When it comes to painting projects, the right choice of gloss can make or break the success of the job. From flat paint with no gloss to high gloss, there are a variety of sheens available for interior and exterior surfaces. To help you make the best decision for your home, this guide will provide an overview of paint gloss and tips on how to choose the right finish for your next painting project. The easiest way to think about the brightness of interior finishes is to go from brightest to flat, from bottom to top (except for ceiling moldings, which are painted the same as base molding).
Primers are also important when painting interior or exterior surfaces, as they seal porous surfaces and prevent previous stains and colors from appearing under the paint. For optimal results, choose a better quality paint that your Mission Painting team recommends. When it comes to choosing paint colors for your home, it's important to consider the differences between each sheen. We recommend using Samplize to get a good understanding of what a painting will look like on the wall (without having to paint several samples).
As you may have learned in the project How Light Affects the Color of Paint, the effect of light bouncing off the wall surface can change the perception of color. SW Cashmere paint has a pearlescent finish, which is brighter than satin and less shiny than semi-gloss. For more information on how to choose the right finish for your next outdoor painting project, take a look at these recommendations:
- Flat paint has no gloss and is best used on ceilings and walls that don't need frequent cleaning.
- Eggshell is a low-luster finish that is easy to clean and is best used on walls in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
- Satin is a medium-luster finish that is also easy to clean and is best used on walls in bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-traffic areas.
- Semi-gloss is a high-luster finish that is very easy to clean and is best used on trim, doors, cabinets, and other surfaces that need frequent cleaning.
