The Best Paint Finish To Use When Remodeling Your Closet

So, you're remodeling your closet? Awesome! Whether you're going for a full-blown walk-in dream closet or just sprucing up your existing space, one thing you might not have thought much about is the paint finish. While it may not seem like much, choosing the right paint finish would make a world of difference in terms of appearance, durability, stain resistance, and maintenance. And when it comes to remodeling your closet, a satin finish is the best option for many reasons. A close second is a semi-gloss finish.

But before we get into finishes, let's talk paint colors. You've probably picked one out (or at least narrowed it down to a few), which is why you're reading about finishes. But even the best finish might not be able to reverse the effects of a bad color choice in your closet. For small closets, you'll need a bright color that creates a spacious look, reflects light properly, and allows you to see the individual outfits inside. Go for light, airy hues like soft whites, pale grays, or even a blush pink. Large closets would also look even bigger with these colors. Or, you could add some personality to your closet with bold shades like navy, emerald green, or even a moody charcoal. Open closets don't need so much attention, so it's best to copy the color of the room when painting so it blends seamlessly. Junk closets need even less attention, so consider choosing a darker color so no wandering eye from guests will get to them. 

If closets had a best friend, it would be satin finish. When you consider the important features your closet needs from a finish, satin ticks most of the boxes. For starters, it has a soft sheen that adds some vibrancy to the space's appearance. This soft sheen also gives a seamless, fluid look, as it matches the soft shine of the woodwork. Satin finishes have a mildly reflective surface that bounces light from the walls to other areas of the closet better, improving visibility. It's a better option for closet areas than flat or matte finishes that are dull, and it's also more practical than high-gloss paints that are too shiny and overwhelming in interior spaces. This reflective quality also makes spaces appear larger and less cramped.

Moving on, you'll have a longer-lasting closet if you opt for satin thanks to how easy it is to clean. All you need is a simple wipe with a microfiber cloth and mild soapy water. And you don't have to worry about mold infestations due to moisture exposure from cleaning, as this finish is quite mildew-resistant. If your closet is adjacent to a bathroom or some other humid area, you'll benefit from this, too. A satin finish is also more scratch-resistant than most finishes, meaning it can handle the daily wear and tear of a closet. However, its reflective surface has a way of drawing attention to wall imperfections like bumps, brush strokes, cracks, and so on. 

Now, if you're someone who needs a little extra durability, semi-gloss is a fantastic alternative to satin. If the closet you're remodeling sees a lot of action (like a kid's closet), semi-gloss can handle it. It's resistant to scratches, scuffs, and even moisture, so it's perfect for closets near bathrooms or laundry rooms. Just like satin, it's mold-resistant so you don't have much to worry about with this finish. Plus, it's easy to clean.

Since semi-gloss finishes are slightly more durable than satin, you're probably wondering why satin finishes are better for closets. Well, that's because your closet space needs a finish that offers more than durability, and that's where the difference between satin and semi-gloss lies. Unlike a satin finish that has a soft, velvety appearance, semi-gloss can feel a bit cold or clinical in comparison because of its high sheen. It's also very reflective and the glare can sometimes feel overwhelming in tight areas. Because of their reflective nature, semi-gloss finishes are even worse at hiding wall imperfections than satin. However, this finish isn't all bad. If you have a small closet with low lighting, a semi-gloss finish can reflect light and make the space look brighter, though its effect would be nothing compared to an actual light fixture.