What is the difference between Sherwin-Williams matte and satin?

Author: Arlie Shanahan  |  Last update: Friday, August 1, 2025

A satin finish is a medium gloss sheen that's shinier than matte but not as shiny as semi-gloss paint. Likewise, satin offers slightly more luster or light reflectiveness than eggshell finishes. Concurrently, satin works perfectly on smooth walls in higher-traffic areas like hallways, family rooms, and kids' rooms.

Which is better, matte or satin?

The big difference between these two paints is the finish. Satin has a little sheen while matte is more flat. Satin is also more durable and easier to clean though it is trickier to apply and touch up if any marks do appear over time. Matte paint gives better coverage than satin and it's more cost-effective too.

What sheen is best for walls, Sherwin Williams?

Sheen -- We generally prefer to use an eggshell sheen level for wall paint because it is just flat enough to hide imperfections, but also has just enough gloss to brighten. It is also easier to clean and more durable than a flat. Satin, which is one gloss step up from eggshell, is generally our second pick.

What are the disadvantages of matte paint?

Cons
  • It's easy to mess with the matte look because matte finishes are sensitive to rubbing.
  • You can't remove scratches without repainting because polishing ruins the look.
  • You need specialized care products because many detailing products alter the matte appearance with wax.

Is satin too shiny for walls?

Is satin paint too shiny for walls? In most cases, satin paint isn't too shiny for walls. In fact, satin is likely the glossiest sheen that will work on walls. However, if you're looking to hide imperfections on your walls, opting for a flatter finish will be better.

How to Choose Paint - Sherwin-Williams

When to use matte paint on walls?

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.

How shiny is Sherwin Williams satin?

A satin finish paint has just a slight shine so it offers clean-ability while at the same time hiding minor imperfections in your wall's surface.

Does matte paint scratch easily on walls?

Matte paint is also sensitive to abrasion and can easily be scratched or scuffed, especially in high-traffic areas. Caution should be taken when moving furniture or objects against matte-painted walls. Repairing matte paint is more challenging compared to other finishes.

What are the disadvantages of satin paint?

Despite its many benefits, one downside is that its glossiness can highlight wall imperfections such as cracks and poorly patched areas. Therefore, it's important to prepare your walls adequately before applying satin paint color to achieve a smooth, professional finish.

Why do builders use matte paint?

The lack of shine make the paint blend better with the previous paint. Builders do not like to have to paint walls edge to edge, so they use flat paint. During the building process, there are many trades that come into the home and damage the paint job. This makes it easier to fix.

What sheen do professional painters use?

Eggshell is the most commonly used sheen for interior walls.

Is Sherwin Williams matte the same as flat?

Flat paints, also known as matte paints, are a valuable design tool when used correctly. Because they are non-reflective, they tend to conceal surface blemishes better than paints with more sheen. In a visual sense, these finishes effectively "smooth" walls that are dented or rough.

Is Sherwin Williams matte paint washable?

Matte. This flat finish is great for hiding surface imperfections, while its angular shine helps make walls smooth and washable.

Should kitchen walls be matte or satin?

Satin finishes are practical choices for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms as they are easy to clean and maintain. However, if your walls have noticeable imperfections, satin finishes can accentuate these flaws, and opting for a matte finish is recommended.

When to use satin paint?

Satin Paint: When To Go with It

Satin paint also does a good job of moisture resistance which makes it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. And, it offers a moderate time window for drying and curing, which makes it a great option if you're on a tight timeline but don't want to use flat paint, which cures even faster.

Can you put matte paint over satin?

In conclusion, the answer to the question "Can you paint flat over satin?" is yes. However, there are some advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before making this decision.

Should living room walls be flat or satin?

Flat paint soaks up light and hides imperfections, while satin paint reflects light and may highlight them. Satin paint is best for smooth walls with no imperfections. Flat paint is best for bedrooms, offices, and calm spaces. Consider how you use the space and how frequently you clean the walls before deciding.

What is the best sheen for interior walls?

semi-gloss, remember that a finish with less sheen, like eggshell or satin, is best on walls, while higher-gloss paint is better for accents.

What are the disadvantages of satin?

The Disadvantages of Satin

Satin can be difficult to sew and work with because of its shiny, slippery texture. Satin can also snag, this because of the way the threads interlace, creating those longer runs in one direction.

Is it OK to use matte paint on walls?

Matte paint for walls is a great choice! Wall matte paints are a type of paint that is less glossy and therefore less likely to reflect light and make your walls look dirty. The Wall matte finish also makes it easier to clean up spills, as the glossier finishes tend to pick up stains more easily.

Do designers use flat or eggshell paint?

Eggshell is always an interior designer's preferred paint finish, which is why we 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!

Which sheen is easiest to touch up?

Flat finishes often require fewer coats than semi-gloss and gloss paints. They are also easier to touch up; there is less contrast between the touch-up paint and the rest of the painted surface. On interior walls, flat finishes are ideal for low-traffic areas such as formal dining rooms and master bedrooms.

Is Sherwin Williams satin like eggshell?

Satin finishes, also known as eggshell finishes, are a popular choice for high-traffic areas due to their smooth, velvety appearance and excellent durability. They offer a subtle sheen that falls between a flat and semi-gloss finish, providing just the right amount of shine without being too glossy.

Is Sherwin Williams matte the same as eggshell?

Eggshell paint is slightly more reflective than matte paint, with a texture similar to an actual eggshell once dried. Eggshell sheen can potentially give a room a greater visual depth than the flatter matte finish. Matte sheens do not reflect light as much as an eggshell or even glossier finish.

Does Sherwin Williams' duration need two coats?

On repaint work, apply one coat of Duration coating: on bare surfaces, apply two coats of Duration, allowing 4 hours drying between coats. Do not paint in direct sun. Apply at temperatures above 35°F. During application at temperatures above 80°F, Duration sets up quickly.

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