Why Use Satin or Semi-Gloss Paint on Walls?

Protection

• Walls in high-traffic areas of a house require a durable, protective paint surface. Walls in an entry area, for example, might be subject to the scuff of shoes and bumps from doorknobs, backpacks and briefcases. Paint is made from a combination of pigment and binder, and the amount of binder determines the strength of the paint film that forms when it dries. Increasing the binder makes the paint stronger. Since semi-gloss paint contains more binder than satin paint, it is preferred for walls that require a more durable finish.

Hide Imperfections

• Walls are not always perfectly smooth. Dents may be caused by nail holes, a stray toy hitting the wall or damage from moving furniture. Even if the damaged area was patched, irregularities may still exist in the wall surface. In older buildings, cracks might also occur in the walls, and because a glossy paint reflects light, it will highlight these imperfections. A more matte paint finish, on the other hand, minimizes the pits and bumps on the wall surface. Since satin paint has less sheen than semi-gloss paint, choose a satin paint to mask imperfections on a wall.

Contrast

• Paint is part of a room's décor. Homeowners can use different sheens on different surfaces to add interest to a room. Since a semi-gloss paint is more durable than a satin finish, it is a good choice for trim around windows and doors. Walls in a bedroom or dining room, however, are not touched as often as the trim, so a homeowner might paint the walls with a satin paint to offset and highlight the sheen on the trim.

Cleaning

• Oils, grease and dirt absorb more easily into flat paint finishes than glossy finishes. Since a satin finish has less of a sheen than semi-gloss, it is more susceptible to stains. Semi-gloss surfaces are also easier to clean with a damp sponge than satin finishes. Some of the places where semi-gloss may be preferred over satin for easier cleanup include the kitchen, where cooking grease can spatter, and the bathroom where mold is a concern.