Satin paint is a mid-sheen paint that can be used for walls, woodwork and ceilings. It's more durable than matte paint but less durable than gloss. Satin paint is good for walls in high-traffic rooms but because it reflects light it will show faults in underlying surfaces that matte paint conceals.
Satin paint has some sheen to it, and is an excellent choice for hardworking rooms, like kitchens and bathrooms.
Best for: Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. Satin, which is a little more hard-wearing than eggshell, works well in those rooms and also in kitchens, dining areas, children's bedrooms, and bathrooms. Many satin finishes are tough enough to use on trim as well.
Use satin paint for higher-traffic areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways. Because it contains more gloss than eggshell or matte, it's also more durable. As a result, satin is a perfect finish for a kids' bedroom, mudroom, or foyer.
Satin paint can also be used on interior walls. It's especially ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc. since it's easier to clean than low luster sheens like matte and eggshell.
Satin Paint: When To NOT Go With It
With a higher level of sheen, avoiding using satin paint in rooms with a lot of sunlight is recommended. Flat paint is preferred to keep down reflectiveness. Going with a semi-gloss or gloss finish is recommended for the higher-traffic areas you're painting.
The most common and best sheen for interior trim is a satin or semi-gloss finish. Satin paint finishes have a medium sheen and are durable and easy to clean. Semi-gloss paint finishes have a higher sheen and stand out in a room. They are easy to clean and stand up to dirt, stains, mold, and mildew.
Satin paint is a mid-sheen paint that can be used for walls, woodwork and ceilings. It's more durable than matte paint but less durable than gloss. Satin paint is good for walls in high-traffic rooms but because it reflects light it will show faults in underlying surfaces that matte paint conceals.
For flat, eggshell, and satin finishes, knit roller covers do the job more efficiently. For consistent control and smooth finish, we recommend microfiber roller covers.
Satin is commonly used in clothing, for items such as lingerie, nightgowns, blouses, and evening gowns, but is also used for boxer shorts, shirts and neckties. It is also used in the production of pointe shoes for ballet. Other uses include interior furnishing fabrics, upholstery, and bed sheets.
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.
Color Considerations
We all know that lighter colors emphasize imperfections while darker colors hide them. This also has to do with light and reflection. Lighter colors reflect more light while darker shades absorb it.
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.
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.
Cover the whole wall then fill in any edges with a smaller roller or brush. Keep going with two or three coats until you are happy with the result, rubbing down after each coat is dry. If you're painting kitchen cabinets with satin paint, you can use a brush, though a small roller will take less time.
Eggshell finish, perennially popular with professional and DIY painters alike, has a low-sheen reminiscent of flat or matte, but it is infinitely more durable than its namesake.
Satin paint is particularly suitable for areas exposed to moisture and frequent use, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Its moisture-resistant properties make it an excellent choice for high-humidity environments, ensuring that the paint remains durable and easy to clean over time.
If you are working with a new wall, professionally finished with a perfectly smooth surface, satin paint is a great option. However, if there are any imperfections in the surface, such as bumps, cracks, or holes that have been filled but still are visible, flat paint is a better choice.
The sheen of Satin makes it perfect for evening wear, but it can also be styled for daytime looks with the right accessories and layering.
Painting over existing satin paint with a flat finish can be done, but it requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Before beginning the painting process, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned and sanded to ensure that the new finish will adhere properly.
It is typically safe to apply a second coat after four hours for latex paint and 24 hours for oil-based paint. Latex paint is dry to the touch in about one hour, while oil-based paint is dry to the touch in about six to eight hours.
Satin is more durable and shinier than eggshell and is ideal for a bathroom. It's also easy to clean. Use it for the walls, ceiling, and even the trim, because many satin finishes are tougher than they once were. Semi-gloss is even tougher and a cinch to clean.
Semi-gloss finish: This is the best finish for your trims such as baseboards, mouldings and even cabinets and doors. It's also a good choice for highly trafficked area that gets lots of wear and tear such as a mudroom.
Avoid using eggshell paint in high-contact, high-traffic areas such as door and window trim, baseboards, cabinetry, and doors. It's best to use semi-gloss paint in these areas.