The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Paint Finish for Every Room

on Nov 05, 2024

Choose the Right Paint for Every Surface

Choosing the right paint finish can make all the difference in the look, feel, and longevity of your walls. Understanding the differences between flat matte, washable matte, and satin finishes—as well as where gloss fits in—will help you achieve the best results for your space.

1. Flat Matte vs. Washable Matte Paint

Flat Matte Paint:
- Best For: Low-traffic areas such as bedrooms and ceilings.
- Features: Flat matte paint has a non-reflective, velvety finish that absorbs light, providing a soft and warm appearance. It’s perfect for masking wall imperfections.
- Pros: Hides flaws effectively and creates a uniform look.
- Cons: Not durable and challenging to clean without causing damage or leaving marks.
Washable Matte Paint:
- Best For: High-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and kids’ rooms.
- Features: Washable matte paint retains the sophisticated, non-glossy look of flat matte while offering increased durability. It withstands cleaning and scrubbing, making it ideal for spaces that need both aesthetics and practicality.
- Pros: Easy to clean and more durable while maintaining a stylish matte finish.
- Cons: Slightly more expensive than flat matte paint.

Recommendation: For walls in kitchens, bathrooms, or any high-traffic area, washable matte paint is the perfect choice. It combines the elegance of a matte finish with easy maintenance.

2. Satin Finish

Best For: Living rooms, dining areas, and other moderate-traffic spaces.
Features: Satin paint offers a soft, subtle sheen that falls between matte and gloss finishes. It reflects a bit of light, which gives walls a smooth, sophisticated glow. Satin paint is also more durable than flat matte and can handle occasional scrubbing without losing its finish.
Pros: Balances beauty and durability, making it suitable for spaces where walls may need light cleaning.
Cons: Slight imperfections on the surface can become noticeable due to its light-reflective quality.

Recommendation: Use satin paint for areas that need a touch of elegance and moderate durability, such as living rooms and dining rooms.

3. Gloss Paint: Where It Shines

Best For: Woodwork, accent walls, and ceilings.
Features: Gloss paint is highly reflective and provides a luxurious, high-shine look. It’s perfect for trim, doors, and accent areas where you want to create contrast or draw attention. It is also moisture-resistant, making it suitable for use in bathrooms or kitchens when applied to woodwork.
Pros: Highly durable, easy to clean, and stands out as a decorative element.
Cons: Highlights surface imperfections, so careful preparation is necessary.

Tip: Use gloss paint on woodwork, accent walls, or ceilings for a touch of sophistication and drama.

Discover the perfect finish for your project at PaintLab.ie and get ready to transform your space!

Osmo

Osmo Natural Oil Exterior Wood & Decking Stain

from €3.50 incl. VAT

Osmo

Osmo Natural Oil Exterior Wood & Decking Stain

INNOVATIVE AND DURABLE PROTECTION Base and top coat in one finish Fast drying Natural wood grain remains visible Extremely weather and UV resistant Very water and dirt resistant Resistant against algae, mould, mildew and fungal attack Reduces wood swelling and shrinkage...

from €3.50 incl. VAT

Osmo

Osmo Interior Wood Wax Finish

from €3.50 incl. VAT

Osmo

Osmo Interior Wood Wax Finish

ALL ROUND PROTECTION FOR THE INTERIOR Suitable for all interior use Wood grain remains visible with transparent tones and wood grain can be hidden with intensive tones Very durable and hardwearing Water and dirt resistant Resistant to common liquid spillages...

from €3.50 incl. VAT

Zinsser

Zinsser Coverstain Oil Based Adhesion Primer & Sealer

from €23.99 incl. VAT

Zinsser

Zinsser Coverstain Oil Based Adhesion Primer & Sealer

Cover Stain is an all-purpose solvent-based, stain-killing, primer-sealer. Ideal for interior and exterior applications. Re-coat in only two hours. May be used under any solvent-based or water-based topcoat. Up to 9.8m2 coverage per litre on most surfaces. Cover Stain is...

from €23.99 incl. VAT

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best paint finish for interior walls?

Different rooms benefit from different surface qualities. Flat or matte works well where you want to hide uneven areas, especially in quieter spaces. Areas that see more activity often need something more durable, such as satin or a washable low-sheen option.

Is matte or satin finish better for walls?

Matte creates a soft, understated look that works well in relaxed environments. Satin adds a hint of shine and stands up better to moisture and regular wiping, making it more practical in busy parts of the home.

What paint finish is best for living rooms?

Most homeowners choose either satin or a wipeable matte because both handle everyday use without sacrificing appearance. Satin gently reflects light, while washable matte keeps the room looking refined with minimal upkeep.

What is the difference between flat matte and washable matte paint?

Traditional flat options offer excellent coverage but can mark easily. Their washable counterpart keeps the same smooth appearance but has a tougher surface that tolerates light cleaning.

Is soft sheen or matte better for a bedroom?

Matte creates a calming atmosphere with a muted surface, ideal for restful spaces. Soft sheen introduces a touch of brightness and suits homeowners who prefer a slightly livelier look.

When should I use gloss paint on walls or trim?

Gloss works best on woodwork, doors, and decorative edges where you want a crisp, defined contrast. Its reflective quality enhances details and stands up exceptionally well to frequent cleaning.

What is the best satin paint for interiors?

A reliable product should go on smoothly, maintain colour over time, and allow occasional wiping. Premium ranges from well-known professional brands deliver consistent, long-lasting results in most household spaces.