Residential Painting Know-How: Which Paint Finish Do You Need for That?
You’ve finally settled on a paint color (How can there be so many shades of white?), and now you have another decision to make: What finish do you want? Well, it depends. You can get away with certain finishes when it comes to residential painting, but depending on the residents of your home and their behavior, finish will make all the difference in your paint color’s appearance and longevity. Here are a few ways to figure it out.
Three questions to answer. Three options to choose from.
Consider the space you’re about to paint and ask yourself these questions:
- How intense (saturated) do I want the color to be?
- Does the paint have to hide surface flaws and imperfections?
- Will the painted area be subject to dirt and grease?
The answers will help you determine which of three finishes – flat, low-luster, or glossy – will work best for your paint project.
Flat – rich color and lots of coverage
Flat rhymes with matte, which is a pretty accurate description of this finish. It’s the go-to choice for ceilings. Flat paint is forgiving of surface flaws and imperfections because it absorbs rather than reflects light. It provides a true, saturated color, and that makes it great for accent walls. Avoid using it in high-traffic areas – dirt and greasy fingerprints are not easy to remove.
Satin / Eggshell – a versatile middleman
Also known as low-luster, a satin or eggshell finish is popular for living rooms and bedrooms. Its pigment is not as vivid or rich as its flat counterpart, but it is easier to maintain. The subtle sheen makes it more washable, but it also reveals unevenness in the painted surface.
Semigloss / Gloss – washable and easily scrubbed
The gloss finishes are more durable than their flat or low-luster counterparts. They’re ideal for areas that are more likely to become soiled: kitchens, bathrooms, doors, and trim. But the glossy sheen also reflects more light, which makes it unforgiving of even minor flaws.
Let experienced professionals help you decide.
If you’re still not sure which paint will work best for you, it’s time to call in the pros. Dan’s Painting, a residential painting company in Michigan serving Rochester, Rochester Hills, Shelby Township, Washington Township, Harrison Township, and Macomb, is here to help.
Our professionally trained, experienced painters will make sure that all surfaces are perfectly prepped. We’ll do our best to minimize the imperfections in your residential painting space. The crew will arrive on time, in uniform, and ready to work. We’ll work efficiently and precisely to provide you with the most beautiful results. We’re fully ensured and EPA lead-safe certified, so you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from a job well done. Contact us today for an estimate or to schedule your project.