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Satin vs semi gloss furniture


Satin vs Semi-Gloss: Choosing the Right Paint Finish for Your Project

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When you’re choosing fresh paint for your walls or wooden furniture, after color, the next big decision to be made is that of sheen. Two middle-of-the-road options for paint finish—satin and semi-gloss—are quite popular for being neither too shiny nor too matte. In fact, telling them apart can get somewhat tricky.

Both finishes are available in traditional oil-based paints and modern latex paints alike. Both are options for cans of paint as well as cans of paint-and-primer combos. The two types of finishes can be found in special latex paints with low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compound) versions. The subtle differences between the two can make one distinctly better fit for your project than another.

RELATED: All You Need to Know About Paint Types

Read on to see these two popular paint finishes go head to head, satin vs semi-gloss. The following key comparisons can aid you in choosing the one that best suits your next paint project.

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Most notably, semi-gloss has more sheen than satin.

The types of finishes you’ll likely find in most paint collections—ranging from most to least reflective—are glossy/high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell, and flat/matte. Semi-gloss is slightly higher on the scale than satin and, thus, promises a little more reflectivity.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Semi-gloss’s extra sheen may change how your paint color looks on the wall.

While both finishes have a hint of sheen, more light from your lamps or the room’s uncovered windows will bounce off of semi-gloss surface than a satin surface (which actually absorbs some additional light instead). As a result of the way light reflects, the same paint color may appear slightly darker in a semi-gloss finish and slightly lighter in a satin one. So, factor that in when you’re making your final decision about which paint finish to use.

Semi-gloss is more durable and easier to clean.

The higher the gloss, the easier the cleanup of messes like fingerprints and smudges. For objects and areas that get a lot of use and therefore require frequent wipe-downs—bathrooms, kitchens, playrooms, kids’ bedrooms, and any other area children may feel tempted to draw on walls with Crayola—semi-gloss is often the wiser option. Because the surface is slicker, it’s more resistant to moisture and easier to go over with a damp cloth or special sprays designed for minor household disasters. (Either semi-gloss or satin finish, though, beats out their eggshell and flat/matte finishes for durability.)

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Semi-gloss better draws the eye to architectural elements.

Generally speaking, cleaning needs aside, satin is the default choice for many do-it-yourselfers refreshing interior walls and furniture, while smaller doses of semi-gloss highlight home features: cabinetry, mantels, stair railing, window trim, door casings, and crown molding. Even if you apply the same color in two different sheens in a room—satin to the walls and semi-gloss to the trim—the reflection will make the craftsmanship of the molding pop.

Satin is more forgiving of pre-existing imperfections than semi-gloss.

If you’ve got dings and dents in your walls, your cabinets, or your soon-to-be-painted dresser, the reflective nature of semi-gloss will only draw more attention to every flaw. A satin finish is more flattering over pocks, divots, and scrapes since it draws the light in and tricks the eye into seeing a more even surface. So, if you want to deflect attention away from faults and blemishes without spending hours sanding them away, satin is the way to go.

The cost between the two is negligible, but you may pay a few cents less on the dollar for satin.

Generally speaking, the more gloss a paint offers, the more it will cost. Semi-gloss paint is manufactured with more binders (resins responsible for sheen) than satin paint in order to deliver the reflection and durability for which it’s known.  So, if you’re looking to a little bit of money repainting walls throughout the whole home, satin is the most budget-worthy option of the two that still offers a hint of sheen.

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Gloss vs Semi-Gloss vs Satin: Understanding Sheen levels 2023

When you are in the process of repainting your walls or refurbishing an old piece of furniture, you will probably face a tough decision about choosing the kind of finish you need. Most of the time, knowing the difference between gloss vs semi-gloss vs satin finishes would help in choosing the correct finish.

The primary difference between gloss and satin finishes is the polish, as satin seems matte while gloss is reflective. Nonetheless, the two have other differences worthy of consideration, including the ability to hide imperfections and durability.

 Both products are top-rated, with each fitting a specific situation. Additionally, if you have difficulty choosing between the two, you will be in for a unique challenge when you realize there are more options, such as semi-gloss.

However, it may be easy to select the proper finish that suits your project if you understand each option perfectly while looking at each prospect’s circumstances.

In detail, let’s look at the comparison and describe the satin and gloss finish to determine which will be best for your project.

A Comparison between Satin, Semi-Gloss, and Gloss Finishes

Understanding Varnish Sheen

There are three main types of varnish finishes satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. The amount of sheen is determined by how smooth or rough a surface is after it’s been sanded. Here’s what you need to know about each type:

Satin vs Semi-Gloss vs Gloss

At times, the easiest way of gauging which finish will work for you is to compare satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Through the comparison, you will understand the best suited for your specific project.

The primary difference between the three is the sheen, with satin paint barely having any shining characteristics and the shiniest being gloss.

Although gloss and semi-gloss finishes are durable, a satin finish also provides the same protection and withstands wear and tear. Therefore, apart from the sheen, the three finishes are highly comparable.

However, since all the finishes vary in light reflection, each is better suited for specific situations. Let’s now compare them to help you determine which option is best suited for your specific project.

Satin vs. Semi-Gloss finish on furniture

Semi-gloss and satin paint is almost similar in terms of sheen.

However, semi-gloss paint provides more light reflection than satin. As a result, paint colors may seem a bit altered, depending on the color of the light and the amount of light in the room. Nonetheless, a semi-gloss finish on furniture may provide a richness that may be lacking in a satin finish on the same furniture.

A semi-gloss finish is a viable choice for areas prone to touch, including cabinets and furniture. Furthermore, the paint is durable and resistant to moisture, making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens or furniture in areas prone to moisture.

In most cases, the sheen is not screaming, so it can be a good choice if you want to brighten up a slightly lit room.

Satin paint usually works best when you are trying to hide imperfections. Since it reflects less light, the edges of the dents are barely visible. A satin finish also works well in large areas where light reflection may be too overwhelming.

Satin vs Gloss

Satin and gloss are considered entirely different when considering the sheen aspect. When placed next to each other, a satin finish is seen as leaning more towards matte as it only offers a gentle sheen compared to a gloss, which is the shiniest.

Due to the contrast, the two can work perfectly together.

Gloss and satin finishes are reasonably durable, so they can be applied in almost all rooms.

Satin is usually less intense when applied on walls, thereby providing actual experiences in color because it is not altered by reflection.

Gloss paint is an excellent choice for accent and trims pieces because of its ability to bounce light and draw attention to unique features in the room.

Gloss vs semi-gloss

The most significant contrast between the two is the sheen. A gloss finish is shinier than a semi-gloss finish.

Gloss paint works particularly well on trim, molding, and furniture pieces, where the surface should be free of imperfections.

Painting such items makes them stand out, and anyone would conclude that you are a professional designer.

Finished with Varathane semi-gloss poly

On the other hand, gloss should not be applied on large walls, as it would seem too exaggerated. At times, it becomes too overwhelming even after being applied to a single wall.

It is advisable to use semi-gloss when covering a large area, especially if you need your sheen to be noticeable.

Satin vs. semi-gloss wood finish

The difference between clear satin and clear gloss paint is the luster.

When it comes to clear satin vs clear gloss, I always give the same answer. Clear Satin paint provides a velvet-ish look with only a slight shine.

On the other hand, clear gloss paint offers a lacquer-like finish to your surface, and light bounces off it dramatically because it is highly reflective. So it’s all about preference.

A clear coat of paint is usually applied on top of the conventional colored paint and protects the colored surface as it reduces the chances of the color wearing off with time.

Clear paint also helps in altering the shininess of existing paint. For instance, you can change the sheen of a piece of furniture with a matte finish by applying a clear coat of gloss paint. The clear coat will preserve the color and brighten the piece because of the reflective nature of the clear gloss paint.

Satin Finish

A satin finish provides a slight sheen. It is not entirely matte since it partially reflects light. As such, it does not give a particularly reflective surface. In most cases, the light bouncing back from the surface is not noticeable.

Additionally, the paint’s sheen is determined by the presence of blinders, as the lower, the amount of binder to pigment leads to a less reflective surface.

Satin Finish Products

Different products offer a satin finish, ensuring that you have a variety to choose from when refinishing, repainting, or just finishing a new project.

Each satin product works perfectly under a specific scenario. For instance, you probably use paint to apply color and add a finish to your project. On the other hand, clear coatings and sealants do not change the project’s appearance but may alter the sheen.

In general, the satin finish may be in the form of paint, clear coat, spray paint, varnish, sealant, stain, and furniture wax.

Benefits of Satin Finish

When you use a satin finish, one of your benefits is a smooth feeling surface. A satin finish ensures your surface does not have a sticky feeling as your hand glides smoothly on the surface as you feel it.

Additionally, satin products are usually resistant to wear and tear and are easy to clean the surface using various cleaners without worrying about causing damage.

Moreover, satin products can hide imperfections. This is because satin products do not reflect much light, and as a result, minor dents are not noticeable. However, it is worth noting that applying a satin product does not necessarily mean that it will cover all the imperfections. It only does a better job of partially hiding them than gloss.

Also, satin products provide a more accurate color than glossier products, primarily because they reflect less light and decrease the likelihood of the color of the light altering the actual appearance.

The downsides of satin

A satin finish does not entirely hide imperfections, especially significant dents.

Besides, satin paint may be problematic to touch up. The spots usually stand out instead of blending, even when adding multiple paint layers.

Although most satin finishes are durable, they are not more moisture or stain-resistant than other options. However, that does not mean they do not offer protection. They are just not as strong as other options.

The final product may also be unsatisfactory when you apply satin paint unevenly. As such, you may opt not to use it, especially if you know you are not experienced in painting.

Where is a satin finish good at?

Satin paints and finishes can be best applied to high-traffic areas, large spaces, and high-touch surfaces.

It is the best choice for a master bedroom and the living room since reflective paint could be too overwhelming in such areas.

A satin is also an excellent option for children’s bedrooms because the surface is durable and easy to clean.

Additionally, you can apply satin products on kitchen and hallway walls since they have a lot of movement. There are greater chances of the walls becoming dirty in such areas, and satin paint can easily be cleaned using various cleaning products.

Semi-Gloss Finish

A project whose surface has been applied with a semi-gloss finish has more sheen than a satin finish.

Although it is not highly reflective, light bounces off its surface, making it visually noticeable. Nonetheless, the reflection is not overwhelmingly distracting even after the finish has been applied to a large area.

Forms of Semi-Gloss Products

Semi-gloss finishes come in different product forms.

The Benefits of Semi-Gloss Finishes

Semi-gloss finishes are typically very durable. Their durability enables them to withstand serious scrubbing when you are cleaning your surface.

Additionally, a semi-gloss finish protects the surface against moisture, making it ideal for areas prone to humidity.

You can also brighten your room when applying semi-gloss paint on your walls. This is because semi-gloss paint partially reflects light and causes it to bounce around the entire room. Semi-gloss paint would be essential in a small room with a bit of light.

Setbacks of Semi-Gloss Finishes

Most semi-gloss finishes tend to highlight imperfections instead of hiding them. For instance, if your wall has a dent, semi-gloss paint highlights it and makes it more visible as light bounces off the edges.

A semi-gloss finish can also seem weird if it is applied and streaks. It makes the sheen uneven, and thus it ends up making the imperfection stand out.

Which Areas Are Best for Semi-Gloss Finish?

One of the best qualities of semi-gloss paint is moisture-resistant, making it ideal for application in bathrooms and kitchens.

Additionally, semi-gloss paint is durable and has the capability of withstanding scrubbing. This factor makes it even more ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, as they are among the most scrubbed areas in your home.  

Apart from being ideal for walls, a semi-gloss finish is also suitable for specific furniture pieces, including dressers, cabinets, and bookshelves.

Due to the benefits explained above, a semi-gloss finish would be a viable option for applying to kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

A semi-gloss finish would also be a good choice for trim and molding. As mentioned, semi-gloss finishes are durable and can endure scrubbing; therefore, they are ideal for trim.

Additionally, the reflective feature of semi-gloss paint makes the colors visually attractive.

Gloss Finishes

If you want your surface to shine to the fullest, you need to apply a gloss finish.

This is the shiniest option for any finish, providing surfaces with a slick appearance reflecting a considerable amount of light.

Forms of Gloss Finish

Gloss finishes come in various forms like satin and semi-gloss finishes, including clear coat, paint, stain, spray paint, sealant, and vanish.

It is worth noting that furniture wax is not used to help the surface achieve a gloss finish. Although it can have a gloss appearance when polished and buffed, the best option for a fully reflective finish on your furniture is a gloss finish product.

The Benefits of Gloss Finishes

Gloss finishes provide the applied area with a highly durable and easily cleanable surface. In most cases, your surface will also be resistant to moisture and staining.

Additionally, a gloss finish ensures the room is bright as it reflects any light within the area. As a result, dark rooms and corners will automatically seem brighter even when there is only a single source of light.

Setbacks of Gloss Finishes

The most significant challenge about gloss finishes is that they highlight imperfections.

Even the slightest imperfection will be visible with a gloss finish and appear glaring after applying a gloss finish to the surface. As such, you should ensure your surface is completely smooth before you apply a gloss finish.

Additionally, a gloss finish may be too overwhelming when applied in an ample space or a room with excess light due to its highly reflective nature. In most cases, applying gloss paint to an entire room is considered going overboard as the room will seem too bright.

Furthermore, it may be difficult to tell which color you have chosen on your surface. This is because gloss is highly reflective, and the appearance may change depending on the color of the light being reflected. The appearance varies depending on the bulb’s color in the room and the direction from which sunlight comes.

Ideal Places for a Gloss Finish

It would be best to use gloss paint strategically because of its reflective nature. A gloss finish is the best option for molding and trim. It would also work effectively for small furniture items, such as side tables. but not so great for the dining table. For that, check out this resource

For fun, you can also combine gloss with satin, which makes the surface seem more attractive. Apply satin on your surface, and then use the same color to create gloss-finished stripes or designs. The final product will be attractive and unique.

Conclusion: the difference between gloss vs semi-gloss vs satin finishes

When beginning your project, it is essential to know whether you need satin, semi-gloss, or gloss paint, depending on the project you intend to paint. Although the three may be confusing, it is advisable to always seek help at the local paint shop before purchasing, as it would help ensure your project is flawless.

Interior Matte Furniture Paint

The choice of materials for interior decoration and furniture restoration can both greatly facilitate painting work, and add unnecessary difficulties to them. Therefore, it is worth approaching it carefully and properly preparing.

Manufacturers of paints and varnishes are constantly expanding their range and producing more and more products for different situations. In this article, we will look at what interior paints are, how they differ from each other, and help you choose the right furniture for repainting. nine0003

Which matte paint is suitable for furniture

One of the characteristics of lacquers, enamels and paints is the level of gloss. To measure this value, the luster of a surface is compared to the amount of light that a polished black glass plate reflects. It is taken as a standard of 100 units. So six groups of gloss are distinguished, and manufacturers indicate these data on the packaging.

nine0015 Semi-matte (satin)
Deep matt Matte (eggshell) Semi-gloss Glossy High gloss
0–5 6-10 11–35 36–60 61–80 80<

It is traditionally believed that matte paints hide surface defects better, while glossy paints are more resistant to detergents. Often this is true, although not always so.

Benefits of matt furniture paint:

In addition, paints differ in composition and binder. The durability of the coating, hiding power, adhesion, the ability to lay down on certain surfaces and other properties are determined precisely by this.

Alkyd paints

Alkyd paints have a number of advantages, but are not suitable for furniture. They are toxic, dry for a long time, smell sharply and unpleasantly, and some of their types are fire hazardous.

Emulsion paints

Emulsion paints are much more suitable for interior work than the previous type. They dry quickly, are non-flammable and can be washed. nine0003

Common disadvantage of all emulsion paints: lack of adhesion to glossy, lacquered or adhesive-coated surfaces. Which significantly narrows the possibilities of repainting and decorating furniture.

Casein Colors

Based on milk casein, these colors are durable and environmentally friendly. They do not emit harmful substances into the air, adhere to any surface and are resistant to alkaline environments and weak solvents.

In our store, matt interior paints are represented by the Shabby line, which are suitable even for repainting children's furniture. nine0003

Features of using interior matt paint

Typically, the wooden surface of furniture is prepared for repainting in four steps:

  1. Removing household dirt and dust
  2. Removal of old coating
  3. Sanding and smoothing
  4. Primer

Our paints shorten this path:

How to repaint furniture

In order for the job to go smoothly, it is important not to forget some aspects. Below you will find universal instructions for updating interior items.

  1. As in any business, the first step is to prepare the space and the necessary tools. You will need: nine0048
  2. synthetic brush or roller
  3. degreaser (e.g. white spirit)
  4. rags
  5. masking tape if you paint in multiple colors
  6. paint mixing bowl
  7. medium grit sandpaper (80-100)
  8. matt paint, top coat
  9. If you plan to completely paint a wooden product, then it makes sense to disassemble it and paint it in parts. In any case, do not forget to remove fittings and other parts that do not require painting in advance. Cover irregularities and damage with mastic and sand. Then clean and degrease the surface. nine0050
  10. Our colors mix easily with each other and with water-based colors. Experiment and get new shades.
  11. Each coat must dry before applying the next. For furniture with a high degree of gloss, the first coat of paint serves as a primer.
  12. Use wax as a top coat for interior matte paint. With it, the coating is strengthened and becomes resistant to detergents.

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WHICH WALL PAINT TO CHOOSE, MATT OR SEMI_MATT?

The table above shows the main gradations of types of painted surfaces, and it is indicated for which parts of the interior it is better to use one or another type of paint.

Different types of paint surfaces reflect light differently, and this affects the perception of the color we choose. Matte surface paint does not reflect light very much, so matte paint perfectly masks imperfect wall preparation or, in other words, gives a greater guarantee that the painted surface will look more even. As we move through the gradation further to semi-matt or satin-surface semi-matt paints and further to glossy paints, we get a greater reflectivity of the paints, which gives the walls or painted surfaces a silky feel and a lighter or stronger sheen. nine0003

Paints with different surface qualities also wear differently during use. So when choosing a type of paint based on gloss, we are actually choosing how long our walls will look fresh and new. After all, the greater the gloss of the paint, the easier and with less effort it will be cleaned or washed afterwards.

So, we come to the fact that what to choose between different types of matte or glossy surface should not be based on love or dislike for matte or gloss, but on the basis of the requirements for paint resistance, depending on the room in which we will be apply paint. Once again, the greater the gloss, the harder the film forms on the surface of the paint after application. And the harder this film, the greater the resistance of the paint to abrasion or tearing on the surface of the cracks. Matte paints, respectively, are more porous, so they absorb dirt more and are harder to clean. nine0003

Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each type of ink in a slightly more advanced format: high gloss, gloss, semi-gloss, satin, semi-gloss and matte. The description below can be easily correlated with the table at the beginning of the article.

- High Gloss, or High Gloss finish - produces the highest degree of gloss and the hardest film on the surface, making these paints the easiest to clean. At the same time, high-gloss paints reflect light the most and emphasize all the smallest surface imperfections, making such paints very difficult to apply. Surface preparation for high gloss and painting itself is best left to professionals. High gloss paints are best for walls and surfaces in high traffic areas. Glossy paints are also ideal for accent painting moldings, profiles or details that you want to highlight in your interior. Wooden portals of fireplaces (if they are to be painted), wooden accent decorative details, exclusive panels, details of cabinets and built-in furniture, which are supposed to be painted with accent colors, should also be painted with glossy paints of these accent colors. nine0003

- Semi Gloss - Slightly less reflective than high gloss and still fairly resistant to stains. These paints are a good choice for spaces designed for small children, playrooms, corridors or passageways.

- Satin - Semi Gloss - Has a softer, lower sheen and does not shine to the same extent as high gloss or semi gloss paint. Satin is semi-gloss, still cleans well, and is quite resistant to abrasion, making these types of paints practical enough to be used in almost all areas of a house or apartment. nine0003

- Semi-matt eggshell eggshell - has a soft sheen like the surface of an egg. This type of paint is good for walls, but not for door frames and frames, and not for moldings or profiles on walls. Such a surface can still be washed without damaging the paint surface, but the paint can accumulate dirt on the surface of the decorative elements and profiles protruding from the passages.

- Matte paints - have a surface that does not reflect light, thus allowing you to hide surface preparation imperfections (minor, do not take matt paints as a panacea for poor surface preparation for painting).

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