Satin, matte, gloss, there are lots of options when it comes to the finishing touches on your home – and they can make all the difference. In this blog post, we thought we’d break down the differences between these types of finishes and try to guide you through how to make the right decision for your home. 

So, let’s start from the beginning. Why are paint finishes important? 

From aesthetics to durability, the paint finish you choose can dramatically change the character of your home as well as the amount of maintenance you should plan for down the line. 

The three main types of finishes are satin, matte and gloss. Let’s take a look at each of them. 

Satin

This is a favorite for homeowners who want to bring a subtle, inviting luxury to their spaces. It’s not too far on either side of the spectrum in terms of glossiness or flatness, making it the perfect alternative to a matte or gloss finish. 

Matte

Matte paint gives off a “flatter” appearance than either satin or gloss finishes, but it is by no means a two-dimensional aesthetic choice. It’s durable, reliable, and easy to both clean and maintain. 

Gloss 

Gloss finishes give off a special shine. It’s smooth, and almost reflective when the sun hits it just right. It’s the most visibly noticeable of the types of finishes, so homeowners that choose to go down this route should have a pretty clear vision in mind. 

Each of these finishes has their pros and cons, and you should think about how you’ll be using your space before you make your final decision. 

For instance, we recommend a satin finish for your bedroom, where you spend most of your time relaxing and decompressing. In spaces that see more regular activity and generally have more wall space, many professional painters tend to favor a matte finish. When it comes to kitchens and bathrooms that see heavy use and are likely to need more maintenance, we’d go with a gloss finish. It’s durable, and has moisture-resistant properties that make it perfect for these spaces. 

The good news is, you don’t have to tackle all of this alone. Ireland’s Finest Painting Company is here to help you make these choices – from initial color swatches to paint finishes and everything in between. Our team of trusted craftsmen understands every step of the painting process.

Schedule a free estimate today.