Satin vs. Semi-Gloss: 3 Differences Between the Paints

Satin-finish paint has more of a matte finish than high-gloss or semi-gloss options. A satin finish keeps the pigment of the paint color true to its original hue but is shinier than a matte paint or a flat paint. Homeowners can consider using a flat-finish satin paint (also known as eggshell paint) for high-traffic areas like living rooms, dining rooms, or kids’ rooms. A satin finish paint is durable, easy to clean, and reflects an adequate amount of light to provide a soft and warm glow. An eggshell finish will hide imperfections and scuff marks better than a high-gloss paint.

Semi-gloss (or semi gloss) paints do not have the high shine or luster of high-gloss finishes but are more durable than flat paints with a matte finish. This glossier type of paint is somewhat stain-resistant and can be a good paint choice for any area you need to clean often, such as playrooms, family rooms, or kitchen cabinets. Semi-gloss paint is easy to apply for small touch-ups to furniture and toys, but it can also be the right paint for a larger painting project like refinishing your bathroom walls. Since there’s a higher concentration of polyurethane in semi-gloss paint than in matte paint, semi-gloss is a more preferable type of paint to combat the growth of mold and mildew in bathrooms and kitchens.

Satin and semi-gloss paints can fulfill similar purposes, but there are slight differences you should consider before picking a finish for your next paint job, including:

1. 1. Appearance: Satin is a low-sheen alternative to semi-gloss, which will reflect more light off its surface. If you are painting interior walls across large windows, a satin paint can soften the glare of sunlight entering the room. If you are painting a darker room, you can use semi-gloss paint finish to brighten the space with a bold paint color.
2. 2. Durability: Semi-gloss paint is more durable than satin paint. However, if dings, dents, or blemishes appear, they will be more noticeable with a glossy finish. Both options will be easy to clean, although semi-gloss paint will hold up better against moisture and protect the surface beneath it against water damage.
   
3. 3. Texture: The higher amount of polyurethane in semi-gloss paint provides a higher sheen than satin does, but it also creates a slightly sticky, plastic-like texture. The smooth and softer texture of a satin finish closely resembles the surface of an eggshell. If you wish to paint over semi-gloss paint with a satin finish replacement, you can remove the glossy layer with some light sanding.

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