Flat paints vs Gloss and Semi-gloss paints

Depending on your weather and desired finish, there are different paints to choose from. The three most common paint finishes are flat, semi-gloss and gloss. Most manufacturers offer a range of finishes, so you can choose which best suits your requirements.
 
Choosing the right type of paint, therefore, comes down to knowing the difference between flat paints and gloss paints. In this guide, we talk about the attributes of each paint type to equip you with the information you need to make a choice.
 
Flat Paints
Flat paints offer the most natural look and feel, with no shine at all. They are generally used on exterior surfaces where a matte finish is required, such as woodwork or cabinetry. In general, Interiors painted with flat paint have less glare and do not reflect light, giving them an authentic look and feel. Flat paint will absorb light rather than reflect it. This makes it an ideal choice for rooms with windows that face west because the paint will reduce the level of brightness entering the room.
 
Although flat paints provide an excellent base, they generally require two to three coats for full coverage - which means more time and effort compared to gloss or semi-gloss paint. Additionally, flat paint takes longer than other types to dry so it is not a good choice for high traffic areas.
 
Gloss Paints
Gloss paint has a high-gloss, shiny appearance. It is perfect for walls that need to look clean and crisp, such as those in kitchens and bathrooms, because the reflective quality makes surfaces appear smooth and flawless.
 
The downside of having a glossy finish is that it reflects light strongly. This means it's an especially good idea to apply a primer before gloss paint. Without a primer, light coloured gloss paints will also yellow over time when exposed to sunlight.
 
Semi-gloss Paints
A semi-gloss paint has half the amount of gloss than regular glossy paint so it offers more flexibility in terms of usage. Like other types of glossy paint, semi-gloss has great reflective qualities but is not so shiny that it looks unrealistically reflective.
 
Semi-gloss paint can be used anywhere in the home or business where high visibility is desired, including doors and windows. Semi-gloss paints are also more washable than other types of glossy paints. A semi-gloss surface will resist dirt and stains but can be washed with a mild detergent if necessary.
 
Which is better flat paint, gloss or semi-gloss?
Flat paints have less shine than gloss paint, and semi-gloss has the least shine. There's nothing wrong with flat paint, but it has less lustre than either gloss or semi-gloss paint so it doesn't pop as much as those types of paint. Semi-gloss is generally used where you want a little sheen, but not a lot of shine.
 
It should also be pointed out that flat paint is more durable than either gloss or semi-gloss paints. However, it's necessary to seal the walls with an oil-based primer before applying flat paint. For this reason, most people who use flat paint don't bother with priming and go straight to the paint.
 
A semi-gloss or gloss sheen can be added to flat paint simply by using a little extra thinner when mixing the paint. This will increase the lustre and shine of your flat paint without changing its basic appearance. If you need more shine than that, then you'll have to go with either semi-gloss or gloss paint.
 
Flat paints are extremely popular because they don't show footprints and other dirt the way darker colours do. Many people believe that flat paint is also more forgiving when you make a mistake while painting. Since it's hard to see whether or not you've messed up, if anything goes wrong it won't be as noticeable with less-reflective paints.
 
Semi-gloss paints are popular because they're easy to clean, resist fingerprints and are very durable. They're the best choice for kitchens, bathrooms and cabinets. These paints give off a lot of shine but are not as vibrant as full gloss paints or eggshells.
 
Gloss paint is the most reflective paint you can buy. It is perfect for areas where you want to make a statement, such as dining rooms and family rooms. It comes in a variety of finishes from flat to eggshell to satin, making it easy to find one that suits your home. Although this paint reflects the most light, it is also the easiest type of paint to damage.
 
The Difference Between Flat, Semi-gloss and Gloss Paints
Basically, there are two types of paint: flat paints for low-shine surfaces, and semigloss or gloss paints for high shine surfaces. The difference lies in the formulation of the paint itself. As a result, while both types of paints are water-based, each has different additives that make them behave differently. However, both flat and semigloss paints tend to be easier to apply than the other kind.
 
Semigloss or gloss paints are more durable than flat paints. They also provide better protection against water, dust and dirt.
 
Flat paint also tends to be less expensive to buy than semigloss or gloss paint. Since the flat paint reflects less light, it provides a darker surface in contrast to semigloss or gloss paint that reflects more light and provides a much lighter surface.
 
The difference lies in the formulation of the paint itself. As a result, while both types of paints are water-based, each has different additives that make them behave differently. However, both flat and semigloss paints are self-priming and each works well on different types of surfaces.
 
Flat paint is a type of latex paint that has less gloss than semigloss or gloss paints, which are also known as enamels. Thus, it reflects very little light compared to other types of paints. The finish is flat and provides a dull surface without shine. A flat paint is ideal on surfaces that don't need a shiny finish, such as on concrete or plaster walls and floors. It's also appropriate on ceilings and other areas where you want to minimize visual distraction or reflection.
 
The downside of using flat paint is that it doesn't protect as well as some other types of paints against moisture penetration and mildew growth. It also requires more frequent cleaning and more scrubbing to maintain a fresh appearance.
 
Semigloss paints contain synthetic resins that give them a shiny finish like gloss paints, but without the heavy build-up of regular enamel paint. There are different types of semigloss paints based on specific levels of sheen, but they are all shiny.
 
Semigloss paints tend to be more durable, washable and provide good coverage over any surface type. They are also more moisture-resistant than flat paint because they contain a higher level of synthetic resins that seal the pores in the wallboard or other surfaces.

The difference between gloss and semi-gloss paints is
Both types of painted finishes can be easily cleaned with soap and water and last for several years before they need to be touched up.
 
The difference between gloss and semi-gloss paints is the amount of shine. Glossy paints have a much more noticeable shine than semi-gloss paints, which are intended to provide a nice sheen or lustre between flat paint and high gloss paint.
 
Semigloss paints are more durable, washable and provide excellent coverage of almost any surface type. They are also more moisture-resistant than flat paint because they contain a higher level of synthetic resins that seal the pores in the wallboard or other surfaces.
 
Semi-gloss paint adds shine to your walls. It is less durable than glossier paints, but its slightly softer finish gives it a more luxurious look than flat paints. Semi-gloss also hides imperfections in drywall better than an eggshell or satin finish—a higher level of sheen does not show bumps and scuffs as readily.
 
In most cases, you should not use gloss or semi-gloss paint on interior walls that are frequently exposed to moisture, such as the bathroom or kitchen. These surfaces should be painted with sheen-enhancing paints, which allow water to bead up and roll off without leaving marks. On other surfaces, however, any sheen level can be used, depending on your preference.
 
Painting flat paint over semi-gloss
You can paint flat paint over semi-gloss. When painting over semi-gloss or gloss paints, use a sheen-enhancing primer first before following up with flat paint to avoid any problems.
 
To repaint over semi-gloss, first sand down the existing finish, wipe off any dust particles and clean thoroughly using a liquid deglosser or liquid sandpaper. Follow up by priming all surfaces with an oil-based primer, then paint using flat latex paint.