The Various Types of Paint Finishes

When you’re choosing a new paint for your home, the color of that paint isn’t the only factor you need to consider—you also need to determine the type of sheen you’re looking for. The more sheen, the shinier and more durable that paint is likely to be. Options range from flat (which has no shine at all) to high-gloss (the shiniest option available).

Here’s an overview of the various types of paint finishes from a general contractor in Midland, MI and what their most practical uses are:

• High gloss: High gloss is the most durable type of paint sheen you’ll find. It is hard, extremely shiny and reflects light very well. It also is the easiest to clean of all paint sheens. This type of paint is most frequently used in areas that are going to be touched a lot—think cabinets, trim and doors, especially in the kitchen. But most of the time, it is a little too shiny to be used on interior walls, even in a kitchen or bathroom. Keep in mind that high-gloss paint will show every little imperfection when it’s used, so you should make sure you prepare the area in advance of painting it.
• Semi-gloss: Semi-gloss paint is ideal for high-moisture environments, including kitchens and bathrooms. It will help you better repel moisture, grease and other drips, and is still relatively easy to clean. It’s also a good option for trim work that’s going to get a lot of banging and abuse, including chair rails and other types of trim. This is a very durable paint option.
• Satin: Satin paint has a velvety sort of appearance, though it can be prone to showing brush or roller strokes, making touch-ups later on a little difficult. Still, it’s very easy to clean and is an ideal selection for areas that get a lot of traffic, including family rooms, kids’ bedrooms, hallways and foyers.
• Eggshell: Eggshell is somewhere between flat and satin in terms of sheen and durability. This is essentially a flat finish that has a little bit of luster. It does a good job of covering up imperfections on a wall, and makes an ideal selection for gathering spaces that aren’t going to see a whole lot of abuse on the walls and trim. Think dining rooms and living rooms for your eggshell paint, as well as adult bedrooms.
• Flat: Flat paints are ideal if you have a lot of imperfections on a wall that you’re looking to hide, because it soaks up the light rather than reflecting it. It offers the most coverage, which generally means you’ll be able to save money by using less paint. It can be difficult to clean, though, which means it’s not an ideal option in an area that’s going to get a whole lot of abuse or potential grime.

For more information about the various types of paint sheens, contact Tri City Remodeling to speak with an experienced general contractor in Midland, MI.

Categorised in: General Contractor

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