Residential Painters | 3 Smart Considerations For Choosing Between Satin And Semi-Gloss Finishes
Posted on: 3 May 2016
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Choosing paint colours isn't the only the choice you have to make when you're painting your home. Paint finish also plays a vital role in the overall appearance of your post-painted room. Satin finishes deliver soft sheens and gently reflect light, while semi-gloss finishes are more slick and shiny. If you've narrowed your finishing choice down to satin and semi-gloss, this guide will help you consider certain factors to make a good decision when working with residential painters.
Consider The Disposition Of The Room You Plan To Paint
Semi-gloss offers a durable and washable finish, so high-traffic rooms like kitchens and bathrooms will benefit from this type of finish. Semi-gloss finishes can typically withstand the scrubbing necessary in kitchens and bathrooms, while retaining an impervious nature to moisture and water. Semi-gloss paint finishes also work better with window mouldings and doors because of their moisture-resistant properties. Satin finishes represent a softer and gentler finish, which makes them the ideal choice for lower traffic rooms like living rooms, bedrooms, entertainment rooms and studies. When working with your painters, make sure you consider the room's disposition before making a finishing choice.
Sample Similar Shades Of Both Finishes On The Wall Before Making Your Decision
Keep in mind that semi-gloss and satin paints respond to light differently, which means that light reflection will influence the look of the paint on your room walls. For instance, a semi-gloss blue finish will look darker against the wall than a similar shade in a satin finish. Similarly, a semi-gloss dark grey finish may look luxurious, but may appear muggy if your painters use the same shade in a satin finish on your walls. An off-white satin finish will look stunning against natural light, but it may not have the same appeal in a semi-gloss finish. The best thing to do is to sample similar shades of both finishes on the wall beforehand, so that you can make a decision based on your personal taste.
Consider Existing Wall Finish
The existing wall finish will also play a role in your decision to choose between satin and semi-gloss paint finishes. For instance, if you have uneven or dimpled walls, then semi-gloss paint finish will emphasise these flaws more noticeably than satin paint finish. If your walls are imperfect, your best choice is satin paint, unless you undertake the necessary wall refinishing steps before applying semi-gloss paint.
Follow these considerations when working with your painters to choose between satin and semi-gloss paint finishes.