If you’re like many people, you’ve spent hours poring over color swatches and debating between shades of Sherwin Williams 0063 Blue Sky and Ben Moore 2039-60 Seafoam Green.
But before you break out your 2 inch paint brushes and journey on your color-coordinated crusade, there’s one crucial decision left to make: the finish. Do you want a matte or flat finish?
Do you want a slight sheen – eggshell or satin? Or do you want a glossy surface?
Believe it or not, the finish you choose can make or break the overall look and feel of your walls. Drywall Medic is here to guide you through the maze of paint finishes and ensure that your walls are nothing short of perfection.
Let’s go!
Exploring Different Paint Finishes: Matte, Eggshell, Satin, etc.
So you have textured walls from the 1980’s and you want to reduce the effect of the texture – what sheen level is best. And while at your Benjamine Moore paint store in Langford the rep mentioned that the higher the sheen level (gloss) the more durable it is. But what gives?
Here are some popular paint sheen finishes and their distinctive characteristics:
- Matte Finish: Known for its velvety smooth texture and non-reflective surface, matte paint absorbs light, making it ideal for hiding imperfections and creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Matte finish usually has a 0-3% gloss level and is perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and other low-traffic areas. And if you want to reduce the effect of your 1980’s textured walls, this is the sheen level you want.
Flat Finish: Many people get this confused with “matte finish” because they’re very similar. However a flat finish has a 3-5% gloss level and is perfect for painting ceilings or other surfaces that you do not want the light to reflect. Usually where there’s natural light being cast across a wall – that’s where a flat paint finish comes into play. - Eggshell Finish: Slightly sheenier than flat but still relatively low in shine, eggshell paint is the perfect balance between durability and aesthetics. It’s probably the most popular sheen level paint for walls as it’s cleanable and provides a fresh look to your home. Its subtle luster adds a touch of elegance to any room, making it suitable for hallways, dining rooms, and family rooms.
- Satin Finish: Some paint manufacturers, like Benjamin Moore interchange the sheen “pearl” because it has a sheen that reflects light ever so gently. Satin paint is a versatile option that works well in high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and kids’ rooms. Its smooth surface is easy to clean and resistant to moisture and stains, making it a practical choice for busy households.
- Semigloss Finish: Semigloss paint finish is most popular on doors and trim because it’s generally more durable (holds up to high traffic wear and tear) and can be cleaned regularly without affecting the overall paint finish or degradation of color. The problem with semigloss, however, is that it’s high sheen level magnifies all the imperfections on the surface – so this would not be your best choice if you wanted to reduce the effect of your 1980’s textured walls or ceilings.
Keep in mind every paint manufacturer produces slightly different sheen levels. For example, Sherwin Williams Promar 200 HP and Benjamin Moore UltraSpec 500 makes a “low-sheen eggshell” – which is exactly what it sounds like – a low sheen eggshell. But not a flat paint!
And as mentioned, sometimes paint manufacturers interchange Pearl with Satin, so it’s important to look at a sample prior to purchasing large quantities of paint.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Paint Finish
Now that you’re familiarized with the different paint finishes, it’s time to consider the factors that will influence your decision:
- Room Function: Think about the purpose of the room and how much wear and tear the walls are likely to endure. Opt for a durable, easy-to-clean finish in high-traffic areas and a more delicate, decorative finish in formal spaces. Remember, lower paint sheen levels show less wall imperfections. This is ideal for textured wall repairs or rooms with a lot of natural lighting.
- Lighting Conditions: Speaking of lighting, take into account the natural and artificial lighting in the room. Glossier finishes like satin or semigloss may be ideal for bathrooms with high humidity and may enhance the brightness of a space, however matte or flat finishes can help soften harsh glare and create a more subdued ambiance. To learn more about lighting and paint, Carla Headman, an interior color designer in Victoria, BC has a great presentation on Youtube and a free PDF download explaining how lighting can affect the paint color.
- Surface Texture: Consider the condition of your walls and any imperfections that may need to be concealed or highlighted. Matte finishes are great for hiding flaws, while glossier finishes may accentuate surface irregularities. If you have a lot of natural light, you’ll want to select a lower sheen. Whereas, if you have no natural lighting, a satin, pearl or semigloss may reflect the light better.
Tips for Achieving Professional Paint Finishes
Now that you’re aware of the different types of perfect paint finish for your walls, here are some expert tips from the Drywall Medic team to ensure a flawless application. Keep in mind that if you’re ever unsure about your project, or if you have drywall repair and paint your home – call us today at (250) 880-8849 and we’ll make the stress go away!
- Preparation is EVERYTHING: Clean your walls before painting to ensure optimal adhesion and a smooth, uniform finish. Paint sticks better to clean and dull surfaces, so when in doubt make sure to clean the walls thoroughly prior to painting.
- Use High-Quality Tools: It’s worth your time to invest in high-quality brushes, rollers, and paint trays to achieve professional results with minimal effort. But be aware, this can be costly if you’re only going to paint once. That’s why most homeowners hire Drywall Medic for all their drywall installation and painting.
- Apply Thin, Even Coats: Avoid overloading your brush or roller with paint, and apply moderate, even coats for a seamless finish. Tip: if you’re working hard, you’re doing it wrong. Let the paint roller do the work and don’t let your brush or roller become dry.
- Mind Your Technique: Use long, smooth strokes when painting, and always work from top to bottom to prevent drips and streaks. Also, make sure to always keep a wet edge to prevent unnecessary lap marks on the walls from showing up.
With the perfect paint finish and a little elbow grease, your walls will be transformed into works of art that elevate the aesthetic appeal of your home. If you’re ready to turn your painting dreams into reality but don’t have the time or energy, contact Drywall Medic today for expert painting services in Victoria, Saanich, Langford, Duncan and Sidney, BC! We can help you with all your interior drywall and painting needs. Big or small, we do it all!