Paint Sheen- the basics

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Once you’ve finalized your wall color, please take a moment to consider sheen OR finish.  This is a component that often gets overlooked. Here is the list of your sheen options and their pros/cons:

1.     Flat- This is the sheen I specify the least.  It has no sheen to it which is effective in camouflaging any flaws within the walls (that's why it is a favorite of builders).  The downside is that it does not clean easily.  If your household has children, pets, or generally gets a lot of wear and tear, avoid this finish option except for on ceilings.  When a higher sheen paint is used on the ceiling, it creates distracting light spots.

2.     Eggshell- One step up from flat in sheen, it also helps to hide imperfections in the walls.  As a result, it is slightly easier to clean.  Still not one of my favorites, but it works in households without little hands or paws.

3.     Satin- Increasing in sheen, this finish is cleanable.  It offers a good middle ground. I specify this finish the most. 

4.     Semi-gloss- As the name suggests, it has a semi-glossy finish thus making imperfections in the walls more visible.  I have seen it used in beautiful applications, such as on plaster walls, but it does not work in all instances.  The clean-ability is higher than any of the previously listed finishes.  Consider this or satin for kitchens and bathrooms where the walls need to wiped regularly due to makeup, or food splatters.

5.     Gloss- My go-to application for gloss finish paint is woodwork.  Baseboards, crown molding, any casework such as built-ins within a space get glossy paint on my projects.  The gloss creates a sleek and polished appearance for these elements allowing them to stand out compared to the other components of a space which is typically desired.  The higher gloss increases the clean-ability of this paint finish.

NOTE:

My favorite paint brands are: Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore. Both brands offer an array of paint colors, and I appreciate that they break them up into categories that help you narrow down the colors you should be considering.  Both brands offer large paint swatches on their websites

I appreciate these samples because it keep you from having to paint a 3’x3’ square of paint on your wall.  Instead you simply tape the samples up in a large grouping and live with them for a little while.  If you don’t like the color, take them down and choose another option.  If you do like it, purchase the paint and begin your project.  This is especially helpful if you are planning your project while still wanting to entertain and use your home.  Those 3’x3’ painted squares on your wall look unsightly and are distracting.

PDR is closed for the next couple weeks so we can celebrate the holidays with our families.  We hope you have a wonderful Christmas, and we will see you in the new year!