As a simple guide to these two paint finishes, satin is a little glossier than matte paint so it's more durable and easier to clean. Satin paint can also be used outside, as it copes well in all weathers. As for paint sheen levels, matte on the other hand is less reflective and is mainly used for interior walls.
Choosing Between Matte and Satin
Perhaps a satin sheen works better on the walls than matte because it's easier to clean. Does your ceiling or wall have lots of imperfections or bumps? Then you should choose matte over satin because it hides surface imperfections better.
Flat paint would also work well in a space such as a spare bedroom or home office, where there will be less chance of the walls needing regular scrubbing, which damages the surface. On the other hand, high-traffic areas like kitchens or children's rooms need the more durable surface provided by satin paint.
Matte finishes are best suited for areas such as ceilings, bedrooms and dining rooms that do not see a lot of traffic or dirt. In addition, the flat finish hides imperfections and damage to walls, making it ideal for patched drywall with joint compound or new drywall installations with imperfect taping.
Pros: A satin finish reflects more light than matte and stands up well to washing. Use in high-traffic areas such as bathrooms, the kitchen and a kid's room as well as on trim and molding throughout the house. Cons: This finish does not hide imperfections in surface or application; any touch-ups will stand out.
Satin paint has some sheen to it, and is an excellent choice for hardworking rooms, like kitchens and bathrooms. It stands up exceptionally well to scrubbing and regular cleaning. However, its glossiness highlights wall imperfections like cracks, divots or poorly patched areas.
Satin paint is less likely to show brush strokes on walls than other finishes. Satin also doesn't show roller marks if the wall is painted at once.
Matte finishes are just as durable and normal gloss-finished paint jobs, and just as susceptible to scratches and paint chips. However, unlike a gloss clear coat on the car's finish that can be easily polished during paint correction, the matte finish is not as simple to repair.
The Benefits Of Using Matte Paint
One of the main advantages of using matte paint in interiors is that it effectively conceals surface flaws. Its shine-free finish also offers outstanding color depth, and its smooth feel after drying makes it a favorite among home improvement enthusiasts.
As well as being susceptible to marks and stains, matte paint finishes are more difficult to clean, so experts recommend using them as one of the best paint finishes for ceilings or in low-traffic areas to ensure they stay in good condition for as long as possible.
It's no secret that light colors make a room look larger, especially if the space is bathed in natural light. Eggshell or satin finishes will help reflect the light, creating the appearance of even more space. What's more, it works no matter your aesthetic or room type.
A satin finish will leave you with a medium gloss, that doesn't shine as much as gloss paint as it's less reflective. It can be great for hiding imperfections because of the finish, whereas the gloss can highlight imperfections.
Matt finish paint is great for walls because it makes them look smooth and elegant. The material absorbs light instead of reflecting it so it can be used in high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways. Matte or Matt paint is ideal for guest bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms.
The great thing about satin paint is that it's a really versatile product that can be applied to walls, and used as a paint finish for ceilings as well as doors, windows and architectural details. As satin is washable, it's perfect for areas that have a lot of everyday wear and tear.
Satin finishes are the most commonly used paint for interior walls. They are easier to clean than flat and eggshell paints, which makes them a great choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, family rooms, and playrooms.
-Matt paint: Matt paint has a non-reflective, flat finish that absorbs light rather than reflects it. This gives rooms a warm and inviting feeling, making them the perfect choice for living rooms and bedrooms. Matt paint is also less likely to show marks and fingerprints, so it's ideal for homes with children or pets.
Disadvantages To Matte Finish
As we mentioned before, the matte finish absorbs light which means it won't help to make small spaces feel bigger, unlike glossy finishes that reflect light. Therefore, for kitchens that are very small, a matte finish may not be the best option.
Pros: Matte paint hides the imperfections and flaws of the painting surface, making it great for walls in your bedroom, dining room and living room. It is also great for ceilings and any sort of touch-up or remodeling work. Cons: It takes a lot of work to keep the imperfections hidden.
Satin paint is a mid-sheen paint that can be used for walls, woodwork and ceilings. It's more durable than matte paint but less durable than gloss. Satin paint is good for walls in high-traffic rooms but because it reflects light it will show faults in underlying surfaces that matte paint conceals.
Clean With Vinegar and Dish Soap
The secret to cleaning matte painted walls is to use wring out the cloth as much as possible. This prevents the vinegar from discoloring the paint or soaking into the wall. For stains, add a cup of vinegar and just one drop of dish soap to a small bowl.
“Low-luster sheens are non-reflective and will hide minor surface imperfections,” Barr says, adding matte is an ideal choice for ceilings and bedrooms. “[Since] glossy sheens are very reflective, they will magnify surface imperfections and patched areas that are not completely uniform with the original surface.”
Matte sheens aren't typically washable either. But Dunn-Edwards says Exquisite solves those issues. Cleaning and general wear and tear are less likely to happen and easier to fix, the brand says. As a 100 percent acrylic paint, Exquisite can adhere well to a variety of walls.
Patchiness usually happens if you don't use enough paint, or apply it unevenly. Using a touch more paint, and painting in small sections one at a time, usually does the trick. Also, rolling in a grid fashion will get you an even finish too. But, sometimes, changes in the gloss level leave things patchy.
Satin paint is very durable, making it great for high-traffic areas. It can easily be cleaned, though it can lose its sheen if scrubbed too roughly. It is advised that you clean it with a wipe and avoid abrasive scrubs.
Here's a painting truism. The lower the sheen, the less likely your brush marks will show. So for example, if you are using a semi-gloss, it's much harder to disguise brush marks. If you are using a satin or flat or eggshell, the brush marks fade.