When planning for a residential painting project in New Haven County, CT, many homeowners don’t give much consideration to the sheen or finish of the paint. Choosing the ideal finish for the use and the surface to be painted ensures that you get the result you want –whether in terms of durability or aesthetics.

A General Principle of Paint Finish

Paint manufacturers may name their finishes differently. However, beyond the names, the basic principles remain the same, i.e., the less glossy a finish, the more matte it is. The more a finish shines, the more it is glossy. Simple enough? Good.

What Does This Imply?

A matte finish practically does not reflect light. At the microscopic level, the matte finish is very porous, which reduces the reflections of light rays and therefore offers the, well, matte finish. This makes it more popular in terms of a contemporary look, but also more vulnerable to soiling. A matte finish is more likely to stain over time because it’s more porous and difficult to clean.

In contrast, glossy paint, which at the microscopic level is much smoother, reflects up to 85% of the lighting. This implies that it offers an easily cleanable and shiny finish. However, at the application level, this implies that you have to be more careful. The slightest off-stroke by the roller or extra thickness of paint will be more visible in the final finish. Also, in the case of an uneven surface, the defects will be more visible; the glossier the paint becomes.

Gloss vs. Matte

Between these two extremes (gloss and matte), there are many other types of finishes. Here are the most popular, in order of glossiness:

• Matte (0 to 5% shininess)
• Velvet / velvety (5 to 12%)
• Satin (20 to 30%)
• Semi-gloss (35 to 55%)
• Glossy / very glossy (85% and +)

Of course, gloss rates can vary considerably from one paint company to another, depending on their formulas and resins. Also, in the same finish, the percentage of luster can vary from one color to another. Adding dye for dark colors slightly increases the degree of luster. This is why a variable percentage scale defines each finish, for example, from 20% to 30% for the satin finish. Now let’s have a quick look at examples of where different paint finishes can be used.

When Should I Use Matte Finish?

The matte finish is perfect for painting ceilings. Since it is a particularly difficult-to-paint surface and practically exposed to no contact, a gloss-less finish is ideal. Also, ceilings can often contain defects, uneven parts, and the matte finish hardly reflects light, so it camouflages the defects, while a glossy finish would make them more visible.

Velvet Finish

This is the most popular finish. It is neither shiny nor completely matte. In most cases, velvet/velvety finish is used to paint both the interior and exterior walls. The velvet finish provides the ideal balance between durability and aesthetics. For a wall exposed to normal traffic, such as an adult bedroom wall or a corridor, opt for a velvet finish. The washability of the velvety finish will be higher if you opt for a better quality of paint. For example, the velvety finish of high-end paints from Benjamin Moore (Aura, Regal Select, and Scuff-X) are more washable than in the more economical ranges (Ben, Eco-Spec, and Ultra-Spec).

Satin or Semi-Gloss Finish

The satin finish is generally used for surfaces that are exposed to more contact. For example, woodwork, doors, door and window frames, bathroom walls, etc. The satin finish is slightly shiny, it gets dirty less quickly and can be scrubbed without fear of damaging the paint.

The Bottom Line

Painting is the easiest and cheapest way to transform your home almost instantly. If you need professional help in choosing paint and repainting your home, New Haven Painters can help. We offer affordable, reliable, and durable residential painting services in New Haven, Branford, Milford, Orange, North Haven, West Haven, East Haven, and the surrounding areas. Book a FREE estimate below to get started, or call us (203) 606-2346, so we can talk about your project!

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