Understanding Paint Finishes: Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss, and More

How to Choose the Right Finish for Every Room or Surface

Choosing a paint color can be tough, but selecting the right paint finish is just as important. The finish you choose affects how your walls look, feel, and hold up over time.

At Thoresen Painting, we help homeowners, business owners, and designers across San Diego pick the ideal finish for every surface, whether it’s a cozy bedroom, a high-traffic hallway, or a vibrant mural. Here’s what you need to know about matte, satin, semi-gloss, gloss, and how to make the right choice for your space.

Why Paint Finish Matters

Paint finishes (also called “sheens”) range from flat to high-gloss, each offering different benefits:

Aesthetic: The finish affects how light reflects off the surface, which can change the overall look of a room.
Durability: Some finishes are more resistant to moisture, stains, and wear, making them better for high-use areas.
Cleanability: Higher-sheen paints are generally easier to wipe down.

Common Paint Finishes Explained

1. Matte (Flat Finish)

Best For: Ceilings, low-traffic rooms, accent walls
Look: Soft and non-reflective
Pros: Hides imperfections well, Rich, smooth appearance
Cons: Harder to clean, Can scuff easily

Ideal for: Bedrooms, living rooms, or ceilings where minimal light reflection and a calm look are preferred.

2. Eggshell

Best For: Living rooms, dining rooms, or offices
Look: Low sheen with slight luster (like an eggshell)
Pros: Slightly more durable than matte, Still hides minor wall flaws
Cons: Not ideal for areas that need frequent cleaning

Ideal for: General-purpose walls in areas with moderate foot traffic.

3. Satin

Best For: Kitchens, bathrooms, kids' rooms, hallways
Look: Smooth and velvety with a soft sheen
Pros: Easy to clean, Great balance between aesthetics and durability
Cons: Can reveal wall imperfections more than eggshell or matte

Ideal for: Busy households or commercial interiors where walls need to be wiped regularly.

4. Semi-Gloss

Best For: Trim, doors, cabinets, bathrooms
Look: Noticeably shiny and reflective
Pros: Highly durable and washable, Moisture- and stain-resistant
Cons: Highlights imperfections on uneven surfaces

Ideal for: High-traffic or high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms, and for surfaces that need to stand out.

5. Gloss / High-Gloss

Best For: Furniture, decorative features, commercial finishes

Look: Very shiny and glass-like

Pros: Ultra-durable and easy to clean, Bold, modern aesthetic

Cons: Shows every imperfection. Surface prep must be flawless

Ideal for: Cabinetry, statement walls, or modern commercial applications where durability and shine are essential.

How to Choose the Right Finish

Ask yourself:

How much traffic will this space see? More traffic usually calls for more durability (satin or above).
Do you need to clean this surface regularly? Kitchens, bathrooms, and kids' rooms benefit from wipeable finishes like satin or semi-gloss.
Do you want to hide imperfections? Matte and eggshell are more forgiving for older or uneven walls.
Is it a decorative focal point or trim? Semi-gloss or gloss adds visual pop and durability.

Pro Tip from Thoresen Painting

Many rooms benefit from mixing finishes. For example, you can use:

Eggshell on walls for a soft feel
Semi-gloss on trim and doors for contrast and durability
Matte on ceilings to reduce light reflection

Let’s Pick the Perfect Finish Together

At Thoresen Painting, we’ve painted everything from ocean-view homes in La Jolla to custom murals and bustling commercial spaces throughout San Diego. We’ll help you choose the right finish, not just for style, but for real-life performance.

Need help deciding what finish is best for your space?

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The Importance of Proper Surface Preparation Before Painting

April 21, 2025

When it comes to painting — whether it's a cozy living room, a busy commercial storefront, or a stunning outdoor mural — the secret to a flawless, long-lasting finish isn’t just the paint you choose. It’s what happens before the first brushstroke hits the wall. At Thoresen Painting, we know that proper surface preparation is what truly sets a professional-quality paint job apart from the rest. Here's why steps like sanding, priming, and cleaning are so critical to achieving beautiful, durable results. Why Surface Preparation Matters Think of painting like building a house: if the foundation isn’t solid, everything on top of it can crack, peel, or fall apart. Surface prep ensures that your paint adheres properly, looks smoother, and lasts longer, saving you time and money in the long run. Without the right preparation, even the highest-quality paint will struggle to perform. Poor prep can cause: Bubbling and blistering Uneven textures Premature peeling Fading and discoloration Visible flaws like dents and cracks The Key Steps in Surface Preparation 1. Cleaning the Surface Dirt, dust, grease, and even invisible residues can prevent paint from bonding properly. We thoroughly wash walls, siding, ceilings, or surfaces using appropriate cleaners. On exterior projects, we may use pressure washing. Indoors, a mild detergent and water solution can do the trick. Clean surfaces mean clean adhesion — it’s as simple as that. 2. Repairing Imperfections Small cracks, holes, dents, and other imperfections can show through even multiple coats of paint. We patch, fill, and sand these areas to create a smooth and even surface. For murals or detailed work, this step is especially important because even tiny flaws can disrupt the overall look. 3. Sanding Sanding isn't just about smoothing — it also helps create a slightly roughened surface that paint or primer can "grab" onto. Whether we're lightly scuffing glossy surfaces or smoothing patched drywall, sanding is essential for achieving a consistent, professional texture. 4. Priming Primer acts as the "bridge" between the surface and the paint. It helps with: Sealing porous surfaces (like new drywall or raw wood) Preventing stains from bleeding through Improving color vibrancy and coverage Enhancing adhesion for longer-lasting results Skipping primer can lead to dull, uneven, and easily damaged paint jobs. 5. Masking and Protecting Surrounding Areas A clean workspace ensures a cleaner final product. We carefully mask off areas that shouldn’t be painted — like trim, windows, fixtures, and floors — to keep edges sharp and minimize mess. Long-Term Benefits of Proper Preparation When surfaces are properly prepped, your paint job will: Last years longer with fewer touch-ups Resist peeling, cracking, and moisture damage Look smoother, brighter, and more polished Save you money by reducing the need for early repaints or repairs For businesses, it also means maintaining a professional appearance that builds trust with customers. For homeowners, it means pride in your living space that stands the test of time. Trust the Pros at Thoresen Painting Proper surface preparation isn’t the glamorous part of painting — but it’s the most important part. At Thoresen Painting, our commitment to excellence starts long before the first coat of paint. Whether it’s a residential refresh, a large-scale commercial project, or a custom mural, we make sure every surface is flawlessly prepped for maximum beauty and durability.