Choosing The Right Paint Finish For Your Project

Painting is one of the most overlooked aspects of home improvement. To many people, it's a do-it-yourself project that involves little more than choosing a color and slathering on the paint.

But the wrong paint or finish can make even the best job look bad — and possibly fail prematurely. And the right product will not only look good but also last longer, which means you'll save money in the long run.

The type of finish you choose will depend on what your painting and where. The more wear and tear a surface receives, the more durable a finish you'll need to use. How often you plan to clean the surface is also important, because certain finishes are harder to clean than others. In a bathroom, for example, you may want satin or semigloss rather than flat paint so you can easily wipe it down.

There are 4 basic sheen levels: flat, matte, satin and gloss. (There are others, but these are the basic ones)

Flat

Flat paints have a low luster and tend to be easy to touch up without leaving visible marks. They're often used for ceilings and walls in good condition that don't need to be washed very often. Because of the low luster, however, they are prone to showing imperfections in surfaces like walls and ceilings. They also tend to be less durable than other finishes, so if you use them on areas where they will be frequently touched or washed, they might start to look worn

Matte

Matte paints are also good for ceilings because they're not highly reflective. This absorbs light and hides imperfections from previous repairs or marks from ceiling fans. Flat paints are also good for low-traffic areas such as dining rooms and formal living rooms because they don't clean or wear well. They should never be used in kitchens or bathrooms because stains tend to show through and they're difficult to clean.

Satin

Satin or low-lustre paints are easier to clean than flat paints and hide imperfections better because they reflect more light than flat paints. This finish has a slight gloss, so it's good for hiding blemishes in woodwork and cabinets. Satin makes a good choice for trim, kitchens and bathrooms because of its durability.

Gloss

Gloss paints are the shiniest paints on the market and, therefore, they reflect the most amount of light.Semi-gloss paint creates a shiny finish with lots of sheen. It's ideal for bathrooms and kitchens because it stands up well to scrubbing, resists moisture and is easy to keep clean.

Semi-gloss paint is also great for trim work because its smooth finish makes it easy to clean dust off of baseboards and moldings. Semi-gloss paint is also an excellent choice for cabinetry and furniture

High-gloss paint has a lot of sheen, which makes it very reflective. It's often used on doors, windows, trim and moldings because these areas get a lot ofTakeaway: If you follow these 6 steps I've outlined, you can choose a paint finish that will be perfect for your project!

It's easy to get overwhelmed by all the options available, but a little research and thought can make your painting experience an enjoyable one. You'll be glad you took the time to choose the right finish for your walls — and you may even find that sometimes knowing when not to use paint is just as important as knowing when to use it.

Keep an eye out for other tips and helpful info!

-Crystal