If you’re scratching your head about paint finishes while staring at those sample cards at your local paint or hardware store, you’re not alone. Whether you’re giving your Gold Coast beach house a refresh or sprucing up your Northern Rivers cottage, choosing the right paint finish can make or break your DIY project. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about different types of paint finishes to help you nail your next paint job.
What Are The 5 Types Of Paint Finishes?
From matte to high gloss, and low sheen to semi-gloss, each paint finish has its sweet spot. Here’s the lowdown on what makes each one special and where they work best when it comes to interior house painting:
1. Matt Finish
Matt or flat finishes are the most forgiving of paint finishes, flat paint is your best mate when it comes to hiding surface imperfections. It absorbs light rather than reflecting it, creating a smooth, sophisticated look.
Best for:
Living room and dining room walls- Ceilings throughout the house
- Main bedrooms
- Low-traffic areas
Watch out for: Matt finishes can be a bit tricky to clean, so they’re not ideal for areas that cop a lot of wear and tear, such as kitchens. Popular options like Dulux paint finishes in their Wash&Wear range (the Matt options) have improved this significantly, but it’s still worth keeping in mind.
2. Low Sheen & Eggshell Finish
Think of low sheen as the perfect middle ground between flat and satin. It’s got just enough shine to give your walls some life without going overboard.
Best for:
- Family rooms
- Hallways
- Kids’ bedrooms
- Home offices
Top tip: This finish is brilliant for our harsh Aussie climate, especially in coastal areas like the Gold Coast where salt spray can be an issue.
3. Satin Finish
The workhorse of paint finishes, satin offers durability with a gentle sheen that works in almost any room.
Best for:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Laundries
- Kids’ play areas
- Exterior walls
Why it works: Satin finishes stand up well to humidity and regular cleaning, which makes them perfect for our subtropical climate in Queensland and northern New South Wales.
4. Semi-gloss Finish
When you need something tough as nails but don’t want to go full gloss, semi-gloss is your go-to option when it comes to paint gloss finishes.
Best for:
- Window frames
- Door frames
- Skirting boards
- Kitchen cabinets
- Outdoor trim
Pro tip: Semi-gloss paint finishes are champion performers in high-moisture areas and can handle a good scrub.
5. High Gloss Finish
The shiniest of all paint finishes, high gloss creates a mirror-like surface that’s both dramatic and durable.
Best for:
- Front doors
- Railings
- Architectural details
- Feature pieces
- Marine applications
Remember: High gloss shows every imperfection, so proper prep work is crucial when using this type of paint.
There is truly a suitable type of paint finish for every interior painting job, so do a little research, choose carefully, and you should love the end results.
Exterior Paint Finishes: Battling The Elements
When it comes to exterior house painting in our neck of the woods, different paint finishes have an impact, too. For example, you’ve got to think about:
- Intense UV exposure (especially on the Gold Coast)
- Tropical storms and heavy rain.
- Salt spray for coastal homes.
- High humidity.
- Mould and mildew resistance.
For exterior walls, low sheen or satin finishes are your best bet. They provide enough durability while hiding surface imperfections. For trim and architectural features, semi-gloss offers excellent protection while adding visual interest.
Of course, when choosing paint products for the outer areas of your property, you need to understand the difference between interior and exterior paints, too, not just the different paint finishes, so read our guide for further information.
Special Considerations For Textured Paint Finishes
Newer textured paint finishes are becoming increasingly popular, especially for exterior rendering and feature walls. They can:
- Hide rendering imperfections.
- Create interesting visual effects.
- Provide additional weather protection.
- Add character to plain surfaces.
Most major brands offer textured options that work brilliantly in our climate. It’s worth considering one of these products for your next painting project.
Room-by-room Recommendations
As a summary, here are some of the best paint finishes you can use for different zones of your home:
Interior Spaces
- Bedrooms: Flat or low sheen for a peaceful vibe.
- Living Areas: Flat or low-sheen products for sophistication.
- Kitchens: Satin or semi-gloss for easy cleaning.
- Bathrooms: Satin or semi-gloss to combat moisture.
- Laundries: Satin or semi-gloss for durability.
- Hallways: Low sheen or satin for scuff resistance.
Exterior Areas
- Main Walls: Low sheen or satin.
- Trim: Semi-gloss.
- Front Door: High gloss or semi-gloss.
- Verandah: Satin or semi-gloss.
- Garage: Satin.
Final Tips For Painting Success
- Always test your chosen finish on a small area first.
- Consider the natural light in your space.
- Factor in your cleaning routine.
- Choose a paint finish dependent on how often you plan to repaint your house.
- Think about each room’s purpose and level of traffic.
- Don’t forget about our unique climate challenges and how they can affect things.
- Be sure to get assistance from experts if you’re finding it hard to choose the right paint finish for your needs.
For any further information about the best paint finishes or other paint questions you might have, feel free to contact us for some help. Our professional, experienced team is always on hand to share their knowledge. You can also get a free quote to have the painting work taken care of for you by our experts, so you can spend your time more productively on other things.
When it comes to paint finishes, always remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Your choice should balance aesthetics, durability, and practicality. When in doubt, chat with your local paint specialists at Coverage By Design because we know exactly what works best in our subtropical paradise.