Flat, Eggshell or Semi-gloss Paint

<img alt="Paint Color and Sheen Should be Chosen Carefully" data-caption="Paint Color and Sheen Should be Chosen Carefully" data-credit="Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net" data-credit-link="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=151&quot; src="https://static.suite.io/article_images/orig/ce68bc6a-a43c-4423-be81-91421df59419.jpg&quot; title="Paint Color. and Sheen Should be Chosen Carefully”/>Interior paint comes in several finishes, from flat to gloss. Each type of finish offers its own look, as well as different durability factors and maintenance. Using the correct paint sheen for each painting project ensures that the paint will perform correctly and last for a long time.

Paint Finish and Durability

Wall surfaces are often painted in flat, eggshell or satin finishes. Although each seems similar, they are not equal when it comes to washing and holding up to wear.

Flat paints have no sheen; they are a matte finish. These types of paints look great on a wall, but are nearly impossible to wash. Scrubbing a wall painted with flat paint will often remove paint from the surface. Because of this, flat paints are not generally recommended in high traffic areas such as mudrooms, hallways and bathrooms.

One exception to this rule is the new washable matte paints that are now on the market. Sherwin Williams Duration Home paint is easy to wash, offers a matte finish homeowners desire and holds up in high traffic areas.

Eggshell paints are just slightly shinier than flat paints. They create a beautiful glow on a wall, without being too glossy. The paint is easier to wash than flat paint, as well, making it great for those areas with higher traffic.

Satin and semi-gloss paints are the next step up in gloss after eggshell. Satin paints are even more scrubbable than eggshell paints, making them a great choice for bathrooms, kitchens and areas that tend to get dirty. Semi-gloss paint is a good choice for interior door and window trim & doors.

Gloss paints are best for surfaces that need a very durable finish, and one that needs to be especially washable. Often used only on interior trim, cabinetry and doors, gloss paints are easy to wash and hold up to scratches and scrapes. High gloss paint, especially oil-based versions, is also a good choice for painting furniture. Alkyd (oil) paints are more durable than latex paints, making them ideal for chairs, tables and dressers.

Paint Sheen and Interior Dcor

Besides the issue of durability, most homeowners are interested in how the paint will look on their walls or painted surfaces. Paint finishes make a big difference in the overall look of a space.

In general, the shinier the paint, the more it will show any imperfections on the painted surface. So, a flat paint is a wonderful choice when walls are in poor condition. The matte finish will disguise unevenness, nail or screw pops, repairs and other wall flaws.

Eggshell paint, slightly shinier than flat paint, still does a fair job at disguising wall blemishes. However, because of its sheen level, eggshell paint is nearly impossible to touch-up without creating an effect called flashing.

Flashing occurs when the finish of the newly painted surface is slightly different than the painted surface beneath it. Although most people will not notice flashing when they view the wall head-on, it shows up noticeably when viewed from other angles, and in certain light conditions. To avoid this, the entire wall needs to be repainted at the same time, instead of being touched-up in small areas.

Satin paint accentuates wall imperfections more than most homeowners would like. For newer homes, without many wall defects, this can be a lovely choice. However, as with eggshell paint, satin paint can flash when walls are touched-up.

Gloss and semi-gloss paints are generally best for use on molding, door and window trims, cabinetry, furniture and doors. Again, since glossy paints accentuate changes in the painted surface, gloss paints work beautifully on trim with ornate details. The same property that makes glossy paints undesirable for wall use makes them perfect for use on detailed wood trim and furniture. Gloss and semi-gloss paints are not generally used on wall surfaces; the shiny finish creates an unpleasant glare inside the room.

Choosing the right paint makes every painting project easier and more durable. More information can be found by visiting the Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore websites.

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