Choosing the Perfect Paint Finish
Now that you have decided to redecorate and have chosen a paint color, the next step is to choose a finish or sheen for the paint.
Choosing the wrong finish can cause less than favorable results.
The correct paint finish will make your space look spectacular (provided you have also prepped and primed your walls ahead of time).
So, how do you know what finish to use where? Well, there are some basic rules to follow concerning where to use each paint finish that will help to ensure that all the work put into a paint job is not in vain.
Here are the five paint finishes and general recommendations for where to use them.
Gloss - This is the shiniest paint finish and is perfect for bringing attention to beautiful trim work or anything else you want to highlight.
Gloss can withstand a great deal of wear and tear and is easy to clean especially if it is oil-based instead of water-based latex.
Semigloss - This is the sheen that is traditionally used in wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
It, too, is shiny and easy to clean which is perfect for rooms that tend to have spills.
The sheen is reflective and makes performing tasks in these spaces easier.
Eggshell - This is the most popular sheen for walls.
It is a comfortable combination of not too shiny and not too dull.
It is washable and a really good choice for high traffic areas such as foyers and stairways.
Satin / Matte - These finishes are good choices for bedrooms.
They have a low gloss that emits a warm glow.
And as an added bonus, they can be wiped clean and will not burnish.
Flat - This is the paint finish that is perfect for hiding imperfections on a wall.
It is not easy to clean and is typically used for ceilings.
There is also flat paint finishes made specifically for ceilings to ensure there aren't any distracting shiny spots that will call attention to imperfections.
In essence, how paint performs has to do with its sheen.
So, take the extra time to decide what you will be painting beforehand so that you purchase the correct finish for your project.
©Rena Bullard 2010 This article may be reprinted, in its entirety, with copyright information.
Choosing the wrong finish can cause less than favorable results.
The correct paint finish will make your space look spectacular (provided you have also prepped and primed your walls ahead of time).
So, how do you know what finish to use where? Well, there are some basic rules to follow concerning where to use each paint finish that will help to ensure that all the work put into a paint job is not in vain.
Here are the five paint finishes and general recommendations for where to use them.
Gloss - This is the shiniest paint finish and is perfect for bringing attention to beautiful trim work or anything else you want to highlight.
Gloss can withstand a great deal of wear and tear and is easy to clean especially if it is oil-based instead of water-based latex.
Semigloss - This is the sheen that is traditionally used in wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
It, too, is shiny and easy to clean which is perfect for rooms that tend to have spills.
The sheen is reflective and makes performing tasks in these spaces easier.
Eggshell - This is the most popular sheen for walls.
It is a comfortable combination of not too shiny and not too dull.
It is washable and a really good choice for high traffic areas such as foyers and stairways.
Satin / Matte - These finishes are good choices for bedrooms.
They have a low gloss that emits a warm glow.
And as an added bonus, they can be wiped clean and will not burnish.
Flat - This is the paint finish that is perfect for hiding imperfections on a wall.
It is not easy to clean and is typically used for ceilings.
There is also flat paint finishes made specifically for ceilings to ensure there aren't any distracting shiny spots that will call attention to imperfections.
In essence, how paint performs has to do with its sheen.
So, take the extra time to decide what you will be painting beforehand so that you purchase the correct finish for your project.
©Rena Bullard 2010 This article may be reprinted, in its entirety, with copyright information.
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