What looks better satin or gloss?

Author: Lilla Kris  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 3, 2023

A satin finish will leave you with a medium gloss, that doesn't shine as much as gloss paint as it's less reflective. It can be great for hiding imperfections because of the finish, whereas the gloss can highlight imperfections.

Do I want satin or semi-gloss?

Flat, eggshell and satin paint are best for interior walls, whereas semi-gloss and gloss paint are best for trim and woodwork.

Is there a noticeable difference between satin and semi-gloss?

'Semi-gloss has a higher sheen level than satin,' confirms Helen Shaw, director at Benjamin Moore, 'meaning that it is more reflective. The extra levels of luminosity make it perfectly suited to highlight the architectural details.

Does gloss last longer than satin?

While gloss generally offers higher levels of durability, satin still stands up admirably to wear and tear. As a result, beyond sheen, they are highly comparable.

Is gloss paint old fashioned?

The finish you opt for should work with the overall aesthetic of your home, gloss finishes are more traditional, while satin and eggshell are modern and contemporary. Some finishes will require more attention than others.

Satin vs SemiGloss Finishes: Which Is Better? (2023)

Why not to use gloss paint?

It Shows Imperfections

Especially when it comes to hiding preexisting blemishes on the walls or ceilings. Because there's an accelerated amount of sheen, you will be able to see the imperfections. That being said, they're easy to clean, so if you bump or scuff a high gloss paint, it'll be easier to scrub off.

Why does gloss paint craze?

Appears to the naked eye as a loss of gloss, close examination under low magnification reveals a large number of minute cracks. Excessive stresses in the paint film due to: Inadequate mixing of materials prior to application, insufficient thinning or the wrong grade of thinner.

What are the disadvantages of gloss finish?

The Cons of a Gloss Finish

While gloss kitchens are easier to clean, they also need to be cleaned more often as those dirty marks and fingerprints will show up more easily. Another downside, particularly with acrylic gloss units, is that they're quite easy to scratch.

Does satin paint get less shiny?

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.

Is satin paint shinier than gloss?

It is shinier than pearl, eggshell, and matte, yet flatter than semi-gloss and high gloss. In most professionals' opinions, satin is the glossiest sheen that should be used on walls. In fact, most walls are finished with eggshell or matte, as these sheens hide imperfections incredibly well.

When should you use satin paint?

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.

What is satin paint good for?

There are many reasons to choose satin paint. Because it's durable and hardwearing, it's the perfect paint for busy areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, children's rooms, playrooms and nurseries. It's also great for interior woodwork such as architectural trims, frames and moldings.

Is gloss paint harder wearing than satin?

A gloss paint is typically more robust and durable than a satin paint, but a poorly prepped gloss finish is not as good as a well-prepped satin finish. Both paints can withstand the odd scuff or mark but gloss is less likely to retain them.

What paint finish do designers use?

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!

What color hides imperfections best?

Using Dark Color Paint:

Just like the same way, flat finishes reduce dent visibility; darker paints also reflect less light than lighter paints. This makes them a better choice for hiding drywall imperfections. The only drawback of using dark color paint often makes the room look smaller.

Do designers use flat or eggshell paint?

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.

What are the pros and cons of satin paint?

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.

Why does my satin paint look shiny?

Satin paint has a shinier finish than matte which is more flat. Comparatively, satin finishes have between 25% and 35% gloss while matte finishes have a gloss percentage between 5% and 10%. This means that satin paint reflects around three to five times as much light as matte paint does.

Is satin too glossy for living room?

Its balanced look makes it highly durable without being too reflective. If you were to ask an interior designer or painting professional, they'd likely tell you that satin is the glossiest sheen you should use on interior walls.

When should you use gloss paint?

Gloss paints have a highly reflective appearance imparting a slick, contemporary look. They are tough, durable and stain-resistant. Gloss paints are easier to clean than lower gloss paints and are typically used in kitchens, bathrooms and on doors and cabinets exposed to fingerprints and grime.

Should I use gloss paint or not?

Glossy finishes are much more stain-resistant than satin and flat. Gloss is also very easy to wipe down and wash, while low-gloss paints take a little more effort to clean. This makes higher-gloss paints very useful in kitchens, bathrooms and some dining rooms.

What are pros and cons of semi-gloss paint?

Semi-gloss

Due to its durability, it's recommended to use this finish in places that frequently need cleanings, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and utility areas. However, this finish also shares high gloss's disadvantages. Because of its shine, it will easily draw your attention to the imperfections on your walls.

Is gloss paint making a comeback?

Go all out for gloss

Dominic Myland, CEO at Mylands, explains why this trend is going to be big news in 2023, 'A gloss finish can be used to create a high-impact scheme, and its reflective quality will brighten up the room and make a smaller space feel bigger as the light bounces round.

Is gloss paint dated?

Choose something that will not only look good after you've painted, but will look good a few years down the line. Gloss is a little bit dated now, and oil-based gloss tends to turn yellow after a few weeks, especially in a hallway. Satinwood looks so much better.

How do you prevent brush marks on gloss paint?

Load the brush with your gloss paint and wipe away any excess, then begin painting very gently and lightly in long strokes to achieve one final coat with the gloss and avoid brush marks.

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