We've all been there. Standing at the counter of the paint shop, holding our very carefully picked paint swatch... confident that we've correctly matched the paint to the color of the piping in our new sofa. Then the self confidence evaporates once the retailer clerk asks which paint finish we're using.
We become speechless. Oh, I do not know, just give me semi-gloss, we say. And then we get home and are appalled to discover that our newly painted living room walls are practically shiny, showing every possible drywall flaw. Aarggh!
To prevent paint disasters such as this, it helps to find out the distinction between the plethora of paint finishes which are available nowadays. These consist of everything from your basic flat matte finish, to a high gloss, to a half-dozen more in between. Here goes :
Matte Finish. Also identified as flat paint, a matte finish has the least total amount of shine of any paint finish. Since it does not reflect the light, it really is incredibly helpful when your walls are old and have accumulated a lifetime of bumps, cracks as well as other imperfections.
But the downside of a matte finish is that it really is the most difficult to clean. If you have little children and pets, matte paint might be a real chore to maintain clean. You are going to most likely find yourself repainting instead of washing off marks and scuffs.
Gloss. A high-gloss paint finish is hardly ever used for interior finishes, simply because it creates in a highly-reflective finish that shows every single wall imperfection.
The high-gloss finish is akin to an enamel, so it is often used for cabinets or trim in quite contemporary interior designs, but is rarely used in common interior paint schemes.
Picking the correct paint finish is simple when you know what you are searching for. So the next time you find your self standing near the paint counter holding a color swatch in your hand, you are able to confidently order "a satin wall finish for a balance of coverage and durability, paired with a semi-gloss trim finish for better wash-ability."
The paint clerk is going to be impressed with your knowledge of paint finishes, and you won't need to wear sunglasses to ward off the glare inside your newly painted living room.
We become speechless. Oh, I do not know, just give me semi-gloss, we say. And then we get home and are appalled to discover that our newly painted living room walls are practically shiny, showing every possible drywall flaw. Aarggh!
To prevent paint disasters such as this, it helps to find out the distinction between the plethora of paint finishes which are available nowadays. These consist of everything from your basic flat matte finish, to a high gloss, to a half-dozen more in between. Here goes :
Matte Finish. Also identified as flat paint, a matte finish has the least total amount of shine of any paint finish. Since it does not reflect the light, it really is incredibly helpful when your walls are old and have accumulated a lifetime of bumps, cracks as well as other imperfections.
But the downside of a matte finish is that it really is the most difficult to clean. If you have little children and pets, matte paint might be a real chore to maintain clean. You are going to most likely find yourself repainting instead of washing off marks and scuffs.
Gloss. A high-gloss paint finish is hardly ever used for interior finishes, simply because it creates in a highly-reflective finish that shows every single wall imperfection.
The high-gloss finish is akin to an enamel, so it is often used for cabinets or trim in quite contemporary interior designs, but is rarely used in common interior paint schemes.
Picking the correct paint finish is simple when you know what you are searching for. So the next time you find your self standing near the paint counter holding a color swatch in your hand, you are able to confidently order "a satin wall finish for a balance of coverage and durability, paired with a semi-gloss trim finish for better wash-ability."
The paint clerk is going to be impressed with your knowledge of paint finishes, and you won't need to wear sunglasses to ward off the glare inside your newly painted living room.
About the Author:
Phillip Mieler is a full time writer who writes for http://www.paintswatches.org and other websites.