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.
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.
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.
As well as being susceptible to marks and stains, matte paint finishes are more difficult to clean, so experts recommend using them as one of the best paint finishes for ceilings or in low-traffic areas to ensure they stay in good condition for as long as possible.
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.
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.
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.
Ideally, eggshell paint is best suited for ceilings, bedrooms, dining rooms and living areas where there is not a lot of dirt build-up or traffic. In addition, its medium-level durability provides added protection that a flat finish does not. For areas such as walls, eggshell works best and is easier to clean.
Matte finishes are just as durable and normal gloss-finished paint jobs, and just as susceptible to scratches and paint chips. However, unlike a gloss clear coat on the car's finish that can be easily polished during paint correction, the matte finish is not as simple to repair.
From the perspective of a Color Designer/Consultant, I typically specify eggshell on walls for multiple reasons that benefit the people who are dwelling in the home. Eggshell paint cleans easier, covers better, wears better, and lasts longer than flat paint.
Matte finishes absorb light rather than reflect it. This means they will hide bumps and other little flaws in your walls rather well. These type of finishes are not very durable, but they make for rather easy touch up jobs. Experts recommend matte finishes for bedrooms and studies.
Flat or Matte
This can be great for touch-up work, as the flat finish will conceal many imperfections in your walls. A flat or matte finish is a great choice for walls and ceilings throughout your property. It's easy to touch-up, simple, and likely won't ever put-off potential renters (depending on the color).
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.
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.
Semi-gloss and eggshell are the most popular. They are a good choice for walls, woodwork, doors, and hallways and meet in the middle with a moderate sheen that isn't too extreme.
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!
Emulsion Paint
It is the best paint for home walls as it dries quickly and remains flexible even when exposed to high temperatures. Emulsion paint is highly durable, long-lasting, and washable. It is resistant to fungus, mildew, and other contaminants that can cause discolouration.
Medium traffic areas
Due to its moderate durability, eggshell does well in areas that see a moderate amount of traffic. That's why it's ideal for interior room projects like bedroom, kitchen, and living room painting.
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.
While it's true that a matte surface is more likely to collect contaminants because it's uneven, it's not incapable of being washed or protected. Some people believe common contaminants such as bird poop and dead bugs immediately etch through matte clear coat and into the color. Experts say this isn't true.
When a coat of emulsion starts to bubble or blister, it normally indicates an adhesion problem. This means that the paint has lost its bond with the wall, and has begun to pull away. Each bubble is a small pocket of air or water, trapped between the wall and the paintwork.
Paint Care
You can't polish matte paint because it will create a shine, thus defeating the whole appeal of a flat finish. You'll have to use a cleaner specifically formulated for matte finishes. You'll also need to use a matte paint sealer and matte protection film for the best surface preservation.
Semi-gloss/gloss will make a color look darker. The sheen will reflect the light, causing the color to be darker. Matte or eggshell usually the most true to color when considering finish. It neither reflects nor absorbs the light.
Matte finish
A major advantage of matte surfaces is that fingerprints or scratches are much less obvious as compared to glossy finishes. Furthermore, the colour of matte finish cabinets can look more consistent as there is no reflection of light to make some areas look brighter or darker than others.