The Difference between Satin and Semi-Gloss Paint (And Which One You Should Choose)

Spice

Editor

posted on 1 year ago — updated on 1 second ago

42
views

So you’re painting, and you want something that’s not too shiny but still makes your room or surface feel friendly and inviting. Both satin and semi-gloss are great choices. They’re both affordable, middle-of-the-road in sheen, and suitable for a wide array of spaces. However, their subtle differences may make it hard to differentiate one from the other. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll talk you through all the differences between satin and semi-gloss paint to make it clear which one you should purchase and when.

Steps

What’s the difference between satin and semi-gloss paint?

Semi-gloss has a much brighter and more noticeable sheen than satin. Light reflects off of semi-gloss easier than satin, since satin has a flatter finish. This makes semi-gloss a more appropriate paint for the fine trimmings of your house: railings, cabinets, crown molding, etc. Satin, on the other hand, with its slightly more matte appearance, is better for large surfaces with more noticeable flaws: walls, floors, counters. Semi-gloss makes darker spaces feel warmer. Satin mutes areas where glare and brightness may feel too intense.

Visual Differences

Semi-gloss is shinier. Semi-gloss is made with a higher percentage of gloss-mixture, making it smoother and more lustrous. This bright sheen helps spaces feel more formal. For the smoothest effect, apply multiple thin coats of semi-gloss finishing paint instead of just one thick coat.

Satin is more understated. Satin paint contains more flattening paste which means it has a slightly duller appearance than semi-gloss. This soft, more pearl-like luster gives it a more chic and modern feel.

Semi-gloss draws more attention. Because semi-gloss is brighter, it highlights surfaces more acutely. If you have a gorgeous hardwood floor or ornate cabinet you really want to show off, semi-gloss paint will help it stand out.

Satin is better at covering imperfections. If your walls or furniture have a bit of natural wear-and-tear that you don’t want people to see, satin’s more toned-down polish helps hide these scuffs and bruises.

Semi-gloss reflects more light. Semi-gloss’ high radiance attracts large amounts of light. This can give surfaces a gorgeous glow, but means it should be avoided in spaces that attract lots of glare.

Satin is more diverse. Because satin’s sheen is less obvious, it’s a more easily-applicable coat for different surfaces. It can add a good flair to ceilings and hallways without capturing the same amount of light as semi-gloss.

Uses for Each Paint

Satin is good for high-traffic areas. Satin is a great paint for rooms that people go in and out of often. Living rooms, dining rooms and hallways experience a lot of regular foot traffic and are more likely to get dirty. Satin’s ability to hide marks makes it a great choice for these spaces. It also works great for bedrooms where semi-gloss’ high sheen may feel overwhelming.

Semi-gloss is good for areas with lots of moisture. Semi-gloss paint is exceptionally good at combating mildew and mold. Laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements, and other areas that get damp easily will benefit tremendously from a semi-gloss finish. In addition to its functional, moisture-combating purposes, semi-gloss’ natural gleam gives it an elegance that can upgrade any room or object.

Durability and Clean-Up

Semi-gloss is slightly more durable. While both satin and semi-gloss are durable, semi-gloss is more damage-resistant to sun, rain, grease, and wind.

Semi-gloss is easier to clean. “The higher the sheen, the easier to clean!” Semi-gloss is easily washable and more resistant to stains. Surfaces that get dirty easily like playrooms and pet-friendly spaces will be easily protected by a semi-gloss finish.

Pricing

Satin is slightly cheaper. Paints with radiant sheens usually cost roughly 2-3 dollars more per gallon. This means that, while the cost difference isn't major, satin is the less-expensive of the two.