The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Paint Finish

Painting your space is like choosing the right outfit for a special occasion; the finish is the final touch that adds personality and flair. With a wide array of paint finishes available, each with its unique characteristics and functions, finding the perfect one can feel like selecting the ideal accessory for your look. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the range of paint finishes, from the understated elegance of flat and satin to the durable practicality of semi-gloss and high gloss. We'll also delve into specialty finishes like lime wash and plaster, helping you make an informed decision that suits your space and style.

1. Flat Finish: Timeless Sophistication

Flat finish paint, or matte finish paint, is a type of interior paint that has a non-reflective and smooth surface. Flat finish paint is often chosen for spaces where a relaxed and cozy atmosphere is desired and is a great choice for a sophisticated and timeless look. The go-to paint choice at Maison Blanc Designs for flat finishings is always Farrow & Ball. Beautiful application, high coverage, and great durability are just a few of the many reasons F&B stays at the top of our list. 

Characteristics: No to very minimal sheen, smooth, velvety surface, high coverage, non-reflective, hides surface imperfections. 

Function: Ideal for spaces where you want a cozy, elegant ambiance. Perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas. Best to avoid use in high-moisture rooms like bathrooms and kitchens

Farrow & Ball

Dead Flat Finish

2. Satin Finish: Subtle Sheen, Easy Care

Satin Finish paint offers a subtle sheen or luster to the painted surfaces. It falls between flat/matte and semi-gloss finishes on the sheen scale. Satin paint has a soft luster without being too glossy or shiny. Satin is a great choice for those who are looking for a lower-maintenance paint, with slight reflectiveness and deep color.

Characteristics: Delicate low-level sheen, easy to clean and maintain, balance between matte and glossy, medium durability and more washable than flat/matte finishes.

Function: Well-suited for higher-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, where durability and style are equally important. Great for small spaces to reflect light for an ample optical illusion with a cozy feel.

Argile

Argile satin couvrant

3. Eggshell Finish: Versatile and Understated

Similar to Satin, Eggshell finishes also have a slight sheen, akin to the surface of an eggshell. Eggshell finishes are less reflective than satin but more than flat or matte finish paints. Eggshell paints have a soft velvety appearance and equally absorb and reflect light depending on the angle.

Characteristics: Slight sheen, smooth and even texture, can help hide minor surface imperfections and blemishes, more durable than flat/matte finishes

Function: Versatile enough for most spaces, including family rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. Strikes a balance between elegance and practicality.

Warner House

Eggshell Finish

4. Semi-Gloss Finish: Durability and Shine

Semi-gloss paint is a type available as interior or exterior paint that offers a noticeable sheen and a reflective surface. This finish has a noticeable glossy finish that reflects light, creating a sleek and shiny surface.

Characteristics: Noticeable shine and exceptional durability. Easy to clean and stand up to daily wear and tear, can enhance brightness, versatile uses. 

Function: Perfect to add pops of color for trim, doors, and cabinets, adding a touch of elegance to high-traffic areas that require frequent cleaning.

Paint and Paper Library

Architects Gloss

5. High Gloss Finish: Striking Brilliance

At the top of the sheen list, we have high gloss. This finish is extremely shiny and creates a reflective surface, almost mirror-like. The extreme shine can provide a polished and glamorous appearance. Although due to its high reflectivity, it can reveal any textures or marks on the surface so it is very important to properly prep before painting. Bringing it back to a favorite, Farrow & Ball has an exceptional range of finishes from dead flat to striking high gloss finishes.

Characteristics: Ultra-shiny, mirror-like or glass-like appearance, high durability, low maintenance, suitable for interior and exteriors.

Function: Great choice to use for accent pieces or furniture to make a bold statement. Suitable for exterior doors or trims. Appropriate for kitchen walls, cabinetry, and trims.

Farrow and Ball

Full Gloss

Specialty Finishes | Limewash Finish: Old-World Charm

Limewash paint is a unique type of paint that is made from natural lime and water. Limewash has been traditionally used for centuries as a method of finishing and protecting various types of surfaces. Its historical use dates back to ancient civilizations, and it has been used in different regions and time periods for a range of purposes. This connection to history is why it is often used to create a distinctive and timeless finish on walls, both interior and exterior. 

Characteristics: Unique, antique look with a soft, chalky appearance and textured finish. Made from natural materials. Hand-brushed application is required.

Function: Suitable for both interiors and exteriors, particularly in rustic or historic settings, where it adds character and depth.

Portola Paint

Lime Wash Finish

Specialty Finishes | Plaster Finish: Artistic Texture

Similar to lime wash, Portola paints offers an amazing collection of Roman Clay plaster paints. Using a putty knife, or trowel, this paint creates high-texture finishings to achieve the looks of stone, stucco and marble-like effects. While giving a high texture look, Roman Clay is smooth to the touch and offers a softer pigmented color that is more natural and traditional.

Characteristics: Textured, artisanal appearance with depth and dimension, resembling traditional plaster walls. Low sheen, high texture.

Function: A distinctive choice for feature walls or spaces where you want to showcase artistic texture. Works well in modern and classical interiors alike.

Portola Paints

Roman Clay Finish