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.