Home Habits: Semi-Matte and Semi-Gloss Paint

 

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What's the Difference Between Semi-Gloss and Semi-Matte Paint?

 

As they're decorating, people tend to focus on color before anything else. There are numerous palettes to consider, with options for every building, budget, and aesthetic preference. Along with color choices, it's just as important to choose the right paint finish—which depends on the area and surface to be painted. In this short guide, we will discuss the differences between semi-matte and semi-gloss paints.

Paint Finishes Are All About Chemistry

A paint's glossiness is determined by its chemical composition. Glossy paints have less pigment and more resin, while matte options are the opposite. That's why those who use gloss cabinet paint must apply several coats, while a single coat of a flat paint can usually get the job done.

In today's paint and home improvement stores, buyers will find oil- and latex-based finishes. For most uses, latex paint is better because it offers easier cleanup and creates less fumes than oil-based paint.

Semi-Gloss and Semi-Matte Paint: Are There Any Real Differences Between the Two?

Semi-matte paint, sometimes referred to as satin paint, has a smooth, velvety, and slightly glossy sheen. It's commonly used on doors, trims, interior walls, ceilings, and window frames. Durable enough to stand up to years of wear, semi-gloss paint is perfect for entryways, bathrooms, children's bedrooms, kitchens, and other highly trafficked areas.

By comparison, semi-gloss paint has slightly more sheen than semi-matte or satin paint. It's more reflective, which allows it to create a feeling of openness in a small room. And while it's possible to use satin paint on interior walls, semi-gloss is better used on balusters and balustrades, banisters, baseboards, and other woodwork. Semi-gloss paint dries to a smooth, shiny finish, which makes it ideal for kitchen cabinetry.

Semi-Gloss and Semi-Matte Paint: Which Wins In Terms of Durability?

Satin or semi-matte paint is less resistant to scrapes and scuffs than semi-gloss. Despite that difference, glossy finishes tend to show scuffs and dings more clearly. Both are easy to maintain, but semi-gloss is preferred in kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas. Following the right paint selection and application guide will keep property owners from making serious mistakes.

What is Semi-Matte Paint?

When homeowners paint their walls or woodwork in a plain finish, semi-matte or satin paint is a good choice. It holds pigment more effectively than semi-gloss paint, but it also offers more sheen than would be found in a matte finish. Satin paint reflects light subtly and is less stain-resistant than semi-gloss paint.

What is Semi-Gloss Paint?

With less shine than high-gloss options, semi-gloss paint still has more sheen than satin and isn't recommended for use on a home's inside walls. It's better suited to woodwork infrequently traveled areas like living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, playrooms, and bedrooms. Semi-gloss paint is also perfect for refinishing wooden furniture and cabinetry.

Long wearing and durable, semi-gloss paint is easy to maintain and helps protect underlying surfaces when used in bathrooms. It has much more texture than satin paint, so choose the latter if a smooth finish is the goal.

Choosing Semi-Gloss or Semi-Matte Paint: What to Consider

There are a few points to ponder when choosing a paint finish. Because semi-gloss paint is shinier than satin or semi-matte, it affects how a color looks once it's been applied. Semi-gloss reflects light, so if a room has ample natural light, the result can look different than what's on the paint can. Conversely, satin paint absorbs light, so it may appear to be lighter than expected. In either case, consider performing a swatch test on an inconspicuous area before painting an entire room.

In terms of durability, semi-gloss paint is preferred over semi-matte for its longer wear and easier cleaning. Because glossy surfaces are slicker, they're naturally more moisture resistant. Generally, semi-matte paints are best for furniture and interior walls, while semi-gloss is better for accent pieces and small areas such as stair rails, window and door frames, and cabinet doors.

Selecting the Right Paint Finish for Any Project

When picking a paint finish, one must consider their design preferences and project requirements. Here are a few aspects to think about during the paint selection process.

·   Durability. Most paint manufacturers claim that all their finishes can be cleaned. Typically, the glossier a finish is, the better it endures dings, dents, scuffs, scrubbing, and cleaning.

·   Aesthetic requirements. If a project calls for a patina or rustic look, flat paint is the best choice. When durability is a concern, use satin paint on walls and a flat enamel for trim.

·   Glossy style. Instead of using a glossy paint throughout the room, use it for trim, doors, and accent pieces. When glossy paint is overused, it makes a room seem uninviting and sterile.

·   Ceilings. Choosing a gloss paint for a ceiling will reflect more light within the room. Select a high-quality finish that wears well and does not crack. Glossy paint tends not to conceal blemishes, so it's important to ensure a smooth surface as a starting point.

Whether a project involves flat, matte, semi-matte, or semi-gloss paint, making these considerations will ensure a more consistent and better-looking result.

Good Decisions Create Great Results

A property owner's interior paint choices are a matter of stylistic preference and project requirements. Whether they choose semi-matte or semi-gloss paint, owners can follow these guidelines to ensure that their time is well-spent and the project's results last for years to come.