What You Need to Know About Interior Paint Finishes

Paint color plays an important role in your home’s interior. When used right, color can establish seamless visual connections between different living spaces. But if you’re planning to give your home a makeover, it pays to remember that color isn’t the only important decision you need to make. Paint finish is just as important.

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of St. Louis Park, one of the area’s most sought-after home remodeling contractors, breaks down some of the basic things you need to know about interior paint finishes.

Paint Finishes, Explained

For any shade of paint out there, there is a range of finishes available. Each has unique advantages that make it suitable for specific applications.

Flat finishes provide a completely matte surface that has no shine and is quite chalky to the touch once cured and dried. When used on interior walls and ceilings, flat finishes can help conceal surface bumps, cracks and other imperfections. Flat-finish paints can usually be applied with a single coat.
Flat enamels are usually advertised as “matte” paint to distinguish them from flat finishes. Unlike flat-finish paints, flat enamels form a slight film on the surface as they dry.
Eggshell finishes have a slight gleam to them, making them a happy medium between flat and satin paints and, therefore, one of the most popular choices for interior walls.
Satin finishes have a higher degree of gloss and provide a smoother look than eggshell finishes. While they can be used on walls, they are most commonly applied to window and door frames and other interior trim.
Glossy finishes (semi-gloss and high-gloss) have a higher pigment-to-resin ratio than all other finishes. Semi-gloss paints provide a subtler shine, while high-gloss paints are shiny enough to imitate the look and feel of enamel or plastic. Glossy paints usually require a second or third coat.

How to Choose the Right Paint Finish

Knowing the qualities you need in a paint will make it easier to choose the right finish for your home remodeling project. Here are some factors you need to consider:

Maintenance – The glossier the paint finish, the easier it is to clean. If you’re remodeling a part of your home that gets plenty of foot traffic and activity, consider eggshell or satin paints for your walls and semi-gloss paints for moldings.
Size of surface – High-gloss paints are best used in small areas or on select features you’d like to draw the eye to, like trim. Using it on large swathes of wall can result in glare, which tends to make rooms feel uninviting. Glossy paint finishes also highlight imperfections, so surfaces require a lot of extra prep before they can be painted.
Interior style – If you’re going for something beachy, rustic or farmhouse chic, flat finish paints for walls and/or furniture will work best. Eggshells are very versatile and can be made to work with nearly all interior styles.

Let’s Start a Conversation!

Excited to share your ideas with us? DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of St. Louis Park has made it safer and easier for you to plan your home renovation. Give us a call today at (954) 637-6386 or fill out our contact form to schedule a virtual or in-home appointment with our design team! We serve the residents of St. Paul, Minnetonka, Adina, Whitebear Lakes and the surrounding communities.