Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Choosing the Right Paint Finish

Have you ever found yourself at the store, ready to buy paint for your interior, and struggle because you have no idea what all the finishes mean and where they are supposed to be used? Here is our quick and easy reference for you so that you can make the best decisions for your walls, doors, windows and more!

The four finishes that we recommend are listed below. Sherwin Williams has wonderful paints with lots of colors and options to choose from. You can check out their website for more information on their selections - http://www.sherwin-williams.com.

Flat/Matte
This finish is great for areas in your home like the hallway or the powder room. It will hold up to the occasional cleaning and has a durable flat, matte finish.

Satin/Eg-shel
Typically, this paint finish is best for windows, doors, trim or ceilings. It can be used as wall paint as well and has a smooth, velvety look to it with just a bit more gloss. It is a great finish to choose for kid's room walls, kitchens, baths and any room that would have a decent amount of traffic because it will hold up to cleaning and lightly scrubbing.

Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss paint is most often used on doors, trim, and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms. It is easily cleaned and lays down a nice, subtle shine, without being too shiny. Take care with pre-paint preparation work, as poorly prepared surfaces can be a bit distracting when highlighted by a semi-gloss surface.

Gloss/High Gloss
High gloss paints have an almost reflective quality, as their shiny finish mimics the look of enamel or plastic. Though not widely used in home interiors, it is becoming more popular for a dramatic look on cabinets, trim, and furniture in very formal and very contemporary settings. This finish will magnify any surface imperfections, so careful preparation and sanding is essential before painting with high gloss paints.

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