We have all been there. Standing at the counter of the paint shop, holding our carefully picked paint swatch... assured that we've accurately matched the paint to the color of the piping in our new sofa. Then the self confidence evaporates when the store clerk asks which paint finish we're 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 such as this, it helps to understand the difference between the plethora of paint finishes that are available these days. These include everything from your basic flat matte finish, to a high gloss, to a half-dozen more in between. Here goes :
Matte Finish. Also known as flat paint, a matte finish has the least amount of shine of any paint finish. Because it doesn't reflect the light, it really is incredibly useful 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 hardly ever utilized for interior finishes, since it creates in a highly-reflective finish that shows every single wall imperfection.
The high-gloss finish is akin to an enamel, so it's sometimes utilized for cabinets or trim in quite contemporary interior designs, but is rarely utilized in general interior paint schemes.
Deciding on the right paint finish is easy once you know what you are seeking for. So the next time you find your self standing at the paint counter with a color swatch within your hand, you can 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 is going to be impressed with your understanding of paint finishes, and also you won't have to wear sunglasses to ward off the glare within your newly painted living room area.
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 such as this, it helps to understand the difference between the plethora of paint finishes that are available these days. These include everything from your basic flat matte finish, to a high gloss, to a half-dozen more in between. Here goes :
Matte Finish. Also known as flat paint, a matte finish has the least amount of shine of any paint finish. Because it doesn't reflect the light, it really is incredibly useful 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 hardly ever utilized for interior finishes, since it creates in a highly-reflective finish that shows every single wall imperfection.
The high-gloss finish is akin to an enamel, so it's sometimes utilized for cabinets or trim in quite contemporary interior designs, but is rarely utilized in general interior paint schemes.
Deciding on the right paint finish is easy once you know what you are seeking for. So the next time you find your self standing at the paint counter with a color swatch within your hand, you can 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 is going to be impressed with your understanding of paint finishes, and also you won't have to wear sunglasses to ward off the glare within your newly painted living room area.
About the Author:
Phillip Mieler is a full time writer and loves writing about paint swatches and related topics.
