When the weather gets cold many of us turn our attention to making the interior of our home as cozy and warm as possible. For some, that means a fresh coat of paint to brighten up a kitchen or bedroom.
How Do You Decide Which Paint Finish is Best?
When you go to the hardware store, you face several decisions: Color, first of all, but also finish. What do the different paint finishes really mean? How important are they to the final look of your room? Which should you use for a kitchen, living room, bathroom, or bedroom?
We recommend that you first consider the needs of each particular room. Ask yourself how much traffic the room will get, and how durable the paint needs to be. We generally advise customers to consider both shine and durability when they make their choice. The descriptions below will help, too:
Flat or Matte
Flat or Matte paint is the cheapest, but it’s tough to clean. Because the sheen on this paint is so low, it soaks up light rather than reflecting it. It provides a lot of coverage, and it’s a money-saver, but we don’t recommend it for high-traffic areas. Save this paint finish for adult bedrooms or other interior rooms that won’t be smudged up by kids or pets.
Eggshell
One step up on the shine scale is the popular eggshell finish. This paint provides a low sheen with just a little velvety luster. It covers imperfections well and it’s pretty durable, so it’s a great choice for dining rooms or other gathering spaces.
Satin
This paint finish has a rich luster, and it’s easy to clean! So, it’s an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like family rooms, hallways, or kids’ bedrooms. The only thing to watch out for is the application. Unfortunately, this paint tends to show brush strokes, so paint with caution. Once applied, it’s a nice, durable choice.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-Gloss is highly durable, which makes it perfect for rooms exposed to moisture or grease. Many people use it for kitchens or bathrooms because it’s so easy to clean. This paint can handle just about anything you throw at it.
High Gloss
High Gloss paint is the most durable of all paint sheens. It’s also the easiest to clean. For this reason, we recommend it for cabinets, trim, and doors – any area that will be frequently touched. It may be a little too shiny for interior walls, though. And be careful! Paint this shiny requires a lot of prep work so blemishes don’t show.
Count on SNL Painting Inc. to Provide Expertise
Still confused? Give our experts a call! We can give you advice or even do the work for you! Our professionals treat your home as if it were our own, taking time and care to do the job right.
