Types of Wall Paint Finishes for Your Home

Matte Finish

Matte/Flat Paints lend a mute tone to your walls providing minimum to soft sheen. These are non-reflective paints that possess the most amount of pigment, leading to more coverage. In simple terms, more coverage means fewer coats of paint application and more monetary savings. It is also known as the concealer of paints and if you’re looking to hide imperfections like scratches and nail holes on your wall, then this paint finish is just what you need. Parent tip: These walls are hard to clean so it’s best not to use it for your kid’s room. However, these are ideal for interior walls like your bedroom space and Nerolac Impressionz Ideaz can give you the desired finish.

Here are a few key takeaways to help you make a decision:

Pros:

• Good coverage

• Hides imperfections

• Cost-effective

Cons:

• Low to medium durability

• Hard to clean

Ideal for: Bedrooms, ceilings, dining rooms, low-traffic areas

Textured Finish

Textured paints add character to your walls, making it appear distinct and rustic in nature. Textured walls are one of 2023’s design trends, and most homeowners are seen using textured paints for ceilings or signature walls. Textured paint finishes can add depth, shadow and elegance to bedroom walls. Since it gives a gritty or layered look, it is great for hiding uneven walls and imperfections. Textures range from brick, ethnic, metallic to fabric for your walls. If you like the thought of metallic, textured paint finishes, here is a choice for you.

Pros:

• Unique and aesthetic

• Hides imperfections

• High durability

Cons:

• Not meant for all walls like exteriors

Satin Finish

And here is the all-rounder of wall paint finishes. Satin wall paint finishes reflect more light than eggshell finishes, but they are not all that shiny like glossy finishes. Imagine a pearl’s shine and texture, that is what Satin finishes provide. It is ideal for places that do not receive a lot of natural light like kitchens, bathrooms and hallways. Although the name says it’s satin, the texture and finish is almost velvety, soft and pearl-like. The only flaw this versatile finish has is that it reveals application imperfections like brush strokes making touch ups a tricky affair. However, this paint still offers a lot to consider. If you like what you see, check out one of the best satin finishes here.

Pros:

• High durability and easy to clean

• Perfect for high traffic areas

• Elegant sheen

Cons:

• Reveals application errors

• Not as glossy

Ideal for: Kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor surfaces like roofs, living rooms, high traffic areas, moisture exposed areas etc.

Ideal for: Bedroom walls, living room single walls, signature walls, ceilings etc.

Eggshell Finish

Like the name suggests, the Eggshell is a type of wall paint finish which is not completely lusterless like flat paints, but it does add a slight, low sheen like that of an eggshell. Eggshell paint finishes are easier to clean, are more durable and can hide imperfections like bumps, holes, cracks and scratches too. It has a great finish reflecting a subtle sheen, making it one of the popular choices for signature walls and homeowners. A mix between satin and flat paints, Eggshell paint finishes possess the sheen and concealing properties one needs. If you have made up your mind about this type, you can find it here.

Here’s a summary of what Eggshell paint finishes provide:

• Soft and subtle sheen

• High coverage and concealing properties

• More washable

• Medium durability

Cons:

• Not as lustrous as satin paints

Ideal for: Low or medium traffic areas like dining rooms, hallways, bedrooms, living rooms etc.

Semi-gloss

If you’re looking for a middle ground in finishes, the semi-gloss paint is just what you need. Semi-gloss paints are characterized as shiny, reflective and easy to clean with a smooth sheen, but they are not as shiny as high-gloss paints. If you’re looking for dual-tone finishes, the semi-gloss paint is perfect to compliment another type of finish for wall accents. This paint is highly durable and is mildew-resistant too, making it perfect for moisture-exposed areas and high-traffic areas like a playroom, dining room, kitchen etc. in your home. While it’s easier to clean in comparison to other finishes, it has one little drawback. Due to its strong sheen it reveals your wall flaws and imperfections. Here are a few key takeaways to help you decide:

Pros:

• Shiny, smooth sheen

• Easy to clean and high durability

• Mildew-resistant; perfect for moisture-exposed areas

• Perfect in whites and off-whites; makes the room appear big

Cons:

• Reveals wall imperfections due to heightened sheen

• Not the shiniest finish

Ideal for: Bathrooms, kitchens and moisture-exposed areas, trim work, kids’ room etc.

High-gloss Finish

Hard, super shiny, light-reflecting - high-gloss finish has the highest sheen and shine in comparison to the other wall colour paint finishes. Perfect for areas where natural light is lesser, or for signature walls, the high-gloss finish is a popular choice amongst designers because of its reflective finish. Along with its sheen, it is known for high durability and cleanability too. Anything shiny reveals a ton of imperfections and so does high-gloss finish. However, it is ideal for cabinetry, doors, kitchen work, accents and areas that are prone to moisture and dirt. Lastly, the only drawback we see is in the application of the paint since it requires more coats, and can reveal imperfections if not done well.

If you have some statement door ideas in mind, here’s the perfect high-gloss paint for you. Let’s look at the summary of what high-gloss finishes have in store for us:

Pros:

• Highest durability, sheen and finish

• Easy to clean and perfect for moisture

• Popular choice for designer walls

Cons:

• Reveals imperfections

• Requires more coats and is tricky to apply

Ideal for: Kitchens, bathrooms, cabinetry, outdoor details, accents, doors etc.

Super-matte - Speciality paints

From super matte cars to super matte decor, this trend has picked up pace in 2023 and how. Super-matte paints are even more flat and subdued in comparison to matte paints, with no sheen and light-absorbing qualities. Super-matte paints are rich in texture and are extremely flat and muted paints. Although ideal for statement walls and accents, these surfaces are dust and dirt magnets making it difficult to clean. One expert tip is to test your super-matte walls in terms of artificial and natural lighting to understand the lighting of the space since matte finishes do not shine. Here’s a little about Super-matte paints for you to make a decision:

Pros:

• Aesthetic value

• Perfect for extremely well-lit areas

• Goes well with pastel, light shades

Cons:

• Not easy to clean

• Lusterless

• Only made for certain walls

Ideal for: Bedrooms, living rooms, hallways etc.