Need a Paint Job? Learn About Different Types of Interior Paint (Part 2 of 2)

Part 1 of this blog post discusses the qualities of various kinds of interior paints, including their look, durability, and how easy to clean they are. The finish of the paint, how it looks once dried, is also important on both an aesthetic and a practical level.

Some finishes are easy to clean if marked or scuffed but are tough to touch up. Others might be difficult to clean, but blending in any touch-ups will be a breeze.

The Finish Line

The finish of the paint, how it looks once dried, is important on both an aesthetic and a practical level. Some finishes are easy to clean if marked or scuffed but are tough to touch up. Others might be difficult to clean, but blending in any touch-ups will be a breeze.

Matte

Matte or flat finishes are great for hiding imperfections in walls because they have little to no sheen. As the finish looks smooth and the colors rich, many family areas, such as dens and living rooms, are painted using a matte finish. Matte walls can be touched up with relative ease, but cleaning them can prove difficult.

• Advantages: Good for hiding flaws in wall surfaces; deep and smooth look.
• Disadvantages: Can be tough to clean.

Eggshell and Satin

So-called because of its resemblance to the subtle sheen of an egg, an eggshell finish is a very popular choice for interior wall painting. Imagine a matte finish with just a little sheen added, and you’ve got a good idea of the appearance of eggshell.

This versatile finish is easier to clean than matte since it’s glossier, and it looks good in nearly any room.

Satin finish is a step glossier than eggshell and has a medium shine that’s iridescent or pearl-like. It is also a great choice for a high-use room, such as a child’s room, kitchen, or bathroom, since it is easily washable and stands up to cleaning. It’s also commonly used on kitchen cabinets.

• Advantages: A subtle sheen that still hides flaws; easier to clean than matte.
• Disadvantages: Satin can be difficult to touch up; eggshell can scuff easily.

Gloss

A gloss will have a distinct shine and hard finish, making it the best choice for a kitchen or kid’s room. High-shine finishes are similar to oil paint in that they’re usually used for painting accent work, like baseboards and window trim.

Remember that a high-gloss paint can highlight repairs or imperfections, so make sure the surfaces are in good condition.

• Advantages: High gloss means it will be easy to clean.
• Disadvantages: Will show the less-than-perfect places on a surface; needs multiple coats of paint for an even look.

Painting is a cost-effective way to revitalize your home’s interior. Whether you’re using a matte paint, a high-gloss enamel, or anything in between, knowing what kind of paint works best where is the first step in realizing your home’s new look.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks to learn more about effective preparation steps when painting your home.

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