Are you looking for the perfect paint finish to give your walls a chic, elegant look that won’t be too shiny? If so, you might have heard of Benjamin Moore’s pearl finish and wondered if it is the same as a satin finish.
The Pearl finish adds a finely pearlescent shimmer to walls that reflect light, making it an ideal choice for walls in certain rooms or settings. On the other hand, Satin offers a slightly smoother look than standard eggshell or semi-gloss options.
Nevertheless, It can be tricky to determine which sheen will work best on your walls, so let’s take a closer look at the two finishes to help make the decision easier. In this blog post, we’ll compare these two popular finishes so that you can make an informed decision when it comes time to paint.
Why Benjamin Moore’s Pearl Finish is Not the Same as the Satin Finish?
When it comes to Benjamin Moore’s different finishes, many people often ask if the Pearl Finish can be compared to the Satin Finish. While both give off a sheen surface, Benjamin Moore’s Pearl Finish has been created with a specular gloss number which is closer to that of an eggshell finish.
This unique finish adds a certain texture and dimension to the interior window and door trims, as well as walls in high-traffic areas. Yet, do keep in mind that this particular finish is much more likely to expose any imperfections and paint flaws, such as lap marks, so it is important to be extra careful when using it. If you don’t get your desired color in a certain brand you can match Benjamin Moore’s color with Behr.
Also, pearl finish offers good durability and cleanability while still retaining the soft look associated with low-luster finishes, making them a great choice for bedrooms and family rooms.
Differences Between Pearl and Satin Finish: Factors to Consider
Durability:
Both pearl and satin finishes are incredibly durable. The higher sheen of pearl makes it great for high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms where furniture gets moved around often, while satin is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms as it is resistant to moisture. Both finishes are also easy to clean; just wipe away any dirt or grime with a damp cloth.
Flexibility:
However, even though pearl finish isn’t as durable as satin finishes, it offers greater flexibility in touch-up painting when it comes to spills or dirt build-up. In the event that you need to touch up your walls after years of wear and tear, pearl finishes are much easier to blend together with existing wall colors than satin finishes due to their lower gloss levels.
Sheen Level:
When it comes to sheen levels, a satin finish typically has a glossier surface than a pearl finish. A satin finish typically ranges from 25-35 on the gloss scale, whereas a pearl finish generally falls in the range of 10-20. The higher a paint’s gloss level is, the shinier it will appear when light reflects off of it.
This means that satin paint will generally reflect more light than pearl finish, making it ideal for areas where you want to add extra brightness and lighten up a room. On the other hand, if you are looking for something with more muted tones and don’t want any additional shine, then a pearl finish may be the better option for you.
Cleaning Capabilities:
In terms of cleaning capabilities, satin paint tends to fare better than pearl finish because of its higher Gloss level. Satin finishes are easier to clean due to their increased resistance against dirt and stains; this makes them an ideal choice for rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms where spills are likely to occur more frequently.
Appearance:
When it comes to appearance, the primary difference between pearl and satin is their level of shine. As mentioned earlier, the pearl has a higher sheen than satin; this gives it a shinier look that can be quite striking in certain rooms.
But, if you’re looking for something with less shine, then opt for satin instead; its lower sheen won’t be as reflective but still provides plenty of stain resistance.
Are Eggshell and Satin the Same Benjamin Moore Finish?
Benjamin Moore finishes are divided into categories according to their sheen level, ranging from flat or matte to high gloss. Eggshell is a mid-level finish, while satin falls in the higher gloss range.
Both of these finishes have some degree of sheen, but the major difference lies in the amount of shine that each finish offers. The added sheen to satin paint enhances stain resistance and durability without sacrificing coverage in comparison to eggshells. In addition, slow drying time is present with both finishes and peaks after two or three days.
What is the Sheen Percentage of Benjamin Moore Satin?
Benjamin Moore Satin paint is a popular choice for walls and ceilings as it provides an elegant and lustrous finish. The sheen percentage of this paint is between 25%-35%, which means that it has a satin or semi-gloss finish.
It’s not overly shiny, offering a subtle shimmer, which makes rooms look more elegant without the high-gloss look. Moreover, the sheen percentage of getting measured by shining light at an angle of 60½° on the paint surface in order to determine how much light is reflected from the paint.
What is the Sheen Percentage of Benjamin Moore Pearl Finish?
The amount of sheen in a paint finish is usually expressed as a percentage, with 100% being the absolute highest level of reflectance. Benjamin Moore’s Pearl Finish offers a sheen range between 15 and 25%, creating a radiant shine while still providing practical advantages such as superior scrub resistance along with easier touch-up ability.
Plus, its low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) content helps make it an eco-friendly choice. Whether you are looking for a subtle shimmer or a more eye-catching effect, Benjamin Moore’s Pearl Finish delivers uncompromised performance allowing you to complete your project with confidence.
What is The Closest Sheen to Benjamin Moore’s Satin Finish?
For many, Benjamin Moore’s Satin Finish is the ideal sheen that offers just the right balance between low-gloss and high-gloss finishes. For those looking for something even lower than what Satin Finish offers, the closest match would be an Eggshell.
This type of finish has a soft, velvety appearance and provides some protection from heat and moisture. For this very reason, Benjamin Moore offers eggshell and satin finish. An alternative solution could be to use semi-gloss instead of either of these finishes since it is easy to maintain but also less glossy than a gloss finish.
Ultimately, it pays to understand the differences between these sheens and what kind of environment they are best suited for in order to pick the right one.
Conclusion:
With all this in mind, Benjamin Moore Pearl Finish vs. Satin Finish comes down to preference; both offer excellent durability and protection from dirt and stains but have different levels of shine depending on which one you choose. Ultimately though, whatever finish you decide on will ensure your walls look beautiful for years to come.
Whether you go with the slightly shinier Pearl or the lower-sheen Satin, Benjamin Moore will provide a quality finish no matter what option you pick. And remember: always test out colors on sample boards before committing to painting your entire room! With some careful consideration (and maybe even some help from an expert), you’ll find the appropriate paint finish for your home in no time at all.
S. Pushon is a paint expert, self-taught artist, and currently working as an adviser in the paint industry as a Quality Improvement and Development Assistant.
An artist by heart, he draws remarkable art pieces and as a professional paint industry individual, he seeks the insight and shares with enthusiasts. Read more…
