Different Paint Type Finishes:Benefits & Uses
When you decide your home, apartment or office needs a new coat of paint, there’s normally a reason behind it. Perhaps you want a burst of colour to give some character or you want to brighten the area with a fresh coat. No matter the reason, however, the paint you put on the walls can make all the difference to how the environment feels. More than just providing nicer aesthetics, a fresh coat of paint can protect against the elements and change the mood and atmosphere. While picking a colour might seem like the most important task, the finish (or sheen), could be just as important. The gloss of paint can make all the difference in how the colour is perceived, how durable the paint is, and how easily it is to hide imperfections in the wall or to clean when needed.
Matte & Flat Plaint
Matte and flat paints deliver a smooth, subtle look with little to no sheen when they dry. They absorb the light which helps to hide surface imperfections which is great for family homes and in any area where it can help to soften the effect of glare and glancing light off windows. Matte and flat paint have the most pigment and will provide the most coverage, which translates to time and money savings. However, it’s tough to clean without taking paint off with the grime so we recommend reserving this paint type for bedrooms.
Gloss & Semi-Gloss Paint
Gloss paints are exactly what their name says – glossy. They have a highly reflective finish, are easy to clean and hard-wearing, however, they are more likely to show surface imperfections. High-gloss is perfect for high-traffic areas and rooms in your home that will see constant and heavy use. This makes higher-gloss paints very useful in kitchens and bathrooms while low gloss may be better suited for hallways and foyers. The highest durability and longevity can be achieved through high-gloss.


Interior Plaint
Interior paint is made to be scrubbed, resist staining, and allow cleaning. While mostly to provide aesthetics, interior paint is also great for adding properties of dampness protection, washability, and easy maintenance. With several different paint types available, you can find some that are designed to withstand scrubbing should you find your walls get dirty from children and pets. Interior paint also needs to have low or even no amount of volatile organic compounds to reduce health risks.
Exterior Paint
Exterior paints are made to combat against fading and mildew. They are exposed to various weather conditions and therefore have to provide protection against moisture and ultraviolet radiation. This makes them hard-wearing and fade-resistant. The resins used for exterior paints are soft, making them flexible so they don’t easily crack and will survive the effects of temperature changes. Additionally, exterior paints may release more volatile organic compounds making them unsafe for indoor use, however, at Wes Hull Painters, we use low VOC paints from leading brands such as Haymes, Taubmans, and Dulux.
Contact us
As the experts in preparation, application and protection, our team at Wes Hull Painters can help you select the right paint type and sheen for the job including suitable colours for your aesthetic goals and a handful of tricks that allow for a perfect finish and easy maintenance. For more information on interior and exterior house painting services, call Wes Hull Painters today on 0400 528 648.