How to Choose the Perfect Paint Finish for Your Home

Selecting the ideal color for your home is the part that determines the vibes of your space. However, the most important decision is often overlooked till the last moment, which is the paint finish. It affects the final appearance of the color, as well as the washability, durability, and overall lifespan of your paint job.

There are several paint finish options, and every sheen is designed as per its results. Some are rich, while some are glossy, providing an elevated level of beauty.

At Windsor Painting Company, our professionals understand that selecting the right finish is crucial for delivering a genuinely professional, high-quality finish that will preserve your investment.

Paint Sheen – Reflection and Duration: The Science Behind It:

It's essential to know what paint sheen is before exploring different finishes. Paint sheen is the degree of reflection of light that the surface of dried paint has. The reflective nature is based on the proportion of binders, resins, and pigments.

Strategic Selection: Matching Finish to Function:

Prioritizing Traffic and Use:

Kitchens and Bathrooms: These spaces are the most important areas to be washable. Kitchen walls must employ Satin or, at least, a high-quality Eggshell. Bathroom walls need to employ Satin to resist steam and condensation. Both rooms' cabinets need Semi-Gloss or a specialty hard Satin for scrubbing grease and residue.

Dealing with Imperfections:

The principle is straightforward: The older the house, the lower the sheen. Flat or Eggshell is the absolute best choice to cover waves and imperfections. If you have to employ a greater sheen in a bathroom in an old house, it is a good idea to spend money on pre-painting skim coating or extensive preparation to even out the walls beforehand.

The Visual Contrast Strategy:

An habitual, professional design technique is to enhance the difference between the trim and the walls, which causes the trim to seem lighter and whiter, no matter what the color is.

Walls: Eggshell.

Trim, Doors, and Moldings: Semi-Gloss.

Ceilings: Flat.

Common Pitfalls and Professional Advice:

Don't Mix Finishes on the Same Surface:

Never try to touch up a Satin finish with Eggshell, or the reverse. Though the colors may be the same, the disparity in light reflection will make the touched-up area "flash" and stand out prominently. Always label distinctly a can of the same finish used on each room for eventual touch-ups.

Don't Use Exterior Paint Inside:

This is a safety-based, critical error. While exterior paint may offer better durability, it often contains fungicides and chemicals designed to combat mold and mildew outside.

Conclusion:

The selection of an ideal paint finish is a technical choice that seeks to balance form with function. However, with the professional help from Windsor Painting Company, the decision becomes easy and lasting.

Contact us now for a durable, expertly finished interior that will last for years.