Did you know that like style and design, the paint finish of your interior doors can also largely affect the overall aesthetics of your home? Along with this, the durability of an interior door, and the overall longevity of the paint, also depends on the type of paint finish you choose.
Now, there are a myriad of paint finishes available for unique interior doors. It might get too overwhelming to pick from a range of matte, eggshell, and gloss finishes! In this article, we will explore the type of sheen and the best practices for picking the one that blends aesthetics and functionality perfectly.
What’s A Sheen?
Before getting into the debate of which sheen is the best, let’s understand the concept to get a clear look at the picture.
The term ‘sheen’ refers to the amount of shine (a.k.a‘gloss’) that a particular type of paint possesses, once it dries. Each type of paint comprises a ratio of pigments to binding agents, which dictates the level of gloss of that particular paint. A higher pigment ratio results in a glossier paint finish, while a higher binder ratio results in a matte aesthetic.
The Sheen Spectrum
Now that you’ve got an idea of what sheen is, let’s look at the variety-
- Gloss: The shiniest of the lot, this type of sheen offers maximum durability, and is easy to maintain. It highlights imperfections vividly and therefore is best for low-traffic areas in your home.
- Semi-gloss: This particular sheen provides a glossy finish, but not as much as the previous one. It is a highly preferred finish and offers similar durability and ease of maintenance as its glossy counterpart. Semi-gloss finish is often used in high-traffic areas as it can cover tiny imperfections effectively.
- Satin: Satin combines the best of both worlds when it comes to unique interior door designs. It offers a subtle, soft sheen, that’s less lustrous than gloss or semi-gloss, but more than what a matte finish provides. It adequately covers up minor imperfections and brings along high durability along with ease of maintenance. This is also one of the most preferred finishes that people extensively opt for nowadays.
- Eggshell: If you’re thinking of applying a low-luster finish, the eggshell sheen is the best for you! It offers a muted aesthetic and is one of the best paint finishes to hide imperfections like scratches or dents on your interior doors.
- Flat: If you prefer a completely matte look, a flat sheen might be the best option that you can consider. This particular sheen is outstanding if hiding imperfections is your goal. However, it’s sensitive to cleaning and is best suited for the low-traffic zones in your house, like the bedroom.
Best Hacks to Choose the Perfect Sheen
When it comes to picking the perfect sheen for unique interior door ideas, consider these hacks to make an informed and correct decision-
- The Style and Design of the Door
While employing interior door installation services for painting, consider the style and design of the door for the perfect pick. For instance, a traditional door would look great in a gloss or semi-gloss finish. And a contemporary, minimalistic interior door would look best in a satin or matte finish.
- The Room Where the Door is Located
Don’t forget the room while selecting door paint finishes! It affects the durability and maintenance aspects of the interior door for that particular room. For instance, if you’re picking paint finishes for the kitchen, or bathroom doors, semi-gloss or satin finishes can offer the perfect blend of durability and aesthetics. However, if you seek finishes for living room or bedroom doors, a satin or eggshell finish suits you best. Hence, if you are up for sliding closet door installation, carefully pick the sheen to get the best blend of aesthetics and functionality.
- The Light Conditions of Your Interiors
The amount of natural light that enters your room plays a major role in how your interior doors would appear. For example, if your bedroom receives enough sunlight, a high-gloss paint finish for the closet door can make your personal space look more appealing. And if your bedroom receives less natural light, consider discussing it with your sliding closet door installers and pick the matte finish paints for a better outcome.
Wrapping It Up
The best sheen for your interior doors depends on your personal choices and preferences! While price plays an important role, other factors like durability, longevity, maintenance, etc., play crucial factors that help you make an informed decision.