Cons of Satin:
Because satin reflects light, it can make a small space with low light look larger. On the other hand, satin shows imperfections more. More often than not, avoid using satin on bumpier walls with lots of prior drywall patches or repairs.
Pros: A satin finish reflects more light than matte and stands up well to washing. Use in high-traffic areas such as bathrooms, the kitchen and a kid's room as well as on trim and molding throughout the house. Cons: This finish does not hide imperfections in surface or application; any touch-ups will stand out.
'Satin paint is a tough, hardwearing paint designed for woodwork such as doors, window frames, architrave and furniture,' says Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux. 'It is slightly more shiny than eggshell and is easy to keep clean.
Satin. Satin finish paint has a smooth, velvety look with a bit more gloss than eggshell. It is most often used for windows, doors, trim, or ceilings, but it can also be used as wall paint. This is particularly suitable for kids' rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas that get a lot of traffic.
The satin finish holds up well to regular cleaning and scrubbing. Matte finishes wash off when scrubbed, unlike satin. Satin interior wall paint is ideal for hallways, kids' rooms, and living areas. While satin is not as durable as gloss finishes, it's practical for high-traffic areas.
Satin is more durable—an advantage in high-traffic spaces.
This is why satin paint is more resistant to dents, divots, scuffs, scratches, and stains, and more durable on the whole. Eggshell paint is more likely to become damaged by these impacts and abrasions because it has fewer binders and more pigment.
The amount of time that paint can sit depends on several factors, such as the type of paint, storage conditions, and whether the paint can has been opened. Most paints will last between 10 and 15 years when unopened, but an open can should be used within one to two years.
For paint that will provide decent durability without the reflectivity of high-gloss finishes, choose a satin finish. Cost: Eggshell paint is more cost-effective than satin paint. Homeowners looking to save at the paint store or repaint large areas are better off going with an eggshell finish.
More Durable Than Flat, Less Durable Than Gloss
Any paint that has a greater amount of binding agents will last longer. With nearly twice the amount of binders than flat paint, satin paint resists chips and scratches substantially better than flat paint and slightly better than eggshell paint.
For walls with eggshell or satin finish, you can add a few drops of dish soap to your water or use two-to-three tablespoons of white vinegar instead. You don't need to use hot water, warm will do just as well. The trick to saving your paint is to wring out your sponge really well.
Satin paint is very durable, making it great for high-traffic areas. It can easily be cleaned, though it can lose its sheen if scrubbed too roughly. It is advised that you clean it with a wipe and avoid abrasive scrubs.
MOISTURE - when water/ moisture is trapped, it causes the paint to peel, bubble, etc. To avoid this, surface must be fully dry prior to applications. HIGH TEMPERATURE or SUNLIGHT - high temperature/ sunlight prevents the paint from effectively adhering to the surface. Heat makes the paint fragile and may crack.
Surface contamination such as dirt, oil, and grease. Polish residues on the surface, which impair the adhesion of the paint. Excessive movement of the substrate, such as joints, imposing stress on the paint film which can result in cracking which in turn lets in moisture, ultimately resulting in a flaking paint film.
Unlike other types of fabrics, satin has a soft texture and is easily damaged. For that, never wash them in the washing machine, let alone brush them tightly. Lastly, in order to make your satin clothes can be used long-term, never use the dryer or dry directly in the sun.
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.
Eggshell Finish
Tammy Price of Fragments Identity says eggshell is her preferred finish for all walls. "It is the easiest paint to wipe clean and is great for all areas of the home, including bathrooms and kitchens," she says. "I only use a gloss or semi-gloss paint on base, case, trim, and cabinetry."
Emulsion Paints -The Popular Choice
(Emulsion paints are the best quality paints for interior walls and are great for high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens.) Now this one is a sure-shot winner! Firstly, it is water-based paint, so there are no uncouth odours.
The great thing about working with DecoArt's Satin Enamel is that it dries to a good hard coat. There are no extra steps needed with sealing it. Two coats are all it took to cover that crazy dark wood!
Apply 2 coats with a brush, leave at least 6 hours between coats, longer when cold and damp. TIP: if the colour change is strong, more coats may be required.
Flat paint would also work well in a space such as a spare bedroom or home office, where there will be less chance of the walls needing regular scrubbing, which damages the surface. On the other hand, high-traffic areas like kitchens or children's rooms need the more durable surface provided by satin paint.
High Gloss
The most durable and easy to clean of all paint sheens, high-gloss paint is hard, ultra-shiny, and light-reflecting. Think appliance-paint tough. High gloss is a good choice for areas that sticky fingers touch — cabinets, trim, and doors.
Molly Machmer-Wessels, designer at Woodland Design Company, says you should allow for two hours of dry time for satin and semi-gloss finishes. Glossy paint finishes require the longest wait time which is about three hours before being able to re-coat.