Semi-Gloss vs. Satin Paint Comparison Guide
Learn the key differences
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Fact checked by Sarah Scott
Satin paint and semi-gloss paint are often confused because they have similar sheens. It helps to know the difference between these two finishes when choosing paint for a room. The distinguishing characteristics between the two paint finishes will impact your decision on which one to use on your walls, cabinets, and trim. Read on to learn the differences between satin paint and semi-gloss paint, plus the pros and cons that will help you properly use these paints.
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Semi-Gloss vs. Satin Paint: Major Differences
The key difference between satin paint and semi-gloss paint is the way the two paints reflect light. While satin and semi-gloss have similar sheens, semi-gloss paint reflects more light than satin paint.
Semi-Gloss Paint
Semi-gloss paint has a sheen that reflects a high amount of light. It is shinier than satin, pearl, and eggshell, yet flatter than high gloss.
Semi-gloss is rarely used on walls. Because it reflects so much light, it shows every imperfection on the walls, highlights brushstrokes, and appears slightly darker than the same color would in a different finish. Use semi-gloss paint for trim, doors, and cabinets, as it's highly durable, shows off millwork details, and holds up to frequent cleaning.
Pros
High sheen that shows details, great for millwork
Highly durable for cabinets and trim
Ideal for high-impact areas like baseboards and doors
Easy to clean
Cons
Too shiny for any type of wall, shows every imperfection
Shows brushstrokes
Takes on an "orange peel" look if not rolled properly on a prepped surface
Satin Paint
Satin paint is paint with a sheen that reflects an average amount of light. It is shinier than pearl, eggshell, and matte, yet flatter than semi-gloss and high gloss.
Satin is the glossiest sheen that should be used on walls. Most walls in a home's living areas are finished with eggshell or matte paint because these sheens hide imperfections well. However, satin is more durable and easier to clean than eggshell or matte, making it a popular wall finish for kitchen and bathroom walls that get dirty quickly and need frequent cleaning.
Pros
Can be used on walls without showing too many imperfections
Durable, good for areas that take abuse
Stands up to frequent wall cleaning in kitchens and bathrooms
Light reflection properties can make smaller spaces appear slightly larger
Cons
Will show more imperfections than eggshell, matte, and flat
Not as durable as semi-gloss
Not ideal for baseboards and other high-abuse areas
Too reflective for walls in living areas or bedrooms
Appearance
Semi-gloss has more texture than satin paint. A surface painted with satin paint is noticeably smoother to the touch.
Semi-Gloss Paint
Semi-gloss paint has additional components such as resins and urethanes that give it its higher sheen, leading to a slightly tacky feel. The reflectivity combined with the tackiness can give the paint an "orange peel" look when rolled and reveal brushstrokes when brushed on. This issue can be avoided by using a high-quality roller with a short nap and avoiding letting the roller get too dry.
Satin Paint
Satin paint leaves walls with a smooth surface. It may seem odd that a less shiny paint would have a smoother texture but this is the case with satin and semi-gloss.
Tip
If you've already chosen your paint color but are still deciding between satin and semi-gloss, consider getting samples in each sheen and applying them throughout your space. Paint colors can vary slightly between sheens, which is especially noticeable once it's applied to the wall and fully dried.
Durability
Semi-gloss paint is more durable than satin paint. Generally, the higher a paint's sheen, the more durable it is.
Semi-Gloss Paint
For this reason, semi-gloss paint is more durable than satin paint. This is another reason semi-gloss is great for trim like baseboards, which see a lot of wear and frequent scrubbing.
Satin Paint
Satin paint is highly durable wall paint for areas that experience a lot of wear or frequent cleaning, such as bathrooms and kitchens. However, in the average room, a flatter sheen like pearl, eggshell, or even matte is durable enough and may offer a better appearance.
Cost
Semi-gloss paint costs slightly more than satin paint. You may have heard that the glossier the paint, the higher its price. While this is generally true, the difference in cost likely isn't worth influencing your decision.
Semi-Gloss Paint
Semi-gloss paint has a higher resin count than satin paint, which leads to a slightly higher price point.
Satin Paint
Satin may run about $3 less per gallon than semi-gloss paint. But don't choose satin paint for its lower cost and use it on high-traffic, high-abuse trim and cabinets or it will wear poorly and you'll need to repaint frequently.
Top Brands
PPG
Farrow & Ball
Clare
Frequently Asked Questions
Is satin paint too shiny for walls?
In most cases, satin paint isn't too shiny for walls. In fact, satin is likely the glossiest sheen that will work on walls. However, if you're looking to hide imperfections on your walls, opting for a flatter finish will be better.
What are the problems with satin paint?
The problem with satin paint is that it shows all the imperfections when used on walls.
What is semi-gloss paint used for?
Generally, semi-gloss paint is used for baseboards, door and window casings, crown molding, cabinets, and doors. Its high sheen allows it to reflect more light, which highlights details in trim, while its durability makes it a good candidate for surfaces that see a lot of wear and frequent cleaning.
Are glossier paints harder to apply?
The application process of glossier paints like satin and semi-gloss doesn't differ from that of other paint sheens. However, because higher sheens reflect more light, they call attention to surface imperfections, which requires a more detailed prep process to remove imperfections.
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Read the original article on The Spruce.
