What shine of paint should I use on my walls?

In addition to selecting a color for your walls, you must also decide the sheen (the amount of shine) you want in the paint finish. Higher sheens reflect light and can brighten a room, whereas flat or matte sheens absorb light. Generally, the higher the sheen, the more durable, cleanable and water-resistant the paint will be. However, with high-gloss sheens there are two main issues to consider:

• A high-gloss sheen will magnify imperfections.
• Higher-gloss sheens are harder to touch up if damage occurs.

Higher quality paints, even in lower sheens, will be more durable and resistant to scrubbing than lower quality paints. Therefore, if you buy a high-quality paint, it may not be necessary to use as high of a sheen as might otherwise be required.

These are the other sheens and their typical characteristics:

• Flat – The lowest sheen is very easy to touch up so you can pretty easily mask imperfections. It is good for most areas except Kitchen and Baths.
• Matte – One step up from the Flat allows for added durability with some degree of touch up ability. Good for most areas except Kitchen and Baths.
• Eggshell – A very durable finish that is resistant to both fingerprints and water vapor, but difficult to touch up. It can work for all areas including Kitchen and Baths.
• Satin – An extremely durable finish that could be used in any type room, but virtually impossible to touch up.
• Semi-Gloss – Typically used on trim, but can be used in rooms where ultimate scrub-ability is the only goal.
• Gloss (or high-gloss) – Typically only used on trim.

People tend to use a Satin finish in Living-rooms and Hallways, Semi-gloss in Kitchens and Baths, and Satin or Eggshell in Dining-rooms.

If you have more questions or would like to set up a consultation, give Chism Brothers a call at 858-454-3850.