Why not to use satin paint?

Author: Mckayla Kreiger  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 11, 2025

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.

What is the downside of satin paint?

Cons: May highlight surface imperfections more than eggshell paint due to its reflective quality. Not suitable for hiding blemishes and imperfections on walls, as the higher sheen can make them more noticeable. May require more coats than eggshell paint to achieve full coverage.

When should you use satin paint?

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.

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.

Should I get satin or matte paint?

Satin and matte are both good, so it is all up to what you find appealing. Also important to know that matte ``steals'' a bit of the color, reducing the quality of your paint job slightly, but it also makes the model look more natural compared to satin.

Paint Sheen Differences Explained In 5 Minutes

Should I get eggshell or satin paint?

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.

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.

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!

What is the best sheen for interior walls?

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.

How to make satin paint less shiny?

Mixing satin paint with flat paint can be an effective method for reducing glossiness without compromising color vibrancy too much when done correctly.

What rooms is satin paint good for?

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.

Should you use a roller or brush for satin paint?

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.

Why is satin paint still tacky?

When paint remains tacky to the touch and refuses to dry, the issue often lies with quality of the paint. But the problem may also be linked to your painting environment (in terms of humidity and temperature) ​or application issues like failing to prepare the surface properly or not letting the paint dry between coats.

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.

Why is satin paint so watery?

The separation of the paint can lead to a watery consistency, with solid components settling at the bottom and the liquid rising to the top. Other factors that might contribute to your paint turning watery include: Age of the Paint: Older, expired paint has a higher likelihood of becoming watery or liquid.

Why does satin look so cheap?

This is because satin isn't a fabric, it's a type of weave. And these cheap satins are actually. made out of polyester.

What paint do most professional painters use?

Professional painters frequently utilize premium paints, such as Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams, for their work. Sherwin-Williams is widely regarded as one of the top paint brands, providing a broad range of premium quality paints, including environmentally friendly options.

What sheen do professional painters use?

Eggshell is the most commonly used sheen for interior walls.

Is eggshell or satin better for walls?

Because eggshell is less lustrous than satin, it is also slightly less durable. That being said, it will still hold up better than flat or matte finishes. Eggshell paint is a great option for walls in medium- to low-traffic areas and can be easily cleaned.

When should you not use eggshell paint?

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.

Why do contractors use flat paint?

Poor quality of some trades, like drywall contractors, or framers, can make imperfections pop out if there is a sheen in the paint. Using flat paint keeps imperfections from being so noticeable.

Should bedroom walls be flat or satin?

For low-traffic areas like bedrooms, go for flat or eggshell finishes. They're elegant and don't shine too much. But if you're tackling high-traffic spots like hallways or kitchens, satin or semi-gloss finishes are the way to go. They're durable and easy to clean, perfect for those inevitable messes.

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.

What paint is at Lowes?

With our wide selection of paint by Sherwin-Williams, HGTV Home® by Sherwin Williams, Valspar® and STAINMASTER™, your perfect color is waiting for you.

Is Sherwin Williams satin the same as eggshell?

Satin and low-lustre paints have a slightly higher sheen than eggshell finishes. Paints in this category are warmer and provide a greater appearance of depth than flat paints. They also resist stains better than flat paints.

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