There are several types of paint finishes that can work well in a dining room.
When choosing paint for a dining room, there are several things to consider. After deciding whether to choose latex paint, which cleans up with water, or oil paint, which cleans up with solvents, the type of paint finish must be considered. Different sheens and textures can cause light to reflect differently, and the frequency with which the room is used is something else that should be considered.
Matte or Flat Finish
Matte or flat finish paints have dull finishes with no shine. They reduce glare and absorption of light, which means that they are good for walls that have many imperfections. Because walls with a flat finish are not easily cleaned, this type of paint is typically not used in dining rooms. However, dining rooms that are used only rarely could utilize flat paint if wall irregularities are a problem.
Eggshell Finish
Eggshell finishes are low-sheen; however, they are often not as washable as satin paints. Eggshell finishes can be touched up easily. Eggshell finishes provide a dull surface with a light sheen. They can be used in dining rooms that are used for special occasions; however, they may not be a good choice for those that are used daily because they are not as easily cleaned as paints with a greater sheen.
Satin Finish
Paint with a satin finish has a silky, pearl-like sheen that's more noticeable than eggshell but less than gloss or semi-gloss paints. A satin finish is washable; however, it can be difficult to touch up. With the right lighting, satin paints can provide a softly glowing appearance. Satin finishes can be good choices for dining rooms that do not have a lot of traffic.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss paints have a slight sheen and are not as reflective as gloss paints yet still have a durable surface that is more easily cleaned than flat or satin-type paints. Depending on the number of coats, semi-gloss paint can produce a scrubbable or washable surface. According to Utah State University Cooperative Extension, two or more coats of semi-gloss paint typically result in a scrubbable surface while one coat can be washed gently with a soft cloth. Semi-gloss paints may be difficult to touch up because variances in gloss may be apparent.
Gloss Finish
Gloss paint finishes provide the shiniest painted surfaces. They reflect light and are stain-resistant, creating a durable and scrubbable surface. If the dining room is used for only occasional meals, then gloss paint is not necessary as it is typically reserved for areas that will get a lot of wear and tear. Because of the way in which they reflect light, gloss paints can also highlight wall imperfections, which means that gloss paints should only be used on smooth walls with good surfaces. Because dining rooms typically utilize low light, a gloss surface is usually avoided to prevent glare. Touch-ups can be difficult because gloss levels may vary from paint to paint and can be hard to match.
Tags: dining rooms, dining rooms that, easily cleaned, Eggshell finishes, gloss paints