Matte Black Vs. Satin Black

Reflective Scale

• While the terms used may vary slightly by manufacturer, in general, the reflective scale consists of flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and gloss. Flat black has no shine, matte has little shine, satin has more shine and gloss has the most shine.

Matte

• Matte paints are dull in appearance and work well when covering existing colors. They also work well for hiding imperfections. If you are painting a wall that is uneven, has cracks or other imperfections, a matte paint would be recommended. However, matte paints tend to get dirty faster and are harder to clean. As matte paints are less durable than gloss paints, they tend to scuff and stain easily and do not hold up well with frequent cleanings or moisture.

Satin

• Satin paints have more reflective qualities than matte paints and thus appear shinier. A slight sheen can add depth to the paint. The shinier the paint, the more durable and easier to clean. However, paints that are shinier tend to show imperfections more than a matte paint.

When to Use

• Finishes can influence how a color looks. When choosing a finish to use with black, it is important to know where the paint will be used. You can choose to use a matte or satin black paint on your car. Whether someone prefers a more dull or shiny color depends on personal preferences. In the home, matte paint is mostly used on interior walls with imperfections or in low traffic rooms. Satin paint is mostly used for trims and high traffic rooms such as kids' rooms and bathrooms. As these rooms tend to get dirty more often and require more cleaning, a more durable paint is recommended.