When is a pearl/satin finish paint be a good choice?

In what situations would a pearl/satin finish paint be a good choice? Would it depend on different factors? When should it be avoided?

Asked by Beverley on 16th May 2022
Expert Trade Answers
"Satin wood should only be used on new wood . Or if old wood is prep fully"
Answered on 16th May 2022 - Member since Jan 2021 - report
"a satin finish is a modern finish and because it has a low shine, it hides uneven marks on the surface."
Answered on 23rd Jun 2022 - Member since Apr 2020 - report
"Ok I'll all way use satin wood oil base
With a sheen effect
Or eggshell oil base the best I have use is Leyland paint or Johnstone
The best"
Answered on 12th Dec 2022 - Member since Jul 2022 - report
"I use loads of Leyland Satinwood,good coverage and self undercoating saves time if paintwork in good condition.
I assume pearl finish you mean eggshell?
Not normally requested by my customers
If bare wood primer undercoat needs to be used first"
Answered on 16th May 2022 - Member since Aug 2019 - report
"I'd say a pearl/satin finish is good for woodwork.
Benjamin Moore Scuff-X or Regal Select for example are hardwearing woodwork finishes in satin or pearl.

Also suitable for high traffic areas where ware and tear might be an issue.
Also on kitchen and bathroom walls, where a tougher finish is needed.

A slightly higher Sheene than Matt or matte finishes means that any imperfections are likely to be highlighted"
Answered on 29th Dec 2023 - Member since Dec 2023 - report
"Satin finishes are generally associated with woodwork but not entirely as they are sometimes used as a wall finish also. Satin is the choice for people that don’t want a very shiny/gloss finish on their woodwork and is the most commonly used woodwork paint these days.

It comes in both water and oil based according to your needs with my preference being oil based as I believe it is more hard wearing and adheres better.

Unless it is a dedicated exterior version it should not be used outside."
Answered on 12th Jan 2024 - Member since Jan 2024 - report
"So, pearl or satin finish paint is like the middle ground between matte (which is flat and doesn't shine) and glossy (which is super shiny). It's a good choice when you want a bit of a shine but not too much.

It works well in places like living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways where you want some durability and a bit of a glow. But for areas that might get messy, like kitchens or bathrooms, it might not be the best because it can be harder to clean compared to glossy paint.

Imagine it like picking the right sheen for your nails – not too dull, not too shiny, just the right amount of glow!"
Answered on 8th Dec 2023 - Member since Dec 2023 - report
"A pearl or satin finish paint can be a good choice in a variety of situations, and it can provide a balance between a matte finish and a glossy finish. Here are some situations where a pearl or satin finish might be a good choice:

High-traffic areas: Pearl or satin finish paint is more durable than flat paint, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas such as hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Moisture-prone areas: Pearl or satin finish paint has a slight sheen that can help repel moisture and make it easier to clean. This makes it a good choice for areas that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Walls with imperfections: Pearl or satin finish paint can help to hide imperfections on walls, such as small dents or scratches, making it a good choice for walls that are not perfectly smooth.

Furniture or trim: Pearl or satin finish paint can be used on furniture or trim to add a slight sheen and create a more polished look.

It's important to note that there may be some situations where a pearl or satin finish should be avoided. For example:

Walls with a lot of texture: If the walls have a lot of texture or are very uneven, a pearl or satin finish may emphasize these imperfections rather than hiding them.

Low-traffic areas: If the room is a low-traffic area, such as a bedroom or formal living room, a pearl or satin finish may not be necessary and a flat finish may be more appropriate.

Personal preference: Ultimately, the choice of finish may depend on personal preference and the desired look and feel of the space. If a homeowner prefers a completely matte or glossy finish, then a pearl or satin finish may not be the best choice."
Answered on 11th Mar 2023 - Member since Sep 2022 - report
"A Satinwood finish is often requested by my customers due to it being longer lasting, more durable as opposed to a gloss finish."
Answered on 16th May 2022 - Member since Jan 2022 - report
"Satinwood/eggshell finishes are a great alternative to gloss as it offers better u v a protection .so doesn’t ‘yellow’ as fast"
Answered on 16th May 2022 - Member since Jan 2019 - report
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