How to Choose the Right Interior Paint Gloss

A fresh coat of paint can go a long way in improving the interior of your home. Initially, choosing a paint color may not seem like a difficult decision, but you can easily feel overwhelmed once you stand face-to-face with the endless number of colors and finishes to choose from. Since each type of paint gloss has its own practical and decorative job, choosing the right one will require some thought. Luckily, we’ve created a handy guide to help you select the perfect one – just keep reading!

What Are the Different Types of Paint Gloss?

Did you know that paints come in a number of sheens? The gloss level determines how reflective the dried paint surface will be. Here’s a breakdown of common paint gloss options that are widely available:

High-Gloss

High-gloss paints are extremely reflective, with a gloss level of over 45%. Because these paints are very shiny, they will show far more texture and imperfections on a painted surface. That’s a desirable characteristic to some people! One of the most significant advantages of high-gloss paint is that it’s durable and easy to clean, making it an excellent choice for high-touch areas (i.e., cabinets, trim, and doors).

Semi-Gloss

This type of paint has a gloss level of 30-40%, meaning they’re fairly reflective of light sources. Since the paint surface is smoother, semi-gloss paints are quite easy to clean and maintain. They’re a great option for walls that encounter moisture, drip, and grease stains.

Satin

Satin paints have a 20-30% gloss level. Although they’re more resistant to staining than lower sheens, they’re not as effective as higher-level paint glosses. Satin paint can be difficult to apply, but they’re easy to clean once the paint has dried.

Low-Sheen

Low-sheen paints have a gloss level ranging from 3-19%. Since you can see some reflection of light sources, it’ll slightly show imperfections and texture in the wall. However, because it still works well at masking flaws, it’s an excellent choice for spaces that don’t get a lot of bumps and scuffs.

Flat or Matte

Instead of reflecting light, flat or matte paints soak it up. These types of paint have very little sheen, so when light sources hit it, it will diffuse and create an even, soft-looking surface. Because flat paints have the most pigment and offer more coverage, they’re an excellent option for people wanting to save time and money.

Tips for Choosing the Right Paint Gloss

Here are some tips you should keep in mind while selecting your paint gloss:

• Aesthetic – You’ll want to consider how the final paint color and sheen will look. Apply sample paints onto your surface to get an idea of how the combination will look after it dries.
• Use – Think about the utility of your room when deciding. For areas that will require more cleaning (i.e., kitchen, bathroom, doors), you may want to use high-gloss paint.
• Light – Consider the light sources of your room and choose paint that works well with them.

Choosing the right interior paint gloss can be overwhelming. With the help of this guide, you can make a well-informed and confident decision that works perfectly with your home!

About Platinum Painting of Keller

At Platinum Painting of Keller, we strive to deliver beautiful, satisfying, and long-lasting results for every customer. Our team of professionals treats every customer like family, always going the extra mile to ensure complete satisfaction. If you have any questions about choosing paint gloss for your home, we’re more than happy to help. Visit our website or call (817) 697-0109 to speak to a member of our team.