Matte vs Gloss Paint: Which to Choose?

Choosing a paint from a wide range of colours and paints can be a daunting mission that assigns you challenges at every other step. Once you think you are finally done selecting a paint colour, suddenly, you realize you are still in the middle of a maze because now you have to agree upon the best finish for your space: matte or Gloss?

Paint colours can impact the entire environment and vibe of your dwelling, reflecting one’s personality and adding curb appeal. Therefore, choosing a colour goes beyond your heart’s desire. Besides adding to your space’s visual appeal, paint colors build impediments, work against extreme temperatures, and create a specific intuition or vibe. To select the most suitable finish, we first need to understand the features of both matte and Gloss finishes.

Let’s Begin with the Definition of Matte and Gloss Paint

A gloss paint finish has a higher level of sheen, which gives the surface a radiant and rich colour finish. Paints with a higher sheen level can absorb more light on the surface, which is why they are reflective and shiny in nature. On the other hand, matte paints have lower sheen levels, which makes them less reflective and vibrant. These kinds of paint give a subtle and flat finish to the surface.

Difference Between Matte and Gloss Paint Finishes

Matte finishes are best for concealing imperfections such as stains, bumps, holes, scratches, etc., on the surface. As compared to gloss finishes, matte is difficult to clean: if matte finishes get any visible stains or marks, etc., it would require a paint coat to remove the stains. Matte finishes are less reflective due to the low sheen levels contained in the paint. These finishes are pretty economical and budget-friendly.

Owing to the higher sheen level in the gloss paints, these are shinier and more reflective. The smoothness and sleek surface of gloss finishes make it convenient for cleanliness. Though it is easy to clean, this paint finish is more prone to imperfections. Unlike the matte finishes, high gloss paints highlight the marks, stains, dirt, bumps and scratches on the surface. Shiny and reflective and more durable. Any paint’s durability depends on the sheen level: the greater the degree of shine, the more sustainable it is. With respect to pricing, gloss paint finishes are expensive.

Also Read: Best Paints for Interior Walls in 2024

Best Paint Finish for Walls

Matte paints create velvet matte finishes on the walls that conceal imperfections such as bumps, scratches, wall dampness, holes, mildew, mould infestation, etc. Use matte finishes for the interior walls of your house as they are less exposed to UV rays and intense temperatures, and a considerable but average shiny surface works better for the interior walls. Compared to matte finishes, glossy finish reflects many lights that would make a room overly bright. Using both finishes in combination would provide favourable results.

Best Paint Finish for Doors

Doors are one of the heaviest traffic areas, whether it is your main entrance door or the kitchen and bedroom door; these tend to get more dirt and stains than other surfaces of your home. Therefore, it requires regular cleaning and durability. Select Gloss finishes instead of matte ones due to their compatible features, such as convenient cleaning, washability, and sustainability. In addition, the shiny, brighter, glossy look of doors adds character and vibrance. With the Gloss finish, your front door will not only be protected from intense temperatures, weather conditions, and UV rays, but its visual appeal will also complement your architecture.

Factors to Consider While Choosing a Paint Finish

Nature of the Space:

While choosing a paint finish, one must take note of the space where they intend to use it, whether you want to Paint the high-traffic areas of your home or the ones used occasionally. Gloss finishes work better in spaces with more natural or artificial light due to its reflective feature. Therefore, the spaces with more oversized windows and lights are the best for glossy finishes. Meanwhile, matte finishes are pretty challenging to clean, so ceilings, dining rooms, and adult rooms are the best spaces for matte finishes.

Lightening:

The requirement of lighting in a space can not be overlooked. Use matte finishes for spaces that require more light, as they will present a much brighter version of your space.

Nature of the Surface:

Select your finish according to the nature of the desired surface. For surfaces that need daily cleaning and are prone to dirt, such as doors and living rooms, you may choose a glossy finish. But you can choose matte finishes for areas that don’t need heavy light and have low traffic.

Matte vs Gloss Paint- FAQs