Compared to high-gloss finishes, matte paints are the least durable and the hardest to clean. However, in rooms with little traffic and areas such as ceilings, matte finishes offer an elegant, smooth sheen and are more economical than high-gloss paints.
Hides Imperfections: Matte paints are better at concealing surface imperfections, such as bumps, cracks, or uneven textures, compared to glossy paints, which can highlight flaws due to their reflective nature.
There is no ``best'' because it depends on usage, but the most durable is gloss. Flat, eggshell and satin paint are generally best for interior walls, whereas semi-gloss and gloss paint are best for trim and woodwork.
With their non-reflective surface, matte prints offer a softer, more natural look compared to their glossy counterparts. This finish is particularly adept at showcasing photos in a more understated, yet profoundly artistic manner.
Glossy finishes are often chosen for their vibrant and eye-catching appearance, making them suitable for promotional materials and photographs. In contrast, matte finishes excel in providing a classic and elegant visual narrative, often preferred for art prints and luxury catalogs.
Matte paint has a smooth, velvety look and is often used in modern design schemes. Matte paint has a low-sheen, velvety finish that gives off a sophisticated, modern look.
Professional painters frequently utilize premium paints, such as Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams, for their work. Sherwin-Williams is widely regarded as one of the top paint brands, providing a broad range of premium quality paints, including environmentally friendly options.
Eggshell finish, perennially popular with professional and DIY painters alike, has a low-sheen reminiscent of flat or matte, but it is infinitely more durable than its namesake.
Color Considerations
We all know that lighter colors emphasize imperfections while darker colors hide them. This also has to do with light and reflection. Lighter colors reflect more light while darker shades absorb it.
Matte finishes are preferable in spaces with abundant natural light, minimising glare and reflections. For public settings, glossy finishes shine by enhancing colour richness and vibrancy. Glossy finishes are best on smooth, shiny paper. Textured paper used for matte finishes absorbs light and diminishes glare.
The disadvantages of the glossy finish
On the other hand, this type of finish is the one that allows more dirt to show through. Footprints are also more visible on this finish. Maintenance involves more regular cleaning; and for wood floors, more frequent sanding.
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.
Eggshell and Satin
“Satin is slightly shinier, and both are easier to clean than flat or matte paint,” Handel says. You'll find that some paint lines offer both eggshell and satin. These sheens tend to accentuate surface imperfections, so take the time to prep and get the walls as smooth as possible.
Usually, glossy finishes can be slightly more expensive due to the additional coating processes involved. However, the prices may vary based on printing services and materials.
Eggshell Enamel has a soft, velvety appearance and is a good choice for moderate traffic areas such as living rooms.
Use matte paints for low-traffic areas like bedrooms, formal dining rooms, and living rooms. Likewise, matte sheens work great on both ceilings and walls or as an accent paint color. Just remember that matte has a little gloss finish which means scuff and fingerprints will show over time.
The most common and best sheen for interior trim is a satin or semi-gloss finish. Satin paint finishes have a medium sheen and are durable and easy to clean. Semi-gloss paint finishes have a higher sheen and stand out in a room. They are easy to clean and stand up to dirt, stains, mold, and mildew.
Many contractors are impressed by the fact that Sherwin-Williams has more than 140 years of experience behind them, which means they've had a long time to perfect what they do. And they've done it well, as they are among the most trusted suppliers of quality paints in the industry.
Paint: Depending on the quality, a gallon of Sherwin-Williams paint can range from $35 to $100+. Most paints cover between 350 to 400 square feet per gallon. You can always check how much paint you'll need for a particular project by using an online paint calculator.
Disadvantages of Matte Paint: Less Durable: Matte paint is more susceptible to damage and wear compared to glossier finishes. It is prone to scuffing, staining, and marks from cleaning, making it less suitable for high-traffic areas or areas prone to moisture and humidity, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Compared to high-gloss finishes, matte paints are the least durable and the hardest to clean. However, in rooms with little traffic and areas such as ceilings, matte finishes offer an elegant, smooth sheen and are more economical than high-gloss paints.
Matte car paint usually comes with a higher initial cost compared to glossy paint. You can expect to pay between $2,000 and $6,000 for a matte paint job, while glossy paint typically costs between $500 and $3,000. The investment in matte paint is significant, but so is the need for proper protection.