Flat paint is best for areas that won't get too dirty since it's difficult to clean properly. Matte paints are great for bedrooms, dining rooms, and bathrooms. Depending on the brand of paint you buy, matte paints can also be mildew resistant and easier to clean.
The difference between flat and matte paint is so small they're largely interchangeable. Ultimately, it comes down to gloss level. Flat finish has an ever so slightly lower gloss percentage, around 5%, with matte finish around 5-10%. Even though it's small, this difference does affect durability.
Matte paints have a low-gloss finish and contain more pigment, giving them a richer color than flat paints. On the other hand, flat paints have a chalky texture with minimal light reflection. This gives them an almost velvety appearance that can look great when used on walls or cabinets.
Matt finish paint is great for walls because it makes them look smooth and elegant. The material absorbs light instead of reflecting it so it can be used in high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways. Matte or Matt paint is ideal for guest bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms.
Flat, eggshell and satin paint are best for interior walls, whereas semi-gloss and gloss paint are best for trim and woodwork. An eggshell finish has a subtler shine to it, so it's a great choice if you're not ready for satin.
It depends on the surface you are painting. For interior walls in high-traffic spaces like a mudroom, satin or eggshell finishes work best. Flat or matte finishes work best for most ceilings and semi-gloss is recommended for interior trim and doors.
Satin finishes are the most commonly used paint for interior walls. They are easier to clean than flat and eggshell paints, which makes them a great choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, family rooms, and playrooms.
Pros: Matte paint hides the imperfections and flaws of the painting surface, making it great for walls in your bedroom, dining room and living room. It is also great for ceilings and any sort of touch-up or remodeling work. Cons: It takes a lot of work to keep the imperfections hidden.
Poor quality of some trades, like drywall contractors, or framers, can make imperfections pop out if there is a sheen in the paint. Using flat paint keeps imperfections from being so noticeable.
In many such situations, the builder, seller, or low-cost painter used a low-grade flat paint for three reasons: the first is that it is inexpensive; the second is that it is easy to touch up; the third is that it hides imperfections in the drywall walls.
Flat and Matte finish paints are ideal for covering walls that have flaws or blemishes. Even larger imperfections, such as extensive scuffs and nail pops can get covered and camouflaged since Flat Paints are effective at absorbing light, in essence, “hiding” the bumps and lines that exist on every wall.
Providing a simple smooth appearance, flat paint is Henderson's go-to. “Because it doesn't reflect light directly, imperfections in walls and ceilings are much less noticeable,” Moran says.
Flat paint has more pigment than any other finish, which is why it's also known as concealer paint—it's also called matte paint. It's completely nonreflective, so the paint will soak up any light directed at it. Flat paint tends to be easier to apply than other finishes, and it also usually a less expensive option.
The downside, according to Stevens, is that matte paint is harder to clean than glossy paint is. So, for example, if you have matte finish walls in your dining room and you accidentally drop a plate of food or spill a glass of wine, it's very important to take care of the mess right away.
But flat paints can be hard to clean since their porous texture can trap dirt and grime. And since flat paint doesn't resist water like glossier paint does, cleaning it may leave behind unwanted streaks that can make an already dirty wall seem even worse.
If your wall has imperfections like uneven texture, patches or joints, flat paint will absorb light and make them less noticeable. However, flat finishes are not very durable and need to be carefully cleaned. Scrubbing flat paint could wear down the finish and cause sheen to appear in patchy spots.
Caring for matte paint isn't necessarily difficult, though it does require some extra effort . Special cleaners, sealants and polishes are required to maintain the texture and finish, meaning most matte cars are hand-wash only, and that drive-thru car washes are typically off limits.
Paint Care
All in all, matte paint is more expensive to maintain. This is why the finish is only found on high-end vehicles. Also, the paint is more vulnerable to the abrasive materials in a drive-through car wash. Only wash by hand.
Disadvantages To Matte Finish
As we mentioned before, the matte finish absorbs light which means it won't help to make small spaces feel bigger, unlike glossy finishes that reflect light. Therefore, for kitchens that are very small, a matte finish may not be the best option.
The Benefits Of Using Matte Paint
One of the main advantages of using matte paint in interiors is that it effectively conceals surface flaws. Its shine-free finish also offers outstanding color depth, and its smooth feel after drying makes it a favorite among home improvement enthusiasts.
It seems that latex paints have won over even the most finicky painters. “Though we still use oil-based paints for restoration work, latex paints are fine for interior walls and new trim,” says Toto, “as long as you don't go cheap on the paint.”
Matte Paint
Regal® Select Interior Matte (N548) is a professional painter favorite for its ease of application and smooth feel after drying. Matte finish paint also withstands frequent washing, even when applied in busier areas like hallways and family rooms.
Eggshell is always an interior designer's preferred paint finish, which is why our founder, Nicole, an interior designer, chose this as our ultimate finish for walls. The name eggshell stems from the fact the finish appears mostly flat with just a touch of luster... similar to a chicken egg!
Professional photographers use photo paper with a matte finish as it doesn't reflect light like glossy finishes. Pros prefer to have the final image viewed without the distraction of glare from the paper. And as many pro photographers frame their photos behind glass, a matte finish is best for this display style.