You want your rental property looking shiny and new for marketing to new tenants. One of the best ways you can do that is to give the property a fresh coat of interior paint.

The right paint will highlight all the best features of your property and create a warm and open atmosphere that will attract tenants, while the wrong paint will show off imperfections and be hard to clean.

But there are so many different types of paint finishes to choose from – how do you know which one is right for you?

Here’s your guide to paint finishes for your rental property:

• Eggshell

For a soft and easy look, go for an eggshell finish. This style of finish is closer to flat than gloss and is velvety in appearance.

This is a great choice for areas of your home where you want a more muted sheen that will look great with natural light. Consider an eggshell finish for bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as living spaces that receive more sunlight.

Eggshell finishes are more durable and easier to clean than flat finishes, but the subtle texture can show inconsistencies like roller marks.

• Flat or Matte

The name says it all. A flat or matte finish will provide a simple non-reflective coating that lacks shine or gloss where you don’t want it. This can be great for touch-up work, as the flat finish will conceal many imperfections in your walls.

A flat or matte finish is a great choice for walls and ceilings throughout your property. It’s easy to touch-up, simple, and likely won’t ever put-off potential renters (depending on the color).

However, you may find yourself doing a lot of touch-up work with this paint. Since it is porous, stains can enter your paint coating and will not be washable.

• Hi-Gloss

If you like your property looking shiny, this is the paint finish for you. Hi-gloss creates a reflective sheen that can easily give your home a clean, modern look – and the best part is, it’s easy to keep clean.

Hi-gloss is highly durable and won’t require a lot of touch-up work like a flat finish will because of its consistent, non-porous surface. This can be a great option if you expect to rent to young families who will need to clean splatters and children’s art off the walls.

The only downside is not everyone enjoys the high-sheen finish of a hi-gloss paint. However, they might change their minds when they see how easy it is to wipe crayon-marks from the wall.

• Satin

For an eggshell subtlety with a bit glossier shine, consider a satin finish. Satin is easier to clean and maintain than flatter finishes and is a great choice if you want a less-reflective look in rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.

Satin is a great middle ground between flat and gloss finishes for shine, practicality, and durability, but it shares an eggshell finish’s tendency for visible roller marks.

• Semi-Gloss

Like hi-gloss finishes, semi-gloss provides a reflective sheen, but with less intensity. This allows for a more muted look that might be more universally enjoyed by your prospective tenants.

And the best part – it shares hi-gloss finish’s easy-to-clean nature and durability. A semi-gloss finish will do wonders for areas that get a lot of wear and look especially good as trim. Use a semi-gloss to make your woodwork stand out with low maintenance.

Making your paint finish decision

There are plenty of paint finishes to choose from, from matte to hi-gloss, with elements of each suitable for different properties and rooms. Its helpful to keep these differences in mind while checking out some examples at your local home goods store. With a little bit of help and education, you’ll be able to choose the perfect finish for your rental property.

For more information on rental renovation and property management, contact 208.properties today.