Welcome Back!! Today we’ll explore HOW different paint finishes can “make or break” your next DIY paint project. Not only is color important when you start your next project, but deciding on which paint finish is equally as important …

Keep in mind that the wrong choice could mean a do-over and that equates to double the cost and double the labor. There’s a basic rule of thumb to follow when choosing a paint finish or sheen: the higher the sheen, the higher the shine – and the higher the shine, the more durable it will be. Flat paint has no shine. High-gloss is all shine. Somewhere in between are eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss. BTW – I have painted “many a room” over the years and MY FAV paint finish for interior walls is definitely egg-shell.

Here’s how to choose the right paint sheen for your DIY painting job.

• High Gloss – This highly durable finish is the most durable and easiest to clean of all paint sheens. High-gloss paint is hard, ultra-shiny, and light-reflecting. It is a good choice for kitchen/bath cabinets, trim molding and doors. High-gloss, however, is too much shine for interior walls as it shows every imperfection.
• Semi-Gloss – This finish is also highly durable and is great on walls where moisture, drips, and grease-stain challenges might occur, like kitchens and bathrooms. Also great for trim work that takes a lot of abuse.
• Satin – This sheen, which is also highly durable, has a velvety luster. It’s easy to clean, making it excellent for high-traffic areas like foyers, hallways and kid’s bedrooms. Its biggest shortcoming is it reveals application flaws, such as roller or brush strokes. Touch-ups can be tricky.
• Eggshell – This finish falls somewhere between satin and flat on a sheen scale and offers medium durability. Its named so because it’s essentially a flat (no-shine) finish with little luster, just like a chicken’s egg. This paint finish covers wall imperfections well and is a great choice for gathering spaces that don’t get a lot of bumps and scuffs, like living rooms and dining rooms.
• Flat or Matte – This finish is a “friend” to walls that have something to hide, as it absorbs light, rather than reflecting it. It offers the most pigment and will provide the most coverage, which translates to time and money savings. However, it’s tough to clean without scrubbing the paint off due to its medium to low durability. The best rooms for flat or matte paint are adults bedrooms and other interior rooms that won’t be roughed up by kids.

We hope you found this post to be helpful, informative and interesting … On June 1st, watch for PART 3 of our Series – 7 PRO Secrets for Your Next DIY Interior Paint Project!

In need of a good painter or craftsman? Be sure to visit www.homesinthesunteam.com/trusted-vendors for our recommendations.

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