When choosing paint for your home, homeowners often focus most of their attention on the paint color. But the truth is, the finish (AKA, the sheen), can make or break the final look and feel of your space. The finish you choose impacts how light reflects off the walls, which can mean either a brushed, matte-looking finish or a super glossy, shiny finish. Not only that, but the finish also impacts how durable your paint job is and the overall maintenance required to keep it looking great over time. At Oak City Coatings, we help Raleigh-area homeowners navigate these seemingly small, yet important decisions throughout the painting process. One of the most common questions we get from customers is, “what is the difference between satin vs. matte paint finishes?” In this blog post, we’re breaking it all down so you can make the perfect choice of paint for your unique space.
In This Post
Understanding Paint Sheens
Paint finishes range from totally flat to super glossy. Each type of sheen reflects light differently and has unique levels of durability and maintenance. You can learn more about paint sheens in this blog post.
The five types of paint finishes on the sheen spectrum are:
- Flat – little to no sheen
- Matte – little sheen
- Eggshell – lower sheen, in between flat and shiny
- Satin – medium sheen, less glossy than semi-gloss
- Semi-Gloss – higher sheen, will reflect a reasonable amount of light
- Gloss – very high sheen, dramatic light reflection
Matte and satin finishes are two of the most popular choices for interior walls. Each finish offers its own set of pros and cons, depending on the room and how you use it.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these two popular finishes.
What is Matte Paint?
Matte paint has very low sheen and a soft, velvety finish. Since it doesn’t reflect much light off the surface, it creates a smooth, cozy look, which is great for intimate spaces. This also allows it to help mask any surface imperfections (think… dings or scratches from toy cars or pets).
Pros of Matte Paint:
- Hides surface imperfections like dings, scratches, or nail holes.
- Non-reflective, giving rooms a relaxed, intimate feel.
- Great for low-traffic areas, such as ceilings, bedrooms, offices, living rooms, and dining rooms.
- Easier to apply and touch-up than satin.
Cons of Matte Paint:
- Less washable than satin, can scuff or mark more easily.
- Not ideal for high-traffic or high-moisture areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
- Absorbs light, so it will only make small rooms look smaller.
What is Satin Paint?
Satin paint falls in the low-to-medium sheen range. It has a subtle gloss that is slightly reflective (more than matte), giving rooms a more polished, elegant look with a hint of shine. It’s also more durable than matte finishes and easier to clean.
Pros of Satin Paint:
- More durable and washable than matte.
- Great for high-traffic or high-humidity areas like hallways, bathrooms, kitchens, and kids’ bedrooms.
- Adds a touch of shine without being too dramatic.
Cons of Satin Paint:
- Slightly highlights imperfections on the wall due to greater light reflection than matte.
- Requires more surface prep (like patching and sanding) for best results.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Satin vs. Matte Paint Finishes
| Feature | Matte | Satin |
| Sheen Level | Low (almost none) | Low-medium (slight gloss) |
| Durability | Moderate | High |
| Cleanability | Low | Good |
| Surface Imperfections | Minimizes | Can highlight |
| Best Rooms | Bedrooms, ceilings, offices | Kitchens, baths, hallways |
How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Space
When deciding between satin vs. matte paint finishes for your next home paint project, it’s important to ask yourself a few key questions:
- What’s the room used for?
Does the room get a lot of traffic? Are there kids and pets in this room often? Is it exposed to moisture or grease? High-traffic or moisture-prone areas do better with a satin paint finish. For cozy, quiet spaces, like a bedroom or office, matte is ideal. - How often will it need cleaning?
If kids, pets, or food are involved, satin’s easy-clean surface is a smart choice due to its washability. - What’s your design vibe?
Go with a matte finish for a soft, subtle look. If you want a gentle glow that adds sophistication to the space, opt for a satin finish.
Pro tip: You don’t have to choose just one paint finish! Many homeowners use matte on walls and satin on trim or doors to create a subtle, stunning contrast and achieve higher durability where its needed.
Need Help Deciding Between Satin vs. Matte Paint?
Choosing the right paint finish for your unique project can feel confusing and a bit overwhelming. You want to make sure you make the right choice before investing in paint products, tools, or hiring a professional painter.
If you’re in the Raleigh area and needing help deciding between satin vs. matte paint, or any other type of finish for your next paint project, we’re here to help!
Contact us today to schedule a free estimate and get help picking the perfect color and finish to bring your vision to life!
