
One paint company defines the various finishes as follows:
- Satin: A finish with a low luster appearance. Washable surface, reflects some light.
- Semi-Gloss: A finish that has noticable gloss and sheen. Washable, sometimes scrubbable surface, but shows surface imperfections. Reflects light noticeably
- Eggshell / Low Gloss: A finish ½ way between satin and semi-gloss with a noticeable gloss and sheen. Washable, sometimes scrubbable, but may show surface imperfections. Reflects light noticeably.
- Gloss: A finish with a high degree of gloss and sheen. Scrubbable surface imperfections. Reflects light very well. If properly applied almost gives the impression of ceramic or glass finish.
What is the difference between semi-gloss and satin paint?
Apr 12, 2020 · Semi-gloss paint, when dry, has a rich shine, but it shows even the minutest of imperfections like bumps or dips in the surface. In comparison, satin paint leaves a more dull shine that can hide marks on your walls. Satin paint is also more flexible to better give the illusion of a perfectly smooth surface.
What is the difference between flat flat and semi gloss paint?
Feb 15, 2022 · Run your fingers over the wall. If the paint is smooth and a little slippery under your fingers, it’s probably satiny. If the paint looks a little rough, like a real eggshell, it’s most likely an eggshell. Dab a small amount of satin paint of the same color into …
Should I paint my house flat or satin?
May 07, 2014 · What Is Semi-Gloss Paint? Semi-gloss paint is brighter and shinier than its flat and satin counterparts. It’s also a cinch to clean with soap and water, or even just a damp cloth. Pros of Semi-Gloss Paint. Works well on trim and wooden surfaces. Durable and easy to clean. Adds luster to a space. Great for high-moisture areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms Cons of …
What are the benefits of a semi-gloss paint finish?
However, its glossiness highlights wall imperfections like cracks, divots or poorly patched areas. Find Satin Paint. Semi-gloss paint is what I use for all trim and woodwork. The shine sets it apart from the walls, which is important if you’re not distinguishing it by color (white walls with white trim, for example).

What is the best trim for a wall?
The reason why semi-gloss is the more popular choice for wood trim is that it’s more durable, it’s easier to clean, and it has a stronger sheen than satin. Satin is generally used for walls and ceilings, but when it’s used for trim, it usually because usually the overall design has a contemporary or rustic look.
Is semi gloss better than satin?
Although there are many paint finishes that deliver a good sheen, semi-gloss has a much better shine than satin. If you’ve ever used satin before, you’ll definitely be able to tell the difference when you apply semi-gloss. The light from the lamps in your home will really bounce off semi-gloss. With satin, it’s really not this way.
Can you use satin paint on trim?
There are times when you might want to use satin paint for the trim in your home. For instance, if you don’t want your trim to stand out, using a satin will dull the shine down by quite a bit. As mentioned above, satin has a lower sheen count and will be less shiny once it’s fully dry. This is very common with both contemporary and rustic designs.
What is the difference between gloss and sheen?
Gloss: Measured at a 60° angle, it's the shininess or reflectiveness of a coating. Sheen: Measured at an 85° angle, it's a moderately low degree of gloss that appears flat when viewed near or perpendicular, but glossy when viewed from a low or sharp angle.
What is gloss sheen?
Gloss: A finish with a high degree of gloss and sheen. Scrubbable surface imperfections. Reflects light very well. If properly applied almost gives the impression of ceramic or glass finish. They also explain gloss and sheen: Gloss: Measured at a 60° angle, it's the shininess or reflectiveness of a coating.
What are the different types of paint finishes?
One paint company defines the various finishes as follows: 1 Satin: A finish with a low luster appearance. Washable surface, reflects some light. 2 Semi-Gloss: A finish that has noticable gloss and sheen. Washable, sometimes scrubbable surface, but shows surface imperfections. Reflects light noticeably 3 Eggshell / Low Gloss: A finish ½ way between satin and semi-gloss with a noticeable gloss and sheen. Washable, sometimes scrubbable, but may show surface imperfections. Reflects light noticeably. 4 Gloss: A finish with a high degree of gloss and sheen. Scrubbable surface imperfections. Reflects light very well. If properly applied almost gives the impression of ceramic or glass finish.
