Painters in Victoria: Choosing the Right Interior Finish For Your Home

Have you ever walked the paint aisles at your local hardware or big box store and noticed all of the options for paint finishes? Most people aren’t sure what the purposes or benefits are for the varying degrees of sheen, which is why they talk to painting services in Victoria to determine the right finish.

There are essentially four paint finishes: satin, eggshell, semi-gloss, and flat. The right finish for your home depends on several factors, including home much protection you need your wall to have and how easy it is to clean.

4 Finishes for Interior Spaces

Choosing a paint finish has little to do with selecting the type of paint — oil or latex. Both paint types have the same finishes with essentially the same characteristics. That said, most people prefer latex paints for interior spaces because they produce fewer fumes and are easier to clean up than oil paints.

When choosing the finish for your paint, you must consider the application and location of the paint. For example, painting a ceiling will require different needs than painting a wall.

1. Satin

Satin is a popular interior paint finish. It has a little bit of gloss or sheen but not much, and it offers suitable protection for walls and other fragile or vulnerable elements.

Most people use satin-finished paints for window and door trim and ceilings. The formula allows the paint to hold up to basic cleaning and light scrubbing. That said, it is not as durable as semi-gloss or gloss paints, so you still need to clean surfaces with a gentle hand.

2. Eggshell

Eggshell finishes have a subtle gloss or sheen to them. Think of the light sheen of a genuine eggshell, and you can imagine the look of the finish.

While not as durable as a satin paint, eggshell finish still have good washability. The extra benefit of a lower sheen is the paint does not show as many surface flaws; rather, it hides imperfections.

Eggshell finishes are popular in older homes and houses with children. If you have little ones or a home with a few flaws, consider this finish.

3. Semi-gloss

Semi-gloss finishes are rarely used as wall finishes because they tend to show every flaw. Painters and homeowners prefer to use semi-gloss paints on doors and trim or cabinets, especially against satin or eggshell finishes. The subtle difference in sheen makes the semi-glossed components stand out, creating depth and texture to a design.

Besides being more reflective, semi-gloss finishes are more durable than satin and eggshell paints. That said, surfaces require significant preparation to ensure a clean and smooth finish.

4. Flat

The least durable finish is a flat paint. The flat finish is also the least reflective or shiny. Most say it appears and feels chalky.

The primary reason to use a flat paint is to camouflage wall cracks, bumps, and imperfections. Because the paint doesn’t shine like other finishes, it draws less attention to the wall or ceiling.

Unfortunately, flat paint does not really allow for cleaning. If you damage the paint, scratch it, or stain it, it is best to paint over the damage with more paint, so it is best to keep some extra on hand.

House Painters in Victoria B.C.

The finish you choose for your home is up to you. If you have children and need something durable and cleanable, choose semi-gloss or satin. If you have an older home with many imperfections, consider a flat finish. If you are unsure what finish to choose, contact Handyman Connection and schedule an appointment with professional paint services in Victoria.