We have all been there. Standing at the counter of the paint retailer, holding our carefully picked paint swatch... confident that we've perfectly matched the paint to the color of the piping in our new sofa. Then the confidence evaporates when the store clerk asks which paint finish we are using.
We become speechless. Oh, I don't 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 steer clear of paint disasters like this, it helps to understand the distinction between the plethora of paint finishes which are available today. These include everything from your standard 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's really beneficial when your walls are old and have accumulated a lifetime of bumps, cracks along with other imperfections.
But the draw back of a matte finish is that it's the most tough to clean. If you have little children and pets, matte paint might be a real chore to keep clean. You will most likely find yourself repainting rather than washing off marks and scuffs.
Gloss. A high-gloss paint finish is rarely utilized for interior finishes, due to the fact it creates in a highly-reflective finish that shows each and every 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.
Choosing the proper paint finish is simple when you know what you're searching for. So the next time you find yourself standing near the paint counter with 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 increased wash-ability."
The paint clerk will likely be impressed with your understanding of paint finishes, and also you won't need to wear sunglasses to ward off the glare inside your newly painted family room.
We become speechless. Oh, I don't 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 steer clear of paint disasters like this, it helps to understand the distinction between the plethora of paint finishes which are available today. These include everything from your standard 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's really beneficial when your walls are old and have accumulated a lifetime of bumps, cracks along with other imperfections.
But the draw back of a matte finish is that it's the most tough to clean. If you have little children and pets, matte paint might be a real chore to keep clean. You will most likely find yourself repainting rather than washing off marks and scuffs.
Gloss. A high-gloss paint finish is rarely utilized for interior finishes, due to the fact it creates in a highly-reflective finish that shows each and every 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.
Choosing the proper paint finish is simple when you know what you're searching for. So the next time you find yourself standing near the paint counter with 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 increased wash-ability."
The paint clerk will likely be impressed with your understanding of paint finishes, and also you won't need to wear sunglasses to ward off the glare inside your newly painted family room.
About the Author:
Phillip Mieler is an author who enjoys writing about paint swatch and other topics.