Are you planning to do some painting and would like to know more about the different paint finishes?
Each finish has its own characteristics that should match the theme and concept of the room. Repainting is one of the significant small changes you can make to your room for that newly renovated look.
Yet, there’s more to just painting one wall with any finish you like. You will want to learn about the different types of paint finishes first before running the brush.
Flat
Flat or matt paint is ideal in areas of the house that are not susceptible to dirt and have less traffic. These are living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. This paint is also best used on the ceiling.
Flat paint offers the least Sheen among all types of paint finishes and provides the most coverage, which can easily hide damages and imperfections on the walls. Keep in mind, that harsh cleaning can scuff the surface and change the complexion of the paint.
Eggshell
Like flat paint, the eggshell can also cover imperfections. Compared to the flat paint, it has added protection and is easier to clean. Plus it has a slight sheen and is more elegant-looking than flat paint.
Satin
Satin is another popular finish. It has a bit more sheen than eggshell and is easy to clean. In addition, it has a beautiful velvety texture. The satin finish is perfect for high-traffic areas like bathrooms, kitchens, kid’s rooms, and laundry rooms. Plus, the satin paint can be used on windows, ceilings, doors, trims, and hallways.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-Gloss paints are reflective, durable, and resistant to dirt, like mildew. This type of paint finish is best for areas prone to drips, greases, or moisture, like the bathroom and the kitchen.
Semi-gloss is also perfect for trim painting. With its fine texture, the semi-gloss can show imperfections more than the less shiny paint finishes like the flat, eggshell, and satin.
High-Gloss
The high-gloss paints are the shiniest of all paint finishes. Plus, it’s also easy to clean. This paint is best for trim, doors, and cabinetry. However, it may be too shiny for the walls and if not properly applied, it may show imperfections like dirt on the surface.
In order to avoid mistakes, especially if you are not used to painting, knowing the types of paint can prevent applying the wrong paint in the wrong area.
Here are more DIY painting mistakes that you should avoid:
Painting without cleaning
If you finish painting and notice a hairline protruding in the smooth painted surface or areas that seem ripped or cracked, this is because you painted without cleaning. There are cleaning mixtures for walls that you can use before painting. Wipe the whole surface with a lint-free cloth, to remove any dust particles, hair, or obstruction. For heavily soiled walls, you can also use a vacuum cleaner or cleaning solution.
Painting without covers
Painting without proper preparation would make the work messy. Use drop cloths to cover every piece of furniture and the entire floor. Mask the doorknobs and put tape on the edges for that clean finish. Remember to remove the tape and other coverings only when the paint dries.
Important Note: Standard beige masking tape should be removed within a couple (2) days, so the adhesive doesn’t leave a mark.
Dipping the brush
When painting, dipping your brush just a third of the way will give you enough paint. If you dip it all the way, you will waste a lot of paint. Plus the bristles will get harder to clean when the paint goes deeper in, especially when it dries.
Be sure to clean your brush thoroughly as soon as you are done painting, to avoid dried paint particles in your brush for the next application.
Disorganized painting
Unfortunately, painting is not as simple as running over the brush until you cover the whole area. You need to always start up near the ceiling and paint down to finish. This maneuver will help conserve paint because the drips will be reused once you work your way down.
Not investing in the right tools.
Doing DIY painting projects will not be as fun and easy if you use the wrong tools. You may be saving money by not buying the tools, but the result will not look as good as you’d hope and you might end up doing it over again.
So, invest in quality brushes and rollers to help you get the best surface coverage and conserve paint. It will also help provide you with a lovely-looking smooth finish.
Please visit our Certification pages:
– Google Page for our long list of 5 Star Ratings.
– El Gato Painting Services From our website here
– Reviews for the company Customer testimonials from our website here
This will give you the peace of mind that you have hired trustworthy and reliable professionals.
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