What Is Satin Paint? Uses, Benefits, and More
Satin paint is the perfect middle ground between matte and glossy finishes
It’s easy to get lost in the endless hues at your local paint retailer, but the type of finish you choose is equally as important as the color. Satin paint is a popular choice for home painting projects because it’s a happy-medium finish between matte and glossy, plus it’s versatile enough for a variety of settings. So, what is satin paint, how does it look, and what are the pros and cons? Here’s everything you need to know about paint with a satin finish.
What Is Satin Paint?
Satin paint is a type of paint that is made by adding a small amount of gloss to flat (matte) paint. With a soft, velvety sheen, satin paint is characterized by its subtle luster or gloss level. It’s middle-of-the-road in terms of glossiness for exterior or interior paint colors.
This type of paint finish is known for being durable and easy to clean, and it’s a popular choice for bathroom paint because of its moisture-resistant qualities. It’s also a go-to paint sheen for walls, ceilings, and trim work.
Satin Paint Gloss Rating
On the scale of glossiness, which goes from matte to high gloss, satin paint is between eggshell and semi-gloss. That means that while satin finish paint has some sheen, similar to satin fabric, it’s not as glossy as semi-gloss through high gloss varieties. Glossiness can be measured on a scale of 0 to 100, where zero is no gloss, and 100 is a mirror-like surface. Satin paint scores a 20 to 30 on this scale.
| Finish | Gloss Rating |
|---|---|
| Ultra flat | Below 1 |
| Flat | 1-2 |
| Matte | 3-7 |
| Eggshell | 8-12 |
| Satin | 20-30 |
| Semi-gloss | 30-40 |
| Gloss | 40-80 |
| High Gloss | Above 80 |
Satin Paint vs. Other Finishes
Paints come in several types of finishes or gloss levels, including gloss, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell, and flat.
Here’s how satin paint compares to some other paint sheen options.
Satin vs. Semi-Gloss: Satin paint has a more matte finish than semi-gloss paint, meaning it reflects less light.
Satin vs. Eggshell: Eggshell paint is typically more matte than satin paint, with a hint of sheen. However, satin paint is easier to clean and glossier than its eggshell counterpart.
Satin vs. Flat: As its name suggests, flat paint provides a very matte look, especially compared to satin paint. Satin paint is also more durable and easier to scrub clean.
Pros of Satin Paint
Satin paint is a popular choice for high-traffic areas because it’s easier to clean and more durable than flatter options. Here are the pros of using satin paint.
Durability
Satin paint lasts longer than lower-sheen paints because it’s a little less porous than they are. That means it doesn’t absorb dirt as easily and is easier to clean with a sponge or a damp rag. It holds up better to moisture and it doesn’t scuff as easily as flat or matt paints.
Highlights Contours
Satin finish has some sheen to it, so it will highlight curves. This makes it an excellent choice for millwork and trim, as it accentuates a carved surface's contours. Showing off the depth of moldings and frames is satin’s strong suit.
Easy Application
Satin paint doesn’t show lap marks where a roller goes over the same area twice, adding a little more paint to the surface, as much as its glossier counterparts. Satin paint has a shorter drying time than shinier paints as well.
Cons of Satin Paint
While it’s a versatile option, there are a few potential downsides to using satin paint. First off, it can be more difficult to apply touch-ups than matte paint. Since satin paint has a slight gloss level, it can be challenging to match the sheen of the existing paint when touching up small areas.
Another potential downside is that satin paint can highlight dents, cracks, and other imperfections in the painted surface. If the surface is not smooth and even, the subtle sheen of the satin paint can draw attention to any flaws.
When to Use Satin Paint
Wondering where to apply your satin paint? It’s more resistant to wear and tear than matte paint, making it an excellent choice for door and window trims, plus high-traffic areas like hallways and staircases.
Since it’s so easy to clean, it’s also a great choice for mudrooms, dining rooms, and children’s rooms. The slight gloss level in satin paint also helps to protect the paint from moisture, making it a good choice for areas that are prone to humidity, like bathrooms and kitchens.
When Not to Use Satin Paint
Due to its subtle sheen, satin paint may cast a bothersome reflection on walls that receive lots of direct sunlight. It’s also not the best choice for ceilings or damaged walls since it is reflective and highlights flaws. For these types of settings, flat finishes are usually a better option.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Even if you follow the best painting tips and tricks, matching the neatness and smoothness of professional application can be challenging. While satin paint is more DIY-friendly than glossier finishes, it can still show brush strokes and uneven color if not applied correctly. For flawless results and a lot of time and effort saved, hire a local interior painter who can help bring your color vision to life.
Cost to Paint a Room
The normal price range to paint a room is between $300 and $2,800 to hire a pro, or you can choose to tackle the project yourself for around $150. The cost to paint a room per square foot is between $2 and $6. If you need a lot of prep for your walls to be smooth, like filling holes or sanding uneven spots or old texture, you can expect to pay an additional $.50 to $.75 per square foot.
Alison Kasch contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because satin paint has a sheen to it, it will highlight curves and contours. While that’s great for trim, it’s not so excellent for your repaired drywall that has a few small blemishes. In addition, satin paint will stick to your surface better if it’s primed. Sand and prime your surface before applying satin paint for best results.
Satin paint applied to walls is best done with a roller to get a smooth, even surface. Rollers are designed to apply paint evenly and efficiently. Using a roller will save you some time because it’s about twice as fast as brushing on your paint. For trim like door frames and window frames, use a brush to apply satin paint to ensure you get into all the nooks and crannies.
If you’re repainting with the same sheen, it’s possible to apply satin paint over satin. However, if you’re reducing the glossiness and using a flatter paint, you should sand first to take off some of the sheen. Sanding will also help the next coat of paint stick to the wall better, so it’s a good idea, even if you’re not changing the sheen.