So you’ve chosen the perfect colour scheme for your home but have no idea where to start when it comes to choosing the correct paint finishes. The number of options available can be overwhelming, but considering the type of room or surface that you are painting will help determine the most appropriate paint finish.
Read on to learn the differences between paint finishes and the areas in the home which they are most suited.
Water-based, Oil-based or Waterborne Enamel?
Water-based paints are easy to clean up and are a better choice for both your health and the environment. Acrylic paints are not for use on windows or doors but are best suited to walls and ceilings. However, waterborne enamels can be used is most places.
Oil-based paints are extremely durable (except on exteriors) and give a brilliantly smooth and shiny finish. Mainly used on trims, windows and doors.
Water-based paints facts: | Oil-Based paints facts: |
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Waterborne Enamels:
Waterborne enamels provide the longevity and durability of the oil paints but have all the pro’s of using water based paint…such as the easier clean-up, faster dry times, lower fumes and VOC’s and will also keep it’s colour. They can be used on walls and ceilings as well as trims, windows and doors.
Which sheen level?
Flat or Matte
Completely flat with no sheen. They do not reflect light so work extremely well in hiding any imperfections on walls. Flat paint makes darker colours look amazing and is also a perfect choice for ceilings or areas where there is very little traffic area.
Flat finishes have a micro rough texture that is prone to scuffs and marks and may trap dirt and make cleaning more difficult than higher sheen paints. They are not a good choice for main living areas, kids bedrooms or hallways.
Eggshell or Satin
If you are wanting a look similar to a flat finish but need more washability, then eggshell or satin are a good choice. They have a very slight sheen and are easier to clean than a flat finish, but are still better suited to lower traffic areas. Not for use on skirtings, doors or windows.
Low Sheen
Low sheen paints are the most popular finish because they are easy to clean and are more durable than the flatter finishes. The slight sheen level can highlight any surface imperfections but are an ideal choice for walls in high traffic areas.
Semi Gloss
Semi-gloss paint has a fairly glossy appearance that is not as shiny or reflective as high gloss paint. It is most often used on doors, windows, trims and skirting boards as it offers good stain resistance and can withstand frequent cleaning. Not the best paint choice for walls as the reflective nature will highlight imperfections.
Gloss or High Gloss
Gloss or high gloss finishes have a highly reflective smooth surface which makes them the easiest to clean but also means they bring out the slightest of imperfections. Like semi-gloss, they are hard-wearing and mainly used on windows, doors, architraves etc.
Now that you have the perfect colour scheme and the correct paint finishes for your space, maybe you need some guidance on which lighting to choose? Click here for some tips.
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