Which paint sheen is the right option for your next home improvement project? Are you ready to repaint? Have you already chosen the perfect colors? Even though a palette of the just-right shades is essential, this is not the only paint selection you need to make. Before you invest in gallons of interior latex paint, take a look at what you need to know about sheens or finishes.
Residential interior latex products are available in five primary types of finishes. These include matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss.
Matte is a flat, shine-free type of paint. If you prefer some shine but not too much of it, consider an eggshell. This finish has much more shine than a matte paint. Unlike glossier paints, an eggshell still has some flat qualities.
Satin paint is the next step up in shine (above an eggshell). This type of finish has a glossier look — minus a full sheen. For a shinier or reflective look, choose a semi-gloss or gloss paint. These finishes have the highest sheen levels.
Why do paint manufacturers create so many different choices? Manufacturers do not create different sheens just to confuse the customer. Instead, each finish has its own qualities and intended use. This makes it possible to choose different finishes for different parts of the house.
Some finishes hide imperfections better than others. Likewise, some sheens are easier to clean. Other sheens may simply look better in specific areas of your home.
While you can use any finish anywhere in your home's interior, eggshell is traditionally the best choice for lived-in spaces (such as a living room or playroom). The flatness of an eggshell can hide imperfections on the wall — while the slight sheen can make the paint easier to clean. If your walls have patch marks, bumps, ridges, or other smaller but noticeable aesthetic issues, consider a flat, shine-free finish.
High-mess spaces, such as kitchens, often require a satin or semi-gloss. These sheens will not hide the imperfections in your walls well. Even though semi-glosses do not conceal aesthetic issues, this type of sheen is easy to clean.
Like a semi-gloss, a gloss is also easy to clean. But this finish may seem too shiny or stand out too much on a wall. Instead of a full wall, consider using gloss paint on trim or one area that you want to highlight. Not only is a semi-gloss or gloss easy to clean, but these finishes are also highly durable and long-lasting. This may mean you do not need to repaint your walls anytime soon.
If you have chosen the color and sheen, now what? The next step is to buy your paint. Even though each sheen category has its own qualities, not all paint products are the same. A subpar paint will not give you the color or finish you expect. It also may not stand up to a kitchen mess or your regular cleaning routine.
Instead of buying paint from just any big box store or online retailer, choose a hardware or home improvement supply store that carries high-quality products. Look for a knowledgeable staff member who can guide you through the selection process and help you to choose the brand and finish that meet your needs.
Are you ready to repaint your home's interior? Do you need help choosing the perfect paint color, finish, or product for your living room, kitchen, bathroom, or playroom? Contact Koontz Hardware today for more information.
