Satin vs. Semi-Gloss Paint: What’s the Difference—and When to Use Each

When choosing a fresh coat of paint for your space, picking the perfect color can feel like the most daunting task. But once you determine the ideal shade, you also have to select a finish. The most commonly chosen finishes are satin and semi-gloss, but if you’re not a seasoned painter, chances are you don’t know what differentiates the two.

As a general rule of thumb, the term “sheen” refers to the amount of light paint reflects when dry. Most companies offer several paint finishes to choose from, including matte/flat, satin, pearl, eggshell, high-gloss, and semi-gloss. Satin and semi-gloss are popular picks, but while similar, they are not the same.

Satin Paint vs. Semi-Gloss Paint

The difference between satin and semi-gloss paint primarily lies in the sheen. Satin paint reflects an average amount of light, emitting a soft glow into the room, while semi-gloss is more lustrous (hence the term “gloss”) and therefore significantly more reflective, making it a great way to brighten up a space. Satin paint is also more durable than semi-gloss, and because it reflects less light, it is better at hiding surface-level imperfections, like streaking and drips.

What Is Satin Paint Best For?

Satin paint reflects an average amount of light and gives surfaces a soft sheen when light hits them. Satin paints can appear more vibrant than their matte counterparts, but they're still not as luminous as full-gloss finishes, making them marginally less costly than semi-gloss paint (by about $3 or so).

Satin paints are commonly used on walls in high-traffic areas—think hallways, kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, and kids’ playrooms—thanks to their durability and resistance to stains. That said, applying paint with a satin finish does require some prep work, including sanding down and/or deep cleaning the surface, filling in any holes, cracks, etc. Once everything is smooth and pristine, a coat of primer is recommended, especially if you're aiming to cover up a darker base shade with a lighter hue.

Pros of Satin Paint

• Has a high stain resistance and is more durable than lower sheen paints.
• Can be used indoors and outdoors.
• Resistant to environmental stressors like sun exposure, moisture, and mildew.
• Better at hiding surface imperfections (glossier options put a literal spotlight on things like scratches, streaking, dripping, etc.).

Cons of Satin Paint

• Once satin paint is set, it can be more challenging to touch up without it appearing extremely noticeable.
• Requires more prep work to ensure an exceptional finish.

What Is Semi-Gloss Paint Best For?

Semi-gloss paint reflects more light than satin and flat paints, though still less than a full-gloss finish. Semi-gloss paints give off a higher, more luminous sheen than satin paint, making them ideal for accents and fine details, like trim and millwork. Semi-gloss paints are also often used in areas that come in contact with moisture or those that need to be wipeable, like kitchens and bathrooms, as well as high-volume areas, like kids’ bedrooms and play areas.

While semi-gloss paint is easy to clean, it’s not as easy to re-paint or touch up. Before going in with a coat of semi-gloss paint, you'll want to ensure your surface is smooth by sanding or filling in any holes or gaps, and tending to any spots where you notice bubbling or peeling. But if all is well, you can skip that step and apply primer, which can make this type of paint less expensive to use overall than other sheens like satin. Another important note: Because semi-gloss paint has more resin in its formula than other paints, it’s typically a higher price point.

Pros of Semi-Gloss Paint

• Appear more vibrant than paints with a matte sheen.
• Provides an easy-to-clean surface in the case of dirt, scuffs, or stains.
• Semi-gloss paint also has a high moisture resistance, so it’s a great option for humid areas (think kitchens and bathrooms).
• Once set, it's highly resistant to everyday wear.
• Makes rooms feel brighter and more inviting.

Cons of Semi-Gloss Paint

• Surface imperfections (like nicks and rough texture) may be more visible.
• Botched strokes, streaking, and drips can show a bit more.
• Can have an “orange peel” look if it isn’t applied with high-quality tools.

FAQ

Is semi-gloss paint the same as satin paint?
No, semi-gloss and satin gloss paints are not the same. They boast slightly different sheens and therefore are utilized for different parts of the room and types of painting projects.

Which paint is better, semi-gloss or satin?
Semi-gloss paint is better for accents like trim, as well as room details you want to bring a bit more attention to, like millwork. On the other hand, satin paint is often a better choice for walls in high-traffic areas (both indoors and outdoors).

Is satin paint shiny?
While satin paint does have a slight sheen to it, it is significantly less lustrous than a semi-gloss or full-gloss paint.

What is satin paint used for?
Satin paint is typically used for walls and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Is semi-gloss paint water-resistant?
Semi-gloss paint is not water-resistant, but it repels water better than other paint finishes, including satin paint.

Which finish is better for painting furniture, satin or semi-gloss?
It depends on the look you’re going for. Satin will give off a light sheen, making it a great option for statement pieces like bookshelves and bed frames. Semi-gloss paint will add a significant luster to furniture, and because it’s easy to clean, it’s often used for tables and kids' furniture.

Should baseboards be painted in a semi-gloss or satin finish?
Semi-gloss paint is better for baseboards because it’s easier to clean than satin paint, helping you remove daily signs of wear and tear, like scuffs or dirt.

How do you tell what sheen your paint is?
You can tell what sheen your paint is by paying attention to how it looks in different lighting. Semi- and high-gloss paints reflect more light and make a room look more luminous than satin and flat paints.