What’s The Difference Between Satin and Gloss Paint?

When you’re choosing a new paint for an exterior project, one of the considerations you must make, is which finish do you choose? There are many different finishes you can go for which are down to preference. Common finishes such as a matt finish, is clear and easy to figure out. However,  there are two popular paint finishes – gloss and satin. In a way, they sound like they could be the same, so what is the difference between satin and gloss paint?

Different finishes can have dramatically different effects

Satin and gloss paints have distinct applications depending on the type of surface and desired finish. Satin paint is commonly used for interior walls and woodwork, as it offers a softer, more muted appearance. It is ideal for rooms with higher humidity like kitchens and bathrooms, as it provides a durable finish that resists moisture and is easy to clean. On the other hand, gloss paint, known for its high sheen and reflective qualities, is typically used for doors, trim, and furniture, as it provides a hard-wearing surface that can withstand knocks and scuffs. Additionally, gloss paints are commonly applied to uPVC surfaces (although satin paints are also available for uPVC), such as window frames and doors, to create a clean, polished look and provide weather-resistant protection. The glossy finish not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also offers greater longevity for external applications.

Gloss Paint

If you’re looking for a high-shine finish, then gloss paint is your best choice for your exteriors. The high-shine looks impressive and professional and is hard wearing. Gloss finishes can be easier to clean depending on the paint used. Gloss paints often look great on doors, walls and trim for a high-shine impact.

Satin Paint

Not everyone wants a glossy finish, so you could opt for a satin finish instead. A satin finish will leave you with a medium gloss, that doesn’t shine as much as gloss paint as it’s less reflective. It can be great for hiding imperfections because of the finish, whereas the gloss can highlight imperfections.

Stand out, with the right finish

Top Paint Choices

Our top paint choices for either a satin or gloss finish are Zinsser AllCoat Exterior Satin and Zinsser AllCoat Exterior Gloss. Zinsser AllCoat Exterior offers you top performance and up to 8 years protection on a variety of exterior surfaces. It has long-term decoration in mind, as it’s likely you don’t want to find yourself repainting your surfaces too often! This means it’s low maintenance, as well as being able to shed water and protect against fungal degradation.

Whether you’re painting something brand new or previously painted, this paint will bond to the surfaces and in most cases you won’t even need a primer! After removing any existing mould and mildew, two coats of the paint in gloss or satin finish will leave you with beautiful, bright exteriors for many years. The long lasting finish will retain colour and prevent cracking, blistering and flaking, whether it’s gloss or satin!

Now you know the difference between satin and gloss paint you can choose wisely which finish is best suited to you. You may even want to test both to see which you prefer! If you’re struggling to choose, or want to know what other options are available, contact the friendly team at Rawlins Paints!