Understanding Paint Finishes (2024)

Understanding Paint Finishes (1)

Choosing a paint color can be a tough decision, but deciding on a finish for your room can be hard too. Paint finishes generally come in four categories: flat, matte, eggshell and semi-gloss.

FLAT FINISHES

Flat paint is the most forgiving finish with the best color payout. If you need to cover imperfections, patching or joints, flat paint can absorb light, making your dings and flaws less noticeable.

Note that this kind of paint finish has no sheen to it. The drawback to a flat finish is the lack of durability. Flat paint needs to be cleaned carefully, as scrubbing may remove some of the paint. This can cause an uneven or patchy look on the wall. The most common area of a room that you’ll find a flat finish is the ceiling.

MATTE FINISHES
Matte paint is similar to a flat finish, except it’s much more durable and washable. Matte will also cover imperfections and other problem areas in your home. It also allows for easy touchups. Matte tends to be the most common finish for walls in all living spaces.

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EGGSHELL or SATIN FINISHES

Eggshell paints have a soft sheen to them, just like an eggshell. This finish will work well on walls that have a tendency to get dirty frequently and have a medium to high durability. It is not recommended for use on trim, around windows and doors, etc. You can wash down eggshell walls without harming the finish and most eggshell finishes are resistant to mildew and stains. The most common area you will find an eggshell finish is high traffic areas, like a kids’ playroom, laundry room, bathrooms, mud rooms and entry ways. It does tend to show imperfections a bit more than a matte or flat finish due to the higher gloss to it.

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SEMI-GLOSS or GLOSS FINISHES
Semi-gloss has a much higher sheen than any other finish. It is known to reflect light without being too shiny. It holds up well in a humid environment and is the easiest to clean. Due to its high durability, semi-gloss is most commonly found on wood trim, kitchen cabinets and doors.

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Call Spectrum Painting today at 973-706-6033 to set up your FREE estimate. Spectrum is happy to offer our customers a free color consultation with a paint expert to come out to your home or business and discuss the look you're going for and to show samples!

People happy with our services

From Jessica's sales professionalism that providing a detailed estimate, the office using technology to manage payments, track progress and schedule site visit and dealing with crew members Luis, Shawn, Jimmy and Victor that resulted with an excellent customer experience. I've been in the customer services business for over 40 years so I appreciate companies who strive for this type of excellence.

Pete G. |Jul/17/2020 Read review on yelp

Spectrum Painting is truly the best. I have used their company several times for my interior painting needs. Rich and his staff are meticulous , from the timely manner of getting the estimate to the finished results, they are second to none. His crews are all respectable, professional and work to please down to every minor detail. I would highly recommend Spectrum Painting to anyone who is looking to have a painting job done.

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Rosemarie Nutile |Dec/8/2020

Spectrum Painting was recommended to us by our fence company when we recently installed a picket fence.. They did a great job. They arrived punctually, were highly professional and made sure that the job was done properly. I would definitely recommend them and use them again.

We especially liked EVERYTHING – great job! The service was perfect! A+

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Scott & Shelly P. |Jan/12/2015

Entire crew was very professional, friendly and helpful. Integrity of work was very high. Precision job and great attention to detail!

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Lauren R. |Jun/29/2016

Great communication and happy to make any changes- very responsive to all concerns!

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Mike W. |Jan/12/2015

Our master bedroom and bath have never looked so beautiful- thanks to Spectrum Painting. Throughout the entire job the staff was professional, courteous, knowledgeable, honest and most caring of my concerns as a homeowner.

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Marilyn S. |Jan/12/2015

I especially like the attention to details that your put into the process.

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Aaron V. |Jan/12/2015

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Understanding Paint Finishes (2024)
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