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Flat paint versus satin paint

13 years ago

Which is better

Featured Answer

PRO

CHISM BROTHERS PAINTING

13 years ago

Flat paint looks the best if you never touch it! There are some really quality paints out there that make a flat paint that is pretty washable, Sherwin Williams Embassy Matte, Duration Home Matte, Benjamin Moore Aura Matte. These are not "dead flat" but are pretty close. The darker colors seems to work the best.

Also the really cheap flat paints are best for ceilings with a lot of light because it is so flat it doesn't show any imperfections in the drywall or plaster. Low traffic, accent walls with no kids around, flat looks amazing. Everything else, I'd go with Satin or Eggshell!

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Comments (6)

Dian Bourgeois Knott
13 years ago
I split the difference and get eggshell -
PRO
User
13 years ago
Depends on where your using it. They both have their good points.
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User
13 years ago
I have always used satin in kitchens and bathrooms as it cleans up better. Flat in most other applications.
charleee
13 years ago
I will never use flat paint again, I'm so over it. Eggshell or semi gloss, depending on the room.
PRO
ReSquare Architecture + Construction
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Generally speaking, the rule of thumb is:
Flat on ceilings to avoid seeing "wavy" imperfections in finish.
Eggshell or satin on walls to give the appearance of flat, but smudge/dirt resistant.
Semi gloss on bathroom walls & ceilings, and even gloss on ceilings to prevent against mold growth.
Avoid flat on anything but ceilings unless it's something like an art space (niche) that gets no "hand" traffic.

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