What finish for interior garage walls?

Author: Thora Hintz  |  Last update: Sunday, December 21, 2025

Type of Finish Though there are many types of finishes for interior walls, satin tends to do better for garage walls as it holds up to scuffs and, at the same time, conceals stains on the walls. But if you want your garage to be brighter and have more natural light, semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes are best.

What is the best finish for garage walls?

A semi-gloss finish is ideal for garage walls as it reflects light and is easy to clean. Thorough wall preparation, including cleaning and priming, is essential for a smooth and long-lasting paint job. Applying at least two coats of paint ensures even coverage and durability, particularly in high-traffic areas.

What is the best material to finish the inside of a garage?

Plywood, MDF, or OSB is the best material for building garage walls because it is both inexpensive and easy to work with. They may be attached to the studs with frame screws and, unlike drywall, don't necessitate any finishing touches.

Should garage walls be satin or semi-gloss?

The sheen needed for garage walls is also important to note. Semi-gloss or satin finishes are the best choices as they'll provide a cleanable surface and just enough reflection to camouflage inevitable imperfections like dents, screwheads, and uneven texture.

What sheen should I use for a garage?

Garage Wall Paint Finishes If you want your garage wall to be easy to clean and wipeable, a paint finish with more of a sheen to it is best to use. I would recommend eggshell or satin. Satin finishes will be a little more shiny and wipeable than eggshell.

Best Interior Wall Finishes for a Workshop or Garage

Is flat or eggshell better for garage walls?

Consider a subtle, low-sheen eggshell paint if your garage has big windows to prevent a distracting glare. Eggshell is ideal for your garage ceiling to mute harsh lighting and create a more inviting atmosphere. It is a little more durable than flat paint but isn't easy to clean, so avoid use in high-traffic spaces.

Do I need to prime garage walls before painting?

Do You Need To Prime Garage Walls Before Painting? Normal paints are not made for drywall, which is a porous material. Therefore, if your garage walls are unpainted, you will need good surface drywall or PVA primer (polyvinyl acetate). A PVA primer seals the pores in sheetrock and creates an even coat.

What is the best color to paint the interior of a garage?

The best garage paint colors are white, grey, beige, or blue, as these colors will enhance lighting, look cleaner, and open up your space. A pure white ceiling contrasted with a slightly darker color for the walls and floor will trick your eyes into thinking the room is much taller than it is.

Should interior walls be semi-gloss or satin?

Durability: Semi-gloss paint is more durable than satin paint. However, if dings, dents, or blemishes appear, they will be more noticeable with a glossy finish. Both options will be easy to clean, although semi-gloss paint will hold up better against moisture and protect the surface beneath it against water damage.

Should I use a roller or brush for semi-gloss paint?

Paint rollers have different nap lengths including: Mohair and shorter nap synthetics in a 4 to 5 millimetres nap length. This is a good choice for applying oil-based gloss and semi-gloss paints.

What is the cheapest wall finish for a garage?

Metal panels, plywood, OSB, and backer boards are inexpensive options for garage wall finishing. You have two options for finishing materials for your garage wall; your choice should be based on your budget. Every option comes with its own set of pros and cons.

What is the new replacement for drywall?

PVC panels are impact-resistant, whereas drywall is prone to damage. Drywall contributes to landfill waste, decomposing into a pungent-smelling hydrogen sulfide gas. On the other hand, PVC panels are eco-friendly, have a low carbon footprint and can be recycled several times.

Should I finish the inside of my garage?

Finished garages are more comfortable and hobby-friendly

You shouldn't only want a tidier garage because you're passing through it so often, though. Remodel the garage to fit your lifestyle as well. With the right design upgrades, your garage can become more accommodating for your family's hobbies and passions.

What is the best material for the inside walls of a garage?

Plywood or OSB board: Wood walls make a durable option for garages: They can take a beating from teenagers carelessly backing out the family car and are strong enough to hang tools and equipment without worrying so much about studs. They also help absorb sound.

What is the most popular finish for interior walls?

One of the most popular types of wall paint, eggshell finish provides a low sheen and a soft, smooth finish just like a true eggshell. Perfect for low- to mid-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, entryways and family rooms.

What is the best white color for garage walls?

White or Off-White

"Sherwin-Williams Alabaster or Benjamin Moore's White Dove are two great off-white colors to consider, but beyond the actual color, remember that garage walls will get dinged or scuffed, so consider the paint finish as well. My personal preference for garages is eggshell or satin."

Is eggshell or satin better for interior walls?

Eggshell Enamel has a soft, velvety appearance and is a good choice for moderate traffic areas such as living rooms. Satin Enamel has a soft pearl-like appearance, and is a great choice for painting moderate to high traffic areas or areas that have some exposure to moisture, such as kitchens or baths.

What sheen for interior walls Sherwin Williams?

A satin or semi-gloss sheen is ideal, as it can withstand moisture. Imperfections: If you're looking to cover or hide imperfections, flat or eggshell finishes are best. Durability: Areas with high traffic or exposure to moisture require more durable finishes, such as semi-gloss or satin.

What type of paint is best for interior walls?

Interior house paints are either latex- or oil/alkyd-based. Today, most oil-based paints are made with synthetic resins (alkyds), which makes them the best type of paint for interior walls when compared to paints based comprised on natural oils.

How can I make my garage look pretty?

Here are some simple recommendations to help you to set the tone.
  1. Make sure your garage door is well insulated. ...
  2. Add windows to your garage door. ...
  3. Cover the concrete floor. ...
  4. Install some storage units. ...
  5. Paint the floor. ...
  6. Consider your garage door tracks when selecting ceiling lights.

What is the best Sherwin Williams color for garage walls?

Best Paint Colors for Garages by Sherwin Williams
  • Repose Gray (SW 7015): A neutral light gray that offers a refreshing look. ...
  • Dovetail (SW 7018): This medium-dark gray brings a sense of warmth, making it a great choice for those who use their garage as a home gym or man cave.

Should garage paint be flat or satin?

With a choice between two of the most common finishes — flat and satin paint — which do you choose? Overall, a satin finish is the more practical choice for your garage because it is easier to clean and best for high-traffic areas.

What is the best paint finish for garage walls?

Semi-Gloss: Semi-gloss finishes provide a slight shine and are highly durable, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like garage walls. Gloss: Gloss finishes offer a high sheen and maximum durability, but they can highlight imperfections in the wall surface.

How many gallons of paint to paint a 2-car garage?

The amount of paint needed can vary based on the size of your garage and the type of paint, but typically, a 2-car garage could require around 5-6 gallons for two coats of paint.

Should I paint my garage ceiling and walls the same color?

Painting the walls and ceiling the same color is faster and less expensive than purchasing two separate colors of paint. It can help make the ceiling look higher. Painting walls with angled walls and ceilings the same color can avoid making the room look and feel choppy.

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