of paint finish types. If you’ve ever wondered what finish is best for walls, any of these is an excellent option for living rooms and bedrooms. Although not as durable as high gloss paints, they can hold up nicely, are easier to clean, and cover imperfections.

Matte & Flat

Matte & Flat

Lastly, we the stylish matte and flat paint finishes. The more matte a paint is, the less durable it is, and it can get dirty easily but can hide imperfections nicely and are easy to touch up. Therefore, a matte paint finish can work wonders in hallways, walkways, and transit areas prone to defects. Flat paints are the most matte. It is the best for ceilings where they won’t get dirty.

However, as we mentioned above, it is still possible to use matte paints in walls and even bathrooms and kitchens, with washable matte paints, which also have moisture and mildew resistance.

Which One Is The Best?

Now that we’ve shown the pros and cons of all paint finish types, it boils down to the results you want to obtain. What’s great is that all options are very accommodating, so if you liked a matte finish but were hesitant due to the maintenance requirements, you can find an alternative with the features you want. We’ve listed the primary considerations to make so that it’s easy to know what you have to look for:

  • Style and preference
  • Durability (Pro Tip: The manufacturer plays a considerable role as well as the sheen in a paint’s durability.)
  • Moisture-resistance
  • Surface state

Choosing paint finish types is only the tip of the iceberg in finding the best paint for your project, but you are now more equipped to make a smarter selection. For further assistance, stay tuned to our blog or contact your experienced painting professionals for advice. Don’t hesitate to reach out!