We have all been there. Standing near the counter of the paint store, holding our very carefully picked paint swatch... assured that we have perfectly matched the paint to the colour of the piping in our new sofa. Then the confidence evaporates when the retailer clerk asks which paint finish we are using.
We become speechless. Oh, I don't know, just give me semi-gloss, we say. After which we get back to the house and are appalled to discover that our newly painted living room walls are practically shiny, showing each 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 known as flat paint, a matte finish has the least total amount of shine of any paint finish. Because it does not reflect the light, it is very useful when your walls are old and have accumulated a lifetime of bumps, cracks and other imperfections.
But the draw back of a matte finish is that it is the most challenging to clean. In case you have little children and pets, matte paint can 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 familiarity of paint finishes, and you will not need to wear sunglasses to ward off the glare in your newly painted living room area.
We become speechless. Oh, I don't know, just give me semi-gloss, we say. After which we get back to the house and are appalled to discover that our newly painted living room walls are practically shiny, showing each 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 known as flat paint, a matte finish has the least total amount of shine of any paint finish. Because it does not reflect the light, it is very useful when your walls are old and have accumulated a lifetime of bumps, cracks and other imperfections.
But the draw back of a matte finish is that it is the most challenging to clean. In case you have little children and pets, matte paint can 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 familiarity of paint finishes, and you will not need to wear sunglasses to ward off the glare in your newly painted living room area.
About the Author:
Phillip Mieler is an expert author and also writes for PaintSwatches.org and similar websites.
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