Let's say you want a nice finish with a sheen to make your walls stand out even more. If so, you might decide between semi-gloss or satin, all of which can utilize what space you have on your walls to make them feel more spacious and refreshing.

The most significant difference between these is that semi-gloss has an extra sheen but isn't as reflective as typical gloss paints. This doesn't mean it can't give you the resistance you need for moisture and staining.

Read on to find out about which one is best for you, how to apply it, and how to keep your walls looking fresh.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Each?

The first thing to bear in mind when comparing these paint types is what the finish will look like when exposed to light sources so that you may get slightly darker colors. This can be disappointing if you have set your expectations on a particular shade of paint.

To find out which ones are prone to this and where they work best, we look at these types in more detail next.

Semi-Gloss Paint

These types of paint can be water, latex, or oil-based, so these can be thicker in appearance and application, giving a high gloss finish that looks both sleek and shiny. These paints work well in rooms with high humidity and are used frequently.

The main problem with this paint is that it can be pretty temperamental, as when you apply it, you may find it appears uneven or patchy. When the gloss level is lower in specific areas, this can reveal the extent of the issue when exposed to light.

Also, if the temperature in your room is overly hot or cold, the paint can struggle to dry, which turns the paint sticky and tacky to the touch. This is why you'll need to be aware of your painting method when you need to touch up areas, for example.

Satin Paint

This paint gives you less of a sheen than semi-gloss and comes in water, oil, and latex. Depending on the type you use will determine how easy or hard it is to keep the finish looking consistent in the area you use it in.

For example, in a kitchen, you have a lot of spills, accidents, and even steam that can get onto the walls and travel in the form of streaks or drops, making you doubt the practicality of these paints.

Those that use the thicker paints also have the issue of when it dries, as this type has limited flexibility. This means it is more prone to cracking, drying out, or becoming chalky over time, which can happen later in the long term.

Using This Paint For The Every Day

While both of these paints are suited to busy areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, trying to recommend one over the other can be difficult because, in their simple form, they can often be indistinguishable and point out the sheen from them.

Even though you may find these paint are harder to work with, they can be easier to use than some standard water-based paints and emulsions. It can also depend on the paint finish, as some have a combination of paint and primer.

For some cases, it may be best to apply a coat of primer as a base, so your top coat will bond to it better and will be able to accept paint more easily. It can give it more texture and even cover some areas with slight cracking or peeling.

If you haven't painted the walls in some time, it may be best for you to apply two coats of primer and wait around three hours for it to dry completely. You'll find that you can cover the walls with 1-2 coats of your paint sufficiently.

How To Paint With Semi Gloss Or Satin Paint

Once you've landed on a paint type, you want to prepare your walls, so for a kitchen, you'll want to remove any pictures, nails, and hooks, then you can rinse your walls with clean water, so you're working with a clean surface that can absorb the paint better.

While using your primer with a roller, you can cover a wider area, but with tight corners and near trimming, you want to size down with a brush that usually comes with the painting set you have.

Make sure you paint in a consistent direction and use tape to cover the edges so the paint doesn't spill over to another surface. You'll see the contrast distinctly with the new paint, so you want to get this part right.

After applying the primer, you want to leave it to dry for the time it says on the can, as with some, you may have to leave them overnight to dry. That also applies to paints with primer mixed in, so your second or third coats will be more effective when dried.

What If I'm Hesitant To Use This Paint?

Many will have doubts about using this paint, but it can be pretty easy to apply, though it may help you to test it out on a hidden surface to see how it sets. This will give you an idea of the sort of blemishes and cracks that may be on your wall.

In Summary

You may even find that these paints aren't suited to your walls, and that's fine, as there are more ways you can use this paint.

This includes using it in your kitchen for cupboards, as semi-gloss or satin paint work well with these as long as it's latex based, as this makes them easier to clean. This can give rooms like your kitchen more consistent in a color scheme that makes it stand out better.

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