Pros and Cons of Matte Paint: The Ultimate Guide 2025
Matte paint has become a fairly popular choice to homeowners and designers due to it’s unique look. Like many paints, it does have benefits and downsides, in this article we will explore the pros and cons of matte paint to help you decide if it’ll work for you.
Pros and cons table
Pros | Cons |
Hides imperfections in wall | Not as durable |
Soft finish | Harder to clean |
Non-reflective | Not always moisture resistant |
Easy to touch up | Needs more maintenance |
Many colour options | Absorbs light |
What is Matte Paint?
Before we further discuss the pros and cons of matte paint, it’s helpful to understand what matte paint actually is. Matte paint has a soft, velvety look with a flat appearance. Compared to glossy finishes, which reflect light and create a sheen, matte paint instead absorbs that light and creates the muted flat look. It’s usually used by interior designers to create a depth and a more modern look.
Pros of Matte Paint
- Hides Wall Imperfections
A benefit of matte paint is its ability to hide imperfections. By absorbing the light, taking away the shine, it makes dents, cracks and uneven surfaces harder to see making it a common choice for older walls or surfaces. Matte paint works great on homes with old plaster or drywall. - Elegant and Soft Finish
Matte paint gives a smooth, velvety finish that helps bring an elegant look to a room. It works well to create a cozy, intimate space like a bedroom or living room. - Non-Reflective
Matte paint, unlike gloss or semi gloss, doesn’t reflect light, helping to create a calm ambiance. This makes matte paint a great choice when wanting to accent a wall to highlight art or a piece of furniture without the gloss light glare. - Easy to Touch Up
Any small scuffs or marks are pretty easy to touch up with matte paint. The lack of sheen in the paint makes blending the new paint quite easy with the old paint. This makes matte paint an excellent choice in households with kids or pets, especially in high traffic areas such as the entrance or lounge. - Versatile Color Options
Matte paint has a lot of different colours to choose from, allowing you to choose hues that perfectly suit your home. You can choose a deep, rich colour for bold and dramatic interiors or you could use a lighter colour for a soft, calm look.
Cons of Matte Paint
- Less Durable
Matte paints are not as durable as gloss paints. They are more likely to scuff, stain and show marks which means they are not always the best choice for high traffic areas, but then some people prefer matte paint for high traffic areas as you can repaint it easily. - Difficult to Clean
If your wanting to clean matte paint, it can be a lot harder. Scrubbing a matte paint can sometimes remove paint or leave marks, so getting stains off can require extra work. - Not Moisture-Resistant
Matte paint is not as moisture-resistant as other finishes, which means it’s not the best choice for bathrooms, kitchens, or other areas prone to humidity and condensation. Over time, exposure to moisture can cause the paint to bubble or peel, requiring more frequent maintenance. - Requires More Maintenance
Due to its susceptibility to damage and difficulty in cleaning, matte paint can require more maintenance over time. Homeowners should be prepared for more frequent touch-ups or even repainting in busy households. Choosing a high-quality matte paint can mitigate some of these issues. - Absorbs Light
While its non-reflective nature is a benefit for some, it can also be a drawback in spaces that rely on light reflection to feel brighter. In darker rooms, matte paint might make the space feel smaller or more enclosed.
When to Use Matte Paint
Matte paint is an excellent option for spaces where appearance and ambiance are the priorities, and durability is less critical. Consider using it in:
- Bedrooms: Its cozy and calming qualities make it a perfect choice for creating a relaxing retreat.
- Living Rooms: Matte paint enhances the elegance of living spaces and pairs well with various design elements.
- Ceilings: The flat finish minimizes light reflection, helping to conceal surface imperfections and create a seamless look.
- Accent Walls: Highlight specific areas without the distraction of glare.
If you love the look of matte but need more durability, you can opt for high-quality matte or washable matte paints designed to withstand cleaning and wear better than standard matte finishes.
Tips for Using Matte Paint
- Prepare the Surface: Proper surface preparation is crucial for achieving a flawless finish. Fill in cracks and sand the walls to ensure a smooth base.
- Choose High-Quality Paint: Investing in a premium matte paint can provide better durability and coverage, reducing the need for multiple coats.
- Use the Right Tools: A high-quality roller or brush ensures even application and prevents streaks.
- Test the Color: Always test your chosen color in the room’s lighting before committing. Matte finishes can appear different depending on the light source.
- Pair with Durable Paints: For high-traffic areas, consider combining matte walls with semi-gloss or satin finishes on trim and doors for a balanced look.
FAQ: Matte Paint
Q: Is matte paint suitable for high-traffic areas? A: Matte paint is not ideal for high-traffic areas due to its susceptibility to scuffs and stains. However, high-quality washable matte paints can be a good alternative.
Q: Can I clean matte paint easily? A: Cleaning matte paint can be challenging. It requires gentle cleaning techniques and may not withstand heavy scrubbing.
Q: Is matte paint more expensive than other finishes? A: Matte paint is often priced similarly to other finishes, but higher-quality or specialty matte paints may be more expensive.
Q: Does matte paint work well in bathrooms? A: Matte paint is not recommended for bathrooms or other areas with high humidity due to its lack of moisture resistance.
Q: How do I touch up matte paint? A: Touching up matte paint is relatively easy. Simply apply a fresh coat of the same paint to the affected area, blending it in with the surrounding wall.
Conclusion
Matte paint offers undeniable aesthetic benefits, making it a favorite for creating elegant, cozy, and understated interiors. However, its limitations in durability and cleanability mean it’s not suitable for every space. By weighing the pros and cons, you can determine if matte paint aligns with your specific needs and the demands of your home. For expert advice or assistance with your next painting project, consider reaching out to professional painters who can guide you through the process and deliver flawless results. With careful planning and the right application techniques, matte paint can transform your space into a stylish and welcoming haven.