Satin Vs. Semi-Gloss House Paint

Finish

• The finish of a paint refers to the sheen of the surface once the paint has dried. Satin finishes offer a slight glossy shine but generally have a flat appearance. Since they do not reflect the light as much, satin finishes can hide imperfections in the wall’s surface. Semi-gloss finishes, on the other hand, have a shiny, glossy appearance that shows as the light spreads throughout the room. Since semi-gloss finishes attract light, they can amplify imperfections on the wall, such as recent drywall patching, cracks or uneven paint.

Where To Use

• Satin finishes are most often used on trim, shutters, window frames and other areas of the house that have woodwork installed, such as crown molding. Many homeowners also prefer satin paint on living room or children’s bedroom walls, where frequent cleaning is required. Semi-gloss finishes are also common on trim and molding, but they are often recommended specifically for bathroom and kitchen walls.

Cleanup and Durability

• Both satin and semi-gloss paints are easy to clean, which is why they are recommended for trim and wall surfaces that frequently get dirty, according to Sherwin-Williams. Both surfaces can be scrubbed, which means they can take harsh cleaning methods. Semi-gloss, however, is the most durable finish when it comes to scrubbing. Semi-gloss is also recommended for bathroom and kitchen walls because of its high resistance to mold and mildew.

Touch-Ups

• Just about any finished wall requires touching up here and there. Between satin and semi-gloss paints, however, satin paint is easier to touch up. Since semi-gloss finishes have a heavier shine to the surface, any differences in sheen, striations in painting or imperfections under the touched-up area will show through the paint. Satin, on the other hand, has the ability to slightly camouflage imperfections, as long as the same paint is used again.