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Matte vs satin spray paint


Matte vs Flat, Satin & Gloss Paint

What’s the difference between matte, satin, and gloss paint? The amount of light reflected, imperfections shown, and durability. The less light reflected, the less durable the finish; however, fewer imperfections are shown. Matte will reflect little to no light, satin retains a pearl-like sheen, whereas semi-gloss and gloss finishes reflect the most light. Let’s review the pros and cons of each in detail.

What’s the Difference Between Matte, Satin, Flat and Gloss Paint?

Matte and Flat

These paint finishes deliver a smooth, subtle look and show little to no sheen when dry since they absorb light.

Satin

This silky, smooth paint finish retains its pearl-like sheen when dry.

Semi-gloss and Gloss

When dry, these paint finishes reflect the most light, providing a bright sheen.

Tips for Selecting Paint Finishes

In addition to choosing a paint finish that falls into one of these types, you also can combine types to create the perfect finish. Before meeting with your professional painter, use the guide below for our professional recommendation based on each room in your house:

Kitchen

Bathroom

Bedroom

Hallways

Dining Room

Family Room

Ceilings

Interior Trim

Other Paint Finish Considerations

Still Have Questions?

Need help on what finish would be best for your project? Five Star Painting can help you determine not only what finish is needed, but also what to do about surface imperfections before painting. Contact your local Five Star Painting at (888) 261-3633 or request a free estimate online.

Satin vs Matte Paint Finishes - Improovy

by Andre Kazimierski | Sep 20, 2022

The main difference between satin and matte paint finishes is the gloss or shine. Satin paint has a shinier finish than matte which is more flat. Comparatively, satin finishes have between 25% and 35% gloss while matte finishes have a gloss percentage between 5% and 10%. This means that satin paint reflects around three to five times as much light as matte paint does.

Without question, satin has a glossier finish versus matte. On the plus side, this makes satin paint easier to clean and more durable than a matte finish. However, matte paint is easier to apply and touch up than satin. Not to mention, matte covers better, shows fewer imperfections and is cheaper per gallon than satin paint.

Choosing Between Matte and Satin

Generally speaking, both matte and satin paint finishes are great options. The choice between satin or matte depends in large part on which room or surface you are painting.

Is it a high-traffic area like a mudroom or hallway that gets scuffs? Perhaps a satin sheen works better on the walls than matte because it’s easier to clean.

Does your ceiling or wall have lots of imperfections or bumps? Then you should choose matte over satin because it hides surface imperfections better.

In this guide, we’ll highlight factors that most affect which of the two types of paint sheens work best for your particular home painting project.

Furthermore, we’ll discuss how lighting, room functionality, and different surfaces impact which type of finish you choose. Ultimately helping you make the right choice between the two sheens before purchasing any paint cans as a homeowner.

Matte Finish

A matte finish is a low gloss sheen that’s shinier than flat paint but less shiny than satin or eggshell. It has a low gloss percentage which means it contains less luster or reflects less light than most paints.

However, with a gloss percentage of 5% to 10%, matte has slightly more sheen than flat paint which has an under 5% gloss formula. As a result, both matte and flat paint contains more pigment which leads to better coverage per gallon.

Typically, we recommend using matte on walls in lower-traffic areas like master bedrooms, dining rooms, or living rooms that won’t get dirty or scuffed up as often.

Moreover, flat and matte paints are easier to touch up and apply, which makes them ideal for novice painters or DIY projects.

Not to mention, matte finishes hide bumps and blemishes better than satin or eggshell. Making it an ideal paint for older exterior siding with lots of peeling paint.

Look and Feel of Matte Sheen

While slightly rougher or chalky to the touch, matte offers a cozy and modern look to any room or outdoor surface.

On the other hand, high-gloss paints like satin look plastic-like on interior walls and exterior siding.

Given this, another great surface for matte paint is on interior ceilings which look best with lower gloss sheens that hide nail pops better.

Indeed, the look of a matte finish resembled a velvety, almost powdery finish that absorbs light. Because of its higher pigment, matte adds depth to deeper shades and increases the richness of darker paint colors.

A last key benefit of matte is it softens bright colors, allowing you to explore bolder color palettes.

Moving in or out of an apartment or condo? Improovy’s condo painting guide highlights the price you’ll pay and the best paint colors to use.

Satin Finish

A satin finish is a medium gloss sheen that’s shinier than matte but not as shiny as semi-gloss paint. Likewise, satin offers slightly more luster or light reflectiveness than eggshell finishes.

Concurrently, satin works perfectly on smooth walls in higher-traffic areas like hallways, family rooms, and kids’ rooms. This is because satin finishes are easier to clean and more durable than lower sheen paints like matte or flat.

Additionally, satin is moisture resistant, which makes it the right finish for bathrooms or kitchens. You can also use it on interior or exterior trim and molding for a “not too glossy” type finish.

Which paint brand is best? Check out our latest post comparing Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore’s house paint. 

Look and Feel of Satin Sheen

In general, a surface with a satin sheen falls between the dull, non-shiny matte finish and the glass-like reflectiveness of a high gloss. Accordingly, it looks silky and feels smooth to the touch.

However, satin finishes are harder to apply, offer less coverage and are more difficult to touch up than matte paints. Similarly, a slight sanding of the surfaces before applying glossier paint like satin will go a long way to even out the final finish.

Certainly, the amount of light your room gets and the number of prior repaints a surface has received will impact if satin is the right finish to use.

So if you have walls with a ton of cracks and divots, stick with eggshell or matte vs satin paints. Also, if you have an older home with bumpy plaster walls, stay far away from high gloss paint like satin.

Likewise, if you have a room with tons of light, satin may be too reflective or shiny based on your interior design preferences.

In those cases, opt for a low sheen paint like matte during interior painting.

When To Use Matte Paints

Use matte paints for low-traffic areas like bedrooms, formal dining rooms, and living rooms. Likewise, matte sheens work great on both ceilings and walls or as an accent paint color.

Just remember that matte has a little gloss finish which means scuff and fingerprints will show over time. Accordingly, avoid using matte in high-traffic spaces like hallways, kids’ bedrooms, and bathrooms.

Also, since matte paint absorbs light, avoid using it in small rooms with little light. In this case, it will make the space look smaller.

All major paint companies, including Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr, sell matte paint formulated for interior and exterior surfaces.

Indeed, you can use a matte finish for interior spaces or outdoor surfaces like siding. Because it hides imperfections, it works great on bumpier surfaces that have been repainted many times.

For example, many homeowners would use matte on the siding of an 80-year-old victorian home, which has layers of paint. But keep in mind that matte is harder to clean so it may get dirty over time.

Pros of Matte:

Cons of Matte:

Lastly, you should never directly apply matte over an already glossy finish like semi-gloss or satin.

Before painting, lightly sand or scuff up the surface and use a primer to ensure your matte finish has something to “bite” onto.

This pro tip will save you time and money as your matte paint coat will apply more evenly using a brush or roller. Learn more painting tips by reading our guide on how to paint a room.

When To Use Satin Paint

Use satin paint for higher-traffic areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways. Because it contains more gloss than eggshell or matte, it’s also more durable.

As a result, satin is a perfect finish for a kids’ bedroom, mudroom, or foyer.

Typically, satin works best on walls but you can also use it on trim if semi-gloss or high gloss finishes are too shiny.

While not recommended for ceilings, you can use it on a bathroom ceiling as it is more moisture resistant than flatter sheens like matte.

Likewise, satin can be used on interior surfaces as well as exterior siding, trim, or doors. Since it’s easier to wash and more durable than flat paints, it will hold up longer and resist moisture better.

Pros of Satin:

Cons of Satin:

Because satin reflects light, it can make a small space with low light look larger. On the other hand, satin shows imperfections more. More often than not, avoid using satin on bumpier walls with lots of prior drywall patches or repairs.

Finally, most major paint manufacturers including Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams carry satin interior and exterior products. This final detail makes it easy to find at your local paint store or hardware shop.

Satin Versus Matte Sheen FAQs

From homeowners to professional painters, Improovy is the ultimate resource for home improvement help.

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions our experts get about sheens.

Matte and semi-gloss paint

Published: 12/10/2019

Matte and semi-matt paints are the most popular for interior wall decoration. The most important thing for many is the right choice of wall colors, but few people pay attention to the degree of gloss of the coating.

It should be remembered that matt and semi-matt paints differ in the degree of light reflection, therefore, this affects the appearance of the painted surface, as well as its durability and resistance. nine0003

Attention should be paid to the parameters described on the packaging - first of all, the abrasion resistance class, gloss level and content of volatile organic compounds. Most people are convinced that it is the color of the walls that determines whether a room will be attractive.

Don't forget to check the gloss of the paint. If you don't, you may be disappointed. Therefore, painting the walls should be thought out and planned in advance.

Matt paints

Matt paints have many undeniable advantages. They perfectly mask any small irregularities and surface defects. Therefore, they are ideal for rooms where walls or ceilings are not perfectly smooth.

A material with a lower gloss level is easier to apply and produces a uniform surface. Matte surfaces give the impression of softness and lightness.

For example, one of the products that forms an ultra-matt paint coating - FLUGGER FLUTEX 2S . The painted surface does not reflect at any angle of incidence of light, plus the material does not leave stains and stripes from the tool.

Since matt paints do not reflect light, they are good for painting walls in a bright, well-lit room. Matte paints should also be used for painting ceilings, as these surfaces are often subject to light reflections due to intense lighting.

FLUGGER FLUTEX 5 is a versatile product based on acrylic that can be used on both walls and ceilings and forms a quality coating. nine0003

Abrasion-resistant matt paints

Matt-coated paints are considered to have lower mechanical strength. Therefore, any attempt to wipe and wash dirt from walls covered with a matte paint film will result in irreversible damage to the painted surface.

Flugger offers deep matt inks that have the same high mechanical resistance as their glossier versions. An example is matte, wear-resistant paint FLUGGER DEKSO 5 - withstands local cleaning and wet cleaning.

FLUTEX 10 - stands in the gap between matt and semi-matt paints. It has a pleasant muted sheen, withstands local cleaning and wet cleaning.

Semi-matt paints

Wall colors painted with semi-matt paints are more saturated because they reflect light more strongly. Such paints are ideal for small and poorly lit rooms. nine0003

Glossy paints should also be used in rooms with high humidity (eg bathroom) and in interiors subject to frequent soiling, which leads to frequent cleaning (eg kitchens, corridors, children's rooms). The higher the gloss, the higher the mechanical resistance of the paint.

Another important element is also worth paying attention to. When using glossy interior paints, be sure to prepare the base for painting perfectly. Glitter can highlight and emphasize even small defects or irregularities. nine0003

Flugger Semi-Matt Paints

FLUGGER DEKSO 25 Semi-Matte paint is resistant to local cleaning and wet cleaning, and also withstands cleaning under pressure from water from washing equipment.

Wear resistance class

When choosing a paint, please refer to its technical data sheet. One of the most important data is the resistance to wet abrasion and friction.

Interior paints are divided into grades I to V according to the size of the layer worn off with a sponge. According to this classification, only paints of classes I and II have a high resistance to wet scrubbing. In the case of others, such action results in less or more discoloration and coating defects. nine0003

So, class III is resistant to dry abrasion, and class IV and V are suitable for a limited type of surfaces that cannot be washed without harming the paint film.

Marking

Gloss level is a parameter that reflects light. Consequently, this affects the appearance of the painted surface, as well as its durability and resistance.

We can choose from a variety of options, from deep matt, matt, semi-matt, semi-gloss to glossy. We may also come across descriptions such as "satin gloss", "silky gloss" or "eggshell" which are meant to best illustrate the look of a paintwork. nine0003

In addition to the markings consisting of words, numerical values ​​are also used, which accurately determine the degree of gloss. These values ​​range from 0 to 100, and the ranges for the individual gloss levels are: