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From Matte to Gloss: Exploring Different Paint Finishes for Every Style
While selecting the right paint shade is often the first step, choosing the correct kinds of paint finishes is just as essential to achieving a polished and long-lasting look. The different types of paint finishes influence how light interacts with a surface, impacting everything from the mood of a room to its ease of cleaning.
Whether you're repainting a bedroom, upgrading a kitchen, or transforming an exterior surface, understanding the nuances of house paint finish types is essential. This guide will walk you through the most common paint finishes, their unique benefits, and how to make the right choice for your space.
What are the Different Paint Finishes?
Paint finishes vary based on their sheen level, texture, and durability. The type of finish you choose determines how your walls look and how well they withstand wear and tear. Let’s break down the key components that define different paint finishes:
1. Paint Sheen and Reflection Levels
Sheen refers to the amount of light a paint finish reflects. The higher the sheen, the shinier and more reflective the surface appears. Lower-sheen finishes absorb more light, creating a softer look.
Matte and Flat Finishes: None to very little sheen, offering an elegant, muted look.
Eggshell and Satin Finishes: Moderate sheen that balances aesthetics and durability.
Semi-Gloss and High-Gloss Finishes: Highly reflective and ideal for areas that need frequent cleaning.
2. Pigment Volume Concentration (PVC)
The pigment volume concentration (PVC) reflects the ratio of pigments to binders in paint. Higher PVC produces a chalkier, matte finish, whereas lower PVC results in a more durable, glossy surface.
High PVC: More porous, lower durability, but excellent at hiding wall imperfections.
Low PVC: Smoother finish, greater durability, and enhanced washability.
3. Importance of Paint Finishes in Interior and Exterior Applications
The types of wall paint finishes you choose significantly impact both interior and exterior spaces:
For Interiors: Finishes should be selected based on room usage, lighting, and maintenance requirements.
For Exteriors: Weather resistance, UV protection, and ease of cleaning become more crucial factors.
The Most Common Types of Wall Paint Finishes
Different finishes offer varying levels of sheen, durability, and maintenance requirements. Understanding these distinctions will help you make an informed choice that enhances both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your space.
1. Matte/Flat
Matte finishes are highly popular for creating a sophisticated, velvety look. They work well in areas where walls don’t experience heavy touching or exposure to moisture. However, they are not recommended for kitchens or hallways because they absorb stains and dirt.
Pros:
Hides imperfections well
Provides a rich depth of colour
Ideal for low-traffic areas
Absorbs light, reducing glare
Cons:
Difficult to clean
Prone to scuff marks
Can require frequent touch-ups
Best suited for: Ceilings, bedrooms, and low-traffic living spaces.
Our Recommendation: One Pure Elegance Matt offers excellent scuff and stain resistance with a luxurious matte finish.
2. Satin
Satin is a middle-ground option that balances durability with aesthetics. It provides a soft glow, making spaces appear slightly luminous. Since it is resistant to moisture and dirt, it is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
Pros:
Soft, subtle sheen with a smooth feel
More durable than matte finishes
Easy to clean
Resists mildew, making it great for humid areas
Cons:
Can highlight surface imperfections
Requires careful application to avoid streaks
More expensive than flat finishes
Best suited for: Living rooms, hallways, children’s bedrooms, and kitchens.
Our Recommendation: For a soft, smooth finish with enhanced washability, Calista Ever Wash Shine is a reliable choice.
3. Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss finishes are often used in functional areas that demand high durability. They resist water, grease, and mildew, making them perfect for spaces that need frequent cleaning.
Pros:
Highly durable and moisture-resistant
Easy to wipe clean
Adds a sophisticated shine
Ideal for rooms prone to stains and splashes
Cons:
Can expose wall imperfections
Higher cost than lower-sheen options
May require more prep work before application
Best suited for: Kitchens, bathrooms, trim, doors, and cabinets.
Our Recommendation: If durability and a touch of shine are what you need, Style Color Smart Shine delivers an exceptional semi-gloss finish.
4. High-Gloss
High-gloss paint finishes offer the most dramatic effect. They are excellent for surfaces that need a tough coating, but they can be overwhelming when used on large walls.
Pros:
Extremely durable and stain-resistant
Reflects the most light, enhancing brightness
Easy to scrub clean
Long-lasting and highly protective
Cons:
Highlights every surface flaw
Requires precise application to avoid visible brush strokes
Can appear too shiny in large wall applications
Best suited for: Cabinets, furniture, trim, doors, and statement pieces.
Our Recommendation: For a bold, ultra-reflective finish that exudes luxury, One Pure Elegance Shine is the perfect choice for creating a statement look in your home.
5. Eggshell
Eggshell is a popular choice for homeowners who want a balance between matte and satin. It has a slight sheen but remains relatively soft and muted.
Pros:
Low sheen with a soft glow
Covers minor wall imperfections
Easier to clean than matte
Provides a warm, elegant look
Cons:
Less durable than satin or gloss finishes
Not ideal for high-traffic areas
Can be challenging to touch up
Best suited for: Dining rooms, home offices, and low-traffic corridors.
Our Recommendation: Calista Ever Stay provides a smooth finish that enhances the beauty of interior walls while ensuring long-lasting protection.
6. Textured
A textured finish is excellent for those looking to introduce dimension and artistic flair. This finish can range from subtle, sand-like textures to dramatic stucco effects, providing a unique aesthetic while helping mask surface imperfections.
Pros:
Adds depth and visual interest
Helps conceal uneven walls
Available in various effects like stucco or sand finish
Can create rustic or artistic designs
Cons:
Harder to clean
Requires more effort to apply and remove
May not be suitable for modern, sleek interiors
Best suited for: Accent walls, rustic interiors, and exteriors.
Our Recommendation: To create a striking textured effect, use One Pure Elegance as the base coat and One Dream Effects as the top coat. This combination enhances depth, durability, and aesthetic appeal, making it perfect for feature walls.
How to Choose the Right Paint Finish for Your Space
Selecting the best type of wall paint finish requires careful consideration of the room's purpose, lighting, and maintenance expectations.
Determine Your Room’s Need
Every space has unique requirements based on its usage. High-traffic areas demand durable finishes, while decorative rooms may benefit from more aesthetic options.
Bedrooms & Living Rooms: Opt for matte, eggshell, or satin for a warm, inviting ambience.
Kitchens & Bathrooms: Choose semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes for their moisture resistance.
Hallways & Entryways: Satin or eggshell finishes balance durability with easy maintenance.
Evaluate Features
Durability: The more reflective a finish, the more durable it tends to be. High-gloss and semi-gloss finishes can withstand repeated cleaning and moisture exposure.
Quality: Higher-quality paints offer better coverage and last longer, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups.
Ease-of-Cleaning: Glossy surfaces are easier to wipe clean, making them ideal for kitchens and children's rooms. Matte finishes, while elegant, require more care to maintain.
Wall Type
Blemished/Uneven Walls: Matte and textured finishes help disguise imperfections.
High-Traffic Walls: Satin and semi-gloss finishes resist scuffs and stains.
Dirt-Magnet Walls: Glossy finishes repel dirt and allow for easy cleaning.
Other Sheens You Might Come Across
Beyond the common types of paint finishes, some speciality sheens provide unique effects:
Medium Lustre: A soft sheen, slightly glossier than satin.
Pearl: A refined, light-reflective finish, ideal for feature walls.
Low Lustre: Offers a slight glow, balancing durability and sophistication.
Velvet: A luxurious, rich sheen with minimal gloss.
Perfecting Your Walls with the Right Finish
Selecting the right house paint finish types can transform your interiors and exteriors. Whether you seek an elegant matte effect, an easy-to-clean glossy surface, or a textured statement wall, the right finish enhances both beauty and function.
Birla’s PaintCraft experts provide professional consultation to help you achieve the perfect look. Not sure which finish or colour to choose? Our Colour Quiz helps you select your ideal palette, while the Imagine Machine allows you to visualise your chosen paint in your space before you commit.
Choosing the right kinds of paint finishes ensures a stunning and practical outcome for your space. Let Birla’s tools and expert guidance help bring your vision to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Painting your home is fun and hassle-free when planned well. For that, you must know all about various aspects of the painting process. Find answers to all your paint questions here!
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If you have any questions about this Policy or other privacy concerns, you can also email us at legal.birlapaints@adityabirla.com
August 2023
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GRASIM INDUSTRIES LIMITED, Birla Paints division
9th floor, Birla Centurion, Century Mills Compound, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli, Mumbai– 400030, Maharashtra, India.
Registered Office:
Birlagram, Nagda- 456 331 (M.P.) Tel: (07366) 246760-66, Fax: (07366) 244114, 246024, CIN: L17124MP1947PLC000410
Allwood Contractor App Helpdesk
Call: 1800 120 1234, Monday to Saturday, 09:30 am – 6:30 pm (Except Public Holidays).
Product Warranty
Terms and Conditions for product warranty registration of Birla Opus products
The Warranty shall be effective from the date of purchase of the Product as per the tax invoice (“Warranty Start Date”), provided that painting work is fully complete, and the Consumer registers the Product for warranty.
The Product must be registered within 15 days from the date of purchase by calling customer care at 18001201234 or registering on www.birlaopus.com and furnishing purchase details as required during the Warranty registration.
The Warranty shall be valid for parameters and period as defined in the respective product warranty document (‘Warranty Period’) from the Warranty Start Date.
Upon settlement of any claim, Warranty of replaced Product will not start afresh, and will continue for the remainder of the Warranty Period from the Warranty Start Date.
If there is a break/ lag in completing the painting work, the registration of the Warranty and Warranty Start Date will be determined by the Company at its sole discretion.
The Company may appoint a person to examine and confirm the application of the Product as per the directions specified prior to registering the Warranty.
For registering of Warranty, where quantity of Product purchase is equal to or more than 200 litres, please call our Helpline on 1800 120 1234 with requisite details. The registration of Warranty in such cases is subject to a satisfactory pre‐inspection at site by Company’s representative.
- For the warranty to be applicable:
- Minimum volume of the product required to be purchased needs to be met
- Birla Opus recommended system needs to be used
- Product coverage and application guidelines need to be adhered
For more details, please refer to respective product specific warranty document and product information sheet.
Consumer may raise a claim within 30 days of discovering issue(s) noticed on the affected areas based on Warranty Parameters/ scope
The Consumer is required to notify the Company of the issue(s) noticed along with the invoice details, sample pictures and basis for Warranty invocation by contacting the customer care at 1800 120 1234. The Consumer shall provide such additional details as required by the Company and/or allow the Company to visit/inspect the painting site either in portion or entirety at the Company’s discretion.
In case where the Company decides that the Warranty is applicable on the issue(s) noticed on the affected areas, the Company shall bear the Replacements Costs as detailed in respective product warranty document to repair/ repaint the affected areas.
Replacement Costs shall mean the cost of material and labour required to correct the affected portions, as determined by the Company.
In case where the Company decides that Warranty is not applicable, the same shall be communicated to the Consumer.
Warranty is applicable only to the affected area where the Product is used in accordance with application guidelines and not to the rest of the areas.
In case the Consumer carries out repair works on the areas covered under the Warranty, the same shall be at their own risk and the Company’s Warranty on the Product shall not be valid on such repaired areas.
The Warranty will cover only manufacturing defects of the Product and will not cover any defects arising out of factors not in control of the Company. For more details of exclusions, please refer to the warranty document of respective product.
Except expressly stated, the Company disclaims any liabilities whether in contract, tort or otherwise. The Company makes no warranty regarding merchantability or fitness of products for any particular purpose.
The Company shall not be held liable towards loss or damages of incidental, indirect or consequential nature or for any value more than the tax invoice value.
In case of any disputes, exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Mumbai shall apply. Governing laws shall be Laws of India.
The facts and all matters concerning any Warranty/ claim/ dispute will always be kept confidential by both the Consumer and the Company.