Tips For Choosing The Best Paint Finish

Deciding on a paint color can be tough as it is, but how do you know which finish you should use for your paint? Household paints come in a variety of different finish styles, and each one has its own unique look and properties. Before you rush to the home improvement store and select your color choice, be sure to read about the different finishes available so you will purchase one that will fit your needs.

Flat Finish

Flat finished paints have a matte appearance, and work well in rooms where you can easily touch them up with a quick brush stroke if they suffer from a scratch or mark. Most people choose flat paint for general interior jobs. This finish is recommended for rooms like the living room or bedrooms and closets. A flat finish paint is not recommended in areas where the walls would need to be wiped down frequently, since it cannot typically handle a lot of rubbing on the surface without wearing down.

Satin and Eggshell Finishes

These paint finishes have a slight sheen to them, giving them a bit of shimmer. Satin has a bit higher level of sheen than eggshell, but both are easy to clean and wipe down with a damp rag. It can be used in any room, but is most recommended for hallways, bedrooms, and living rooms. It is similar to flat paint except that it has extra additives in it to give it a bit more satiny look.

Semi-Gloss

Paint that contains a semi-gloss finish has a higher level of shine, or "gloss" to it. This paint finish is resistant to moisture and stains, which makes it a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens. Since these rooms are more prone to getting water or stains on the walls, semi-gloss is a much better choice than flat or eggshell finishes. You can also purchase paint with an added mildew resistant material to help prevent it from growing.

Gloss

Paints that contain a gloss finish should typically be used to paint trim and doors This type of paint can withstand heavy traffic, scuff marks, and general wear. It is easy to wipe down surfaces with a gloss finish using a wet rag or sponge, and it can handle repeated cleaning. Gloss paint is usually found only in these areas, although it can sometimes be used to paint rooms with heavy duty activity like a garage, pantry, or utility room as well. To find out more, speak with a business like Koontz Hardware.