When it comes to painting your home, choosing the right colour is only part of the process. Just as important is selecting the right paint finish—a decision that can significantly impact the look, feel, and durability of your paint job. If you’re a homeowner in Strand, Gordon’s Bay, or Somerset West, this guide will help you make informed choices for each room in your home.
Understanding Paint Finishes
Paint finishes range from flat (matte) to high-gloss, with several options in between. Each finish offers different advantages, depending on the surface you’re painting and how much wear and tear it experiences.
Here’s a quick breakdown of common finishes:
Flat / Matte: Non-reflective, ideal for low-traffic areas like ceilings and adult bedrooms.
Eggshell: Slightly more durable with a soft sheen—great for living rooms and dining rooms.
Satin: Easy to clean with a smooth finish—perfect for hallways, children’s rooms, and kitchens.
Semi-gloss: Durable and moisture-resistant, often used in bathrooms, trim, and kitchens.
Gloss / High-gloss: Extremely durable and shiny—used for cabinets, doors, and other accents.
Room-by-Room Guide for Local Homes
Living Room & Dining Room
In many homes across Somerset West and Strand, the living room is the heart of the house. An eggshell or satin finish works beautifully here, offering just the right balance of elegance and durability. If you entertain often, satin may be more suitable due to its easy-to-clean surface.
Kitchens
Kitchens need a finish that can stand up to moisture, grease, and frequent cleaning. Semi-gloss or satin finishes are ideal. In Gordon’s Bay, where coastal humidity is higher, a semi-gloss finish will provide the extra resistance needed.
Bedrooms
Adult bedrooms typically don’t face much wear, so matte or eggshell finishes are ideal. They create a calm, soft look that’s perfect for relaxing. For children’s bedrooms, consider satin to handle the occasional spill or scuff.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are humid, especially in coastal areas like Gordon’s Bay. Use a semi-gloss or gloss finish to resist moisture and mildew. This finish also makes cleaning easier, which is a bonus in high-humidity zones.
Hallways & Stairwells
These are high-traffic areas prone to fingerprints and scrapes. A satin finish is perfect—durable and easy to wipe down while maintaining a low sheen.
Doors, Trim & Cabinets
These features benefit from a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish, which stands up well to cleaning and adds a polished touch.
Why Finish Choice Matters
Beyond aesthetics, the right finish extends the lifespan of your paint job and makes maintenance easier. For example, a matte finish in a hallway may look nice initially but will show scuffs quickly and won’t clean well. In contrast, the right finish enhances both appearance and performance.
Let Local Experts Help You Decide
Not sure which finish to choose? That’s where we come in. At Fair Value Painters, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in Strand, Gordon’s Bay, and Somerset West pick the perfect finish for every room. We offer personalized advice, premium materials, and expert application that ensures long-lasting, beautiful results.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s give your home the perfect finish—every time.
📞 Call: 067 643 5319
📧 Email: nazeem@fvpainters.co.za
🌐 www.fvpainters.co.za



