what is a satin finish

A satin finish is a type of paint finish that falls between the dull, non-shiny finish of matte materials and the bright and shiny finish of gloss materials. Satin finishes have between 25% and 35% gloss, which means that they reflect around three to five times as much light as matte paint does. Satin finishes are easier to clean and more durable than lower sheen paints like matte or flat, making them suitable for high-traffic areas such as hallways, family rooms, and kids’ rooms. They are also moisture-resistant, which makes them the right finish for bathrooms or kitchens. Satin finishes have a beautiful luster that is often described as appearing velvety. They are slightly less lustrous than semi-gloss and can appear to be both flat and glossy, depending on the lighting in the room. Satin finishes do have a degree of luster, but they are more commonly described as a glow than a shine. However, their glossiness highlights wall imperfections like cracks, divots, or poorly patched areas.