Picking the right sheen for your house painting projects

WHAT IS PAINT SHEEN, AND WHY DOES IT MATTERS?

Paint sheen refers to your paint’s level of gloss - is it shiny, or more flat? Each sheen has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, and you’ll encounter specific cases where one will stand out as the best option by far.

• Flat - Flat or Matte sheens are ideal for low-traffic areas such as formal dining rooms and master bedrooms. They provide a beautiful finish, with little to no shine, and are ideal to hides minor surface imperfections. Flats/Mattes can be used in living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms where fingerprints, scuff marks and stains are less likely to be an issue. It’s very friendly and forgiving! So, how about the downside? Well, it’s just not very durable. This would NOT be an option to choose for a high-traffic space.

• Eggshell - Eggshell paints are more washable and scrub-able than a flat or matte option. They have a slightly lower sheen than satin, but offer a similar level of durability. Eggshell paints are ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and family rooms with more traffic and fingerprints since they can be wiped clean more easily. 

• Satin - Satin paints go a step further than eggshell in wash-ability and scrub-ability, providing a nice balance: a practical choice for easy clean up, but not too much shine. They perform and look great in just about any room. 

• Semi-Gloss - This is a popular, versatile product. It’s a little harder to work with, but it also has that crucial toughness and wash-ability that you might need, especially if kids or pets are part of the equation.

• High-Gloss - At the top of the glossiness spectrum, high-gloss paint offers incredible durability and a stylish depth and luster. Unfortunately, it also is extremely difficult to work with, requiring an experienced hand and the right tools. Thorough, meticulous surface preparation is also essential. Any imperfections, no matter how slight, will shine right through your beautiful, unforgiving finish.

MATCHING THE RIGHT PAINT SHEEN TO YOUR SURFACE

As you pick your sheen, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

•  What are your stylistic goals?

•  What is the condition of your surface?

•  How do you need your paint to perform? Surfaces like doors and trim often do well with a tougher paint finish, while a powder room might not need that level of strength and wash-ability.

• How comfortable are you with surface prep and repairs? Semi and high-gloss calls for a flawless surface.

TALK TO A PROFESSIONAL HOUSE PAINTER FOR YOUR PAINTING GOALS.

Our best recommendation, especially if you’re dreaming of high-gloss finishes, is to contact your local painter to discuss your goals. And, if you live anywhere in Nigeria, we hope you’ll give us a call at Kingsmen Touches - we’re here to serve you!

CONTACT US TODAY
Tel: 08108147800, 09059694879
Email: kingsmentouches@gmail.com