Choosing the Right Paint

In our earlier review of wall finishes, we discussed the different applications of wallpaper, paint and faux painting. Each of these types of finishes help to create a different look and feel of your home and office space, but this can be further broken down when it comes to paint finishes. The options to create the right look vary in their flat or glossy appearance. These different types of paint are also important to consider when it comes to deciding how much wear and tear the wall surface will be exposed to, which requires different levels of cleaning and durability.

Flat and Satin Paints

When selecting paint you will see different grades: flat, satin, semi-gloss and glossy. Flat paints are the most common, but may not always be the best choice for high-traffic areas. The matte finish of this paint absorbs, rather than reflects, light. Muted in appearance, this can be a great option for walls that have recently been stripped of wallpaper or have minor defects, as the imperfections will not be as obvious. The downside of this is that flat paint has the shortest lifespan of all the paint types due to its reduced durability. This may not be the best choice for walls that require regular cleaning. A good middle-ground for high-traffic area walls with imperfections is satin paint; while it does absorb some light, it still has matte characteristics (the shininess of an eggshell is a common comparison to satin paint). The amount of protection and durability here is not as great as semi-gloss or glossy paints, but is a large improvement on flat paint; this is the most common type of wall paint seen in coffee shops and restaurants.

Semi-Gloss and Gloss Paints

A popular option when you want to make your walls pop out and add character to a space, semi-gloss and gloss offer great protection and durability. The longest-lasting of all the paint types, it can easily be cleaned and scrubbed without damage. Conversely, the downside of these two paint types is that they expose wall or wood imperfections; this is due to the abundant amount of light absorbed by the glossy nature of the finishes. When choosing between these options, be sure to consider how the space will be used and the exposure of the walls to needs for frequent cleaning. If you are unsure, Apex National Decorators is a great resource for ensuring your design is well-suited to your environment and is lasting. Give us a call!