Choosing the right type of finish to go with the surface you are painting may seem like a grueling task because there is an overwhelming range of paint brands, colors, finishes, and prices to evaluate. But you can simplify the task and make an effective selection. You know that the shinier the finish, the more expensive and the more durable it becomes since water will not stick to it. Plus, you already know the type of material you are going to paint. You also know where it is located--indoors or outdoors where it is exposed to the elements.
So before you decide on the perfect paint color, read on and find out the types of finishes and their applications, as well as the differences between water-based and oil-based paints.
Flat Finish
Flat finish does not reflect the light, so it is best used for surfaces with flaws, like cracks, dents, and stains. This type of paint finish offers easy maintenance and great coverage. The drawback: it is not as durable as finishes that lend shine, so it may come off. Also, it is not washable. You might want to use flat finish only for low-traffic areas, where there are fewer people or pets touching the painted surface.
Matte Finish
Matte paint is not the same as flat finish. It offers a little bit of shine compared to flat finish, but is less shiny than satin paint. Matte finish is semi-washable and has decent coverage.
Eggshell Finish
The sheen you can get off an eggshell finish is roughly the same as what you see on the outer surface of an eggshell. Although eggshell paint has excellent washability, it is not as good as flat and matte paint types in concealing surface imperfections. Eggshell finish is often used in bathrooms.
Satin or Pearl Finish
Use satin paint's adequate sheen level to gently reflect light and impart a dewy glow to a room. The downside is that the surface to be coated with satin finish must be made even and smooth before the paint is applied. Surface imperfections, especially cracks and dents, are emphasized by satin finish. Pearl paint is washable and durable, so it can be used on bathrooms, kitchens, and furniture.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Use semi-gloss paint on high-traffic areas and those that need shielding from moisture. Like satin finish, it accentuates surface imperfections. Semi-gloss finish can also withstand scrubbing, so it is often used in factories and schools.
Gloss Finish
Gloss or high-gloss paint has the most shine and durability among all the paint types. It is ideal for painting baseboards, doors, moldings, trims, and other spots that require the most washability.
Water-based and Oil-based Paints
Water-based paint generally contains low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may pose undesirable health effects, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Water-based finish dries quickly, cleans easily with water, and has sufficient elasticity to resist cracking. The paint color is known to be stable, so it does not yellow over time.
Oil-based paint, on the other hand, has beautiful gloss. It is also durable. With an oil-based finish, expect impressive leveling, where brush strokes seem to fill themselves into smooth even layers. However, there are more VOCs present in oil-based paint compared to water-based ones. Plus, you need to clean the painted surface using mineral spirits.
Choose the right paint sheen and have fun painting!