Satin paints have become increasingly popular among the homeowners for the surreal gleam they add to the walls. Offering a subtle combination of durability with aesthetics, these paints allow you to protect surfaces while at the same time gives them a shiny smooth finish.
Satin paint gets its name due to the similarity of its texture with the fabric of the same name. It’s USP is the glossy finish it provides to surfaces it is used on. Here we discuss everything there is to know about satin paints, from applications and benefits to cost and alternatives.
Applications of satin paints
So what are the uses of satin paints? What are the compatible surfaces? Read on to know more.
Interior walls
The aesthetic glossy appearance and ease of maintenance of satin paints makes it a popular choice for walls of bedrooms and hallways. Moreover, they are available in a vast range of colours and make surfaces easy to clean. It is also a great choice for accent walls to add a touch of contrast to your room.
Bathrooms
Not only are satin paints suitable for your bedroom and hallway, but they can be used to enhance the appearance of your bathroom walls as well. Super resilient to humidity and easy to clean, satin paints can be considered as a long term investment in this aspect
Cabinets and furniture
Satin paints can be applied on both wooden and laminate furniture. They provide superior protection against scratches, stains and wear and tear, an absolute necessity in the case of kitchen cabinets due to their prolonged exposure to different factors. Ease of maintenance combined with an elegant appearance is another plus.
Doors and window frames
Doors and window frames require extra durability due to the harsh environmental conditions they are exposed to at all times. Satin paints serve this purpose exceptionally well, while also giving them an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Commercial spaces and offices
If you want a sophisticated and contemporary look for your office or commercial space, look no further. Satin paints have got you covered. The vast availability of colours allows you to choose which one suits your taste the best.
Pros and cons of satin paints
Now that we know where satin paints can be used, let’s have a look at some pros and cons of using satin paints.
Pros
Satin paints are mainly in demand because of the smooth sheen it provides to surfaces. It provides surfaces with an aesthetically balanced appearance by adding a touch of minimal gloss. Moreover, they are compatible with various surfaces, ranging from wood to concrete, which adds to their utility.
These paints are very resilient and can withstand moisture and other environmental factors extremely well. Not only have the ability to resist stains, spills and grease, but they are also very easy to clean and require minimal maintenance. If maintained properly, satin finishes can retain their qualities and prove to be a long-term investment.
Cons
The cost of satin paints is higher than that of regular paints. Therefore, people often go for cheaper alternatives by compromising on the aesthetics. Moreover, as easy as it is to maintain satin finishes, it can burn a hole in your wallet in the long run if not done properly.
Satin paints have a shorter life than most alternatives and cannot conceal major scratches and stains for long. Giving it a touch can prove difficult since it might appear inconsistent and enhance the flawed regions of the surface.
Available alternatives to satin paints
Satin paints not fitting the bill? Well, here are some other alternatives you can consider and how they compare to satin paints.
Matte paints
Unlike satin paints, matte paints provide a flat finish without any shine or gloss. Although they hide scratches and stains much better than satin paints, they cannot be easily washed and are best suited for walls with low exposure to outdoor environments.
Eggshell paints
This alternative provides the right balance between the flatness of matte paints and the sheen of satin paints. They provide a minimal shine to the surface they are used upon. It is your go-to choice if you are looking for a light sheen.
Gloss, semi-gloss and high gloss paints
These varieties of paint have a higher sheen than satin paints. Not only this, they offer varying levels of sheen as per your preferences. These alternatives also maintain the balance between durability and aesthetics but are priced higher than satin paints.
Velvet paints
Though not scoring very high on the sheen aspect, velvet paints can provide your walls with a unique and soft texture. They are best used in the case of accent walls and highlights to emphasise on contrast.
Metallic paints
Unlike satin paints that are known to add sheen to surfaces, these paints are used for a more metallic finish. Metallic paints are a popular choice for accent walls and are also used to give a metallic appearance to wooden furniture.
Textured paint
Textured paint refers to both a type of paint and the style of using it. Unlike the aforementioned varieties which each provide a singular kind of finish, textured paints encompass various kinds of textures and patterns that are compatible with different surfaces.
See also: Your guide to different types of paint
Satin paint prices
Here is a brand-wise list of prices of satin paints per litre.
| Brand | Price per litre (approx) |
| Asian Paints Apcolite Premium Satin Emulsion | Rs 300 |
| Berger Luxol Satin High Gloss Enamel | Rs 600 |
| Dulux Super Satin | Rs 400 |
| Nerolac Satin Enamel | Rs 400 |
| Nippon Satin Glo Prime | Rs 500 |
| Indigo Satin Enamel | Rs 300 |
FAQs
Why should I use satin paints?
Satin paints give a shiny finish to surfaces and make them resistant to stains, scratches and damage caused by environmental factors.
Where can satin paints be used?
You can use satin paints on the interior walls of your home, furniture and cabinets, doors and window frames and in commercial spaces and offices.
What alternatives can I use in place of satin paints?
Matte paints, eggshell paints, gloss paints, velvet paints, metallic paints and textured paints are the available alternatives to satin paints.
Which companies offer satin paint options?
All paint companies have options available for satin paints. Some of the best companies are Asian Paints, Nerolac and Indigo.
What is the average cost of satin paints?
Satin paints can cost anything between Rs 300 - 600 per litre.
How are satin paints different from gloss paints?
Satin paints differ from gloss paints in terms of sheen. The sheen provided by satin paints is slightly lower than that provided by gloss paints.
Which is better, satin paint or texture paint?
While satin paints provide a uniform shine to surfaces, texture paints offer a wider range of patterns and provide superior coverage of imperfections.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
