Matte, Satin, or Gloss: Choosing the Perfect Benjamin Moore Paint Finish for Your Home
Paint Colours Unlimited • September 14, 2023
The right paint can enhance how a room looks and feels. Various colours and even contrasting paint finishes can make a difference with light reflectivity and the ability to hide imperfections and offer durability and protection.
The secret to choosing the perfect finish relies on understanding the differences. Matte finishes have no light reflectivity, while satin has some sheen to reflect light. Gloss paints, on the other hand, reflect the most light. Read on to learn the ideal Benjamin Moore paint finish for your next project.
What’s the Difference Between Matte, Satin, and Gloss?
It's easier to decide what works for a room once you know the basics of each finish.
- Matte:
Has the least shine and is perfect for hiding imperfections in ceilings or walls.
- Satin:
Has a hint of shine, adding a velvety touch to walls and ceilings. Its pearl-like appearance makes it an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Gloss:
Available in semi- and high-gloss finishes, the glass-like appearance of gloss is perfect for high-use areas like cupboards,
trim, and door frames.
Benefits, Drawbacks, and Ideal Usage
Each paint finish has its benefits, drawbacks, and ideal usage.
Matte Paint Finish
- Best for hiding imperfections like uneven surfaces or drywall patches
- Low light reflectivity creates a cozy, contemporary look
- The most difficult paint finish to clean among the three finishes
- Ideal for low-traffic areas like ceilings, bedrooms, and dining rooms
Satin Paint Finish
- Easy to clean and has high durability
- Benjamin Moore’s
Aura Grand Entrance creates a warm glow and elegant sheen
- Doesn’t hide imperfections as easily as matte
- Ideal for more active rooms like bathrooms, kitchens, family rooms, hallways, and kid’s bedrooms
Gloss Paint Finish
- The highest durability and easiest to clean
- Resistant to grease, moisture, and stains
- Shows all imperfections with its glass-like shine
- It’s the perfect finish to highlight architectural details like wainscotting or chair rails and for high-use areas like kitchen cupboards and door frames
What to Consider When Choosing a Paint Finish
A paint’s finish determines how you see the colour, durability, and hide. Consider the following:
- Wall texture:
If you can’t perfectly prep the walls before painting, stick with a matte finish for the best hide results.
- Foot traffic:
High-traffic areas are susceptible to dirt and can impact the look of walls when you don’t use a highly durable paint finish.
- Room type: Bathrooms and kitchens are known for high humidity, water splashes, and grease, requiring a protective finish that’s easy to clean.
- Enhance room size with natural lighting:
Natural lighting can enhance your ambiance. Glossy paint makes walls pop, while matte finishes help make smaller rooms look larger.
Tips to Achieve Your Desired Finish
To get your desired finish, you must:
Need Help Deciding On the Perfect Paint Finish For Your Home?
Ask the experts at Paint Colours Unlimited, your local Benjamin Moore Paint Store in Toronto West. We’re proud to offer specialized knowledge and service to simplify and amplify your next painting project.
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