Satin vs. Semi-Gloss Paint Finish: What’s the Difference?

If you have an interior painting project ahead of you, one of the most important things to decide on is whether you should go with a satin versus semi-gloss paint finish. In most cases, satin is a more popular option on walls, while semi-gloss is more often reserved for trim and other accents. In this guide, we’ll discuss the differences between semi-gloss versus satin paint and help you decide which is best for your project.

Satin vs. Semi-Gloss: Key Differences

Satin paint has less of a sheen than semi-gloss and sits right in the middle of the luster options. Semi-gloss reflects more light, which can help brighten up cramped or dim spaces, but the shine can be a bit much if it’s on larger surfaces, like entire walls. Satin paint doesn’t last as long and is harder to clean, but it’s also more affordable and a bit easier to apply as a DIYer.

What Is Satin Paint Finish?

Satin is the middle option of the five paint finish varieties, so it strikes a balance between a matte finish—which is ideal for hiding wall imperfections—and a high-gloss finish—which is the longest-lasting and easiest to clean but also the most expensive and shiniest option. It shows fewer imperfections than semi-gloss paint and tends to look better on walls. This is often the highest sheen homeowners are comfortable with on large surfaces.

Best for: 

• Hiding some imperfections in the wall or your application technique.

• Homeowners on a tight budget.

• People looking to paint walls or ceilings.

Pros of Satin Paint Finish

Satin paint finish strikes a nice balance between matte paint and high-gloss paint, so it’s relatively easy to clean but still hides some imperfections on your wall. It does have more shine than matte and eggshell paint finishes, so it will still brighten up your room a bit and make your walls pop.

Cons of Satin Paint Finish

Lower sheens are harder to clean and have a lower resistance to moisture than semi-gloss, so they may require some additional scrubbing to remove stains, food, dirt, and grime, and they’re a less appealing option in areas that see water or humidity exposure. Satin paint also has fewer binders and won’t last as long as semi-gloss paint.

What Is Semi-Gloss Paint Finish?

Semi-gloss paint is one step above satin when it comes to sheen, so it’s a bit shinier and calls more attention to the surface. In most cases, homeowners use this on trim or cabinets rather than on walls and ceilings due to the heavier shine. It’s a bit more durable than satin paint, and it’s also easier to clean, but it comes at a higher cost and shows more wall imperfections.

Best for: 

• Use on trim, cabinets, and other accents.

• Brightening up cramped or dim spaces and making them feel a bit larger.

• High-traffic areas to make cleaning easier.

Pros of Semi-Gloss Paint Finish

Semi-gloss paint has a higher sheen than satin, making it a good option for making trim and other accents stand out from the finish on your walls. It has a greater resistance to moisture, so it’s a better paint finish in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, and it’s easier to clean, so using it in high-traffic areas will make it easier to keep it looking like new.

Cons of Semi-Gloss Paint Finish

Semi-gloss paint’s higher sheen means that it will highlight more imperfections on your surface, so it’s not ideal for damaged walls or trim. It can also show off painting mistakes, making it a harder sheen to use for DIY painting projects and making it more likely that you’ll have to hire a professional painter. It’s also a bit more expensive, and the high sheen makes it an unpopular option for painting walls and ceilings.

Satin vs. Semi-Gloss Paint Finish

There are a few key differences to understand between satin finish and semi-gloss finish that can help you choose the best option for your project.

Appearance: Tie

When it comes to appearance, it all comes down to personal preference. Most homeowners prefer a lower sheen from a satin or eggshell finish on walls and ceilings and a higher sheen like semi-gloss or high-gloss on window and door trim.

Cost: Satin

Each level you go up in sheen will add between $1 and $2 to the cost per gallon for paint, so semi-gloss paint is going to be a touch more expensive. The difference in cost to paint a room may be negligible, but the difference in the cost to paint your entire home’s interior can be more substantial.

Options and Customization: Tie

In most cases, you can choose your sheen independently of the color and then just add the color mixture to the base. As such, you should have the same color options with both types of paint finishes.

Durability: Semi-Gloss

Semi-gloss paint has a slightly higher concentration of binders, which means it stands up better to physical damage and has a longer life span, especially in high-traffic or high-touch areas. Semi-gloss paint also holds up better in the presence of moisture, making it a longer-lasting option in kitchens and bathrooms, where humidity is often present.

Ease of Application: Satin

Satin paint is a little easier to apply because the lower sheen will highlight imperfections less readily. You’re more likely to see drips, bubbles, and other painting mistakes when using higher sheens, like semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes. If you’re uncomfortable applying either of these finishes, though, you can always hire a local interior painting company to get the job done properly.

Maintenance: Semi-Gloss

Semi-gloss stands up better to moisture and physical abuse, which makes it easier to clean. You can give it a deeper scrubbing without worrying as much about damage. As such, it’s a better option in high-traffic areas or those that will see a lot of dirt, grime, and activity from passing hands.