Gloss vs. Satin Paint for Interior Woodwork (2024)

When it comes to painting your interior woodwork, choosing between gloss paint and satin paint can be a difficult decision. Both types of paint offer different benefits and can help create different looks in your home, so it’s important to understand the main differences between the two before making a decision.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of gloss paint and satin paint, and help you determine which type of paint is right for your home, as well as recommending some of the best paints for your projects.

Gloss Paint

Gloss paint is a high-sheen paint that is known for its smooth and shiny finish. It is an excellent choice for interior woodwork that is in good condition, as it can help accentuate the grain of the wood and bring out its natural beauty.

One of the biggest advantages of gloss paint is its durability. Gloss paint is very resistant to wear and tear, and it is easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, gloss paint can be used on a variety of surfaces, including doors, trim, and cabinetry, making it a versatile choice for homeowners.

Another advantage of gloss paint is its ability to reflect light. Gloss paint is highly reflective, which can help make your interior woodwork appear brighter and more vibrant. This makes it an excellent choice for smaller spaces, as it can help make the space feel more open and spacious.

Satin Paint

Satin paint is a type of paint that has a medium-sheen finish, making it a great choice for interior woodwork that needs to be painted but is not in perfect condition. Satin paint is less reflective than gloss paint, which means it can help hide small imperfections in your woodwork, such as dents, scratches, or chips.

One of the biggest advantages of satin paint is its versatility. Satin paint is available in a wide range of colors and finishes, and it can be used on a variety of surfaces, including trim, cabinetry, and doors. Additionally, satin paint is a good choice for homeowners who want to create a soft and muted look in their home without the drama of gloss.

Another advantage of satin paint is that it is less slippery than gloss paint. This makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas of the home, such as hallways, staircases, and entryways, as it is less likely to cause slipping and tripping if you do opt to paint the floors, whilst still giving it a protective layer.

Recommended gloss paints

Choosing the right gloss paint for your project can make all the difference in achieving a professional, high-quality finish. With so many brands and types of gloss paint available on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is the best fit for your specific needs.

Each of these brands has unique features and benefits that make them stand out from the competition.

Budget

Just because your budget is low, it doesn't mean you have to miss out on the paint finish you want.

If we are looking at gloss paints at the lower end of the budget, there are two brands that can comfortably enter the conversation with their gloss paints are Berger and Crown Trade.

Berger Non Drip Gloss

Berger Non Drip Gloss is a wonderful traditional oil based emulsion perfect for wood and metal surfaces inside and outside your home.

Their Non Drip Gloss is super easy to apply due to it's drip resistant formula, which helps make the job simpler and more efficient. The only limitation is, this option is only available ready mixed in black or white.

Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Gloss

Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Gloss is a tough and durable, water-based gloss for interior or exterior use on appropriately prepared wood or metal.

Fastflow Quick Dry Gloss has a high gloss finish and has excellent opacity, staying whiter for longer, better than a traditional oil based gloss. As well as being affordable, this paint is also available mixed to order at a fantastic price, giving you the option to take your woodwork to the next level.

Full gloss

For that extra shine, try...

Crown Trade Full Gloss

Crown Trade Full Gloss is a solvent based, durable finish for use over suitably prepared interior and exterior wood and metal.

Full Gloss has excellent opacity which is expected of a traditional gloss. It has a high shine finish with amazing colour retention. Gloss is available in ready mixed White and it can be mixed into your choice of over 90 mixed to order colours from the Crown Trade colour range.

Short on time

Crown Solo One Coat Gloss

One Coat Gloss is created from a tough, durable formula that provides the ultimate hiding power, covering surface imperfections in just one coat! Solo Gloss is for use on interior & exterior, wood & metal surfaces and is perfect for skirting boards, door frames, doors, windows and radiators.

Unique colours

Farrow and Ball Full Gloss

Farrow and Ball Full Gloss is an ultra high gloss finish, at 95% sheen level, providing a water based, glamorous, high shine finish for interior and exterior wood and metal.

Full Gloss is a durable and versatile paint finish that (when used according to Product Advice Sheet) resists water, flaking, peeling and fading for up to 6 years.

Recommended satin paints

Satin paint is a popular choice for those looking for a balance between a matte and a glossy finish, providing a subtle sheen that can add a touch of elegance to any room or surface.

Budget

Again, your chosen finish doesn't have to be out of reach due to budget constraints.

Johnstone's Interior Hardwearing Satin

Johnstone's Interior Hardwearing Satin is suited to use on interior wood and metal surfaces, providing a durable finish for skirting boards, doors, staircases and radiators. It is available online, from PAINT Direct, with next day delivery. It is a solvent based paint and self-undercoating with exceptional covering power that in most cases requires only one coat... However, you are only limited with one shade - Pure Brilliant White.

Short on time

Crown Solo One Coat Satin

Crown Solo One Coat Satin is solvent-based, satin paint, designed to help save you time while painting. Solo One Coat Satin is tough and durable, formulated to provide excellent covering power in just one coat, and it is suitable for interior wood and metal and perfect for skirting boards, doors, windows and radiators.

A popular choice...

Dulux Trade Satinwood

Dulux Trade Satinwood is a solvent-based satin paint that is a tough and durable finish for use on interior wood and metal surfaces. It's a popular choice amongst trade users and homeowners alike because of its ease to work with and beautiful finish.

Unique colours

Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Satin

Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Satin is a tough, water-based, satin finish for use on interior and exterior joinery and metalwork once it has been appropriately prepared.

Fastflow Quick Dry Satin is available in 419 mixed to order colours and has excellent opacity, and a smooth, mid sheen finish with the characteristics you would expect of a solvent based satin, with the quick drying and low odour qualities of a water based paint.

Which is right for you?

Ultimately, the choice between gloss paint and satin paint will depend on your personal preferences and the specifics of your project. If you’re looking for a paint that is durable and easy to clean, gloss paint may be the right choice for you. If you’re looking for a paint that can help hide imperfections and create a soft and muted look in your home, satin paint may be the better option.

In conclusion, both gloss paint and satin paint have their pros and cons, and the right choice will depend on your personal preferences and the specifics of your project. Use the recommendations above to compare your options, so you can make an informed decision that is right for your home and your budget.

View all Gloss paints

View all Satin paints