Don’t Forget this Important Step: Selecting a Paint Finish

Selecting the right finish for your room can solidify its elegance and professionalism.

Turn on the TV and watch a black and white movie. It’s nostalgic, but the addition of color definitely livens up the story. Repainting your home can be one of the quickest, most inexpensive ways to give your home a refreshing makeover. A fresh paint job can not only modernize your home, but bring new vivacity as well.

Before beginning any painting project, proper preparation of the walls is very important. Completely strip any wallpaper and thoroughly clean the wall, repair any holes or cracks, and apply a primer if necessary.

Choosing the right paint can be difficult, especially if you are working with old walls or small spaces. An understanding of the different finishes available may help ease your decision. The descriptions below help outline your choices.

• Faux - A faux finish is achieved by applying a base paint, then sponging on a glaze color. This creates a unique blend of colors and adds a subtle design.
  
• Texture - Available in texture paints, additives to paint, or roller covers, texture paints are great design tools. Add texture to a smooth wall, or use it to cover blemishes. Available in sandwash, Venetian plaster, or a popcorn finish.
  
• Matte - Typically used on interior walls, a matte surface is a flat finish. Flat and matte finishes tend to absorb light instead of reflecting light, so it is useful in disguising imperfections. Available in all colors, it is preferred in family rooms or bedrooms.
  
• Eggshell - Still a matte finish, an eggshell enamel has a slight sheen and holds up better. Not recommended for kitchens or bathrooms.
  
• Satin - A smooth paint, but not as bright as semi-gloss, a satin finish is ideal for kitchens, baths, or kids rooms as it is durable, easy to clean, and maintains a satiny smooth appearance. A satin finish can also be used on trims, moldings, or even ceilings.
  
• Semi-gloss – This is a shiny finish that is ideal for trims and doors. It’s easy to clean but tends to highlight imperfections, so be sure to prepare your surface carefully by filling holes and cracks.

There are so many options to choose from in finishes, colors, and painting techniques. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination. Contact one of our certified painting contractors today and receive a free estimate for your painting project.

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