Welcome to the first installment of DIY FYI! I decided to create this series to help other DIY-ers who might have questions about portions of a project, or about a particular product, instead of an entire project.
I’m honestly not sure if this post will be taken with a collective shrug from you, fair readers, but since Brian nor I really knew there were options in between super-glossy and flat paint I figured there might also be some like-minded souls who could benefit from this knowledge. Ya know, before you paint your bedroom with the high-gloss paint and wonder why it’s so shiny (likely because Owen was only 1.5 months old and I was severely sleep deprived, and that was the only option my foggy brain could scramble together while stumbling through the paint section at Lowe's).
So, in the interest of potentially helping at least one of you avoid my mistake, without further ado here are the different types of latex paints and when and where they should be used in your home.
Flat
This type does not have any type of gloss whatsoever. It’s just like the namesake says – it’s flat. Like the Earth used to be before Galileo told us otherwise.
This type does not have any type of gloss whatsoever. It’s just like the namesake says – it’s flat. Like the Earth used to be before Galileo told us otherwise.
Where it should be used: In a room where it won’t easily be scuffed up, since it is difficult to clean properly. Typically this finish is used in more formal areas like dining rooms and living rooms, or on ceilings. If you have children, to play it safe just don’t use it. Period.
Matte
This is a more durable paint that has the same look and texture as flat but is slightly easier to clean. However, if you’re looking to it to hold up to heavy use and more intense scrubbing, this isn’t the paint for you.
Where it should be used: Again, in more formal areas that don’t have a lot of use or things that rub up against the wall. If you have younger kids, I'd stray away from using this finish unless it's on the ceiling.
Eggshell
When I first heard this one, I thought it was a color. Turns out it’s also a finish, which confused me (heck, it STILL does!!). Is it that it feels like an eggshell once it’s up on the wall? Like, it’s slightly shiny? Help me out here people.
Where it should be used: Bedrooms and living areas would be the best places for this finish. However, since it is not as easy to clean as other finishes I wouldn't suggest using it in an area frequented by younger children.
Satin
I later discovered this (or Eggshell) was the finish I should have used in our bedroom. I will atone for my mistake by using it in our upcoming office revamp. This one has a smooth, velvet-type finish that isn't too glossy nor too flat, and is fairly easy to clean. It's essentially the Goldilocks of paint finishes, unless you're looking to paint a bathroom or a kitchen.
Where it should be used: Pretty much anywhere in the house, but bedrooms and living areas are the best natural fit. Though this finish is easier to clean, and others say it would be fine for kitchens and bathrooms, I wouldn't recommend it if you're an avid cook/baker and/or have small children prone to messes.
Semi-Gloss
This was the one I used for pretty much every room in our home, which in hindsight probably wasn't the best idea. It gives a glossy, smooth finish that can be a bit too shiny for certain areas of the home (like living areas and bedrooms). This is what I get for choosing a finish on four hours of sleep....
Where it should be used: Since it is easy to clean but not too glossy, I'd recommend this finish be used in kitchens and bathrooms, particularly if you have young children and are a bit messy in the kitchen (looking at you, Brian!).
Gloss
This one is out of control shiny. As in, you can almost see your reflection when it's dry. It's definitely on the tad-too-much side, which is great if you're into that type of thing.
Where it should be used: Yeah, um...I wouldn't recommend using it on walls, period, unless of course you want them to look like they're sweating profusely. However, if you're feeling bold you can use it for a more dramatic look on trim and cabinets.
Anyone have any paint finish success/fail stories to share?
Disclaimer: This post used information obtained from the following source material: http://interiordec.about.com/od/interiorpainting/a/diy_paintfinish.htm
Satin
I later discovered this (or Eggshell) was the finish I should have used in our bedroom. I will atone for my mistake by using it in our upcoming office revamp. This one has a smooth, velvet-type finish that isn't too glossy nor too flat, and is fairly easy to clean. It's essentially the Goldilocks of paint finishes, unless you're looking to paint a bathroom or a kitchen.
Where it should be used: Pretty much anywhere in the house, but bedrooms and living areas are the best natural fit. Though this finish is easier to clean, and others say it would be fine for kitchens and bathrooms, I wouldn't recommend it if you're an avid cook/baker and/or have small children prone to messes.
Semi-Gloss
This was the one I used for pretty much every room in our home, which in hindsight probably wasn't the best idea. It gives a glossy, smooth finish that can be a bit too shiny for certain areas of the home (like living areas and bedrooms). This is what I get for choosing a finish on four hours of sleep....
Where it should be used: Since it is easy to clean but not too glossy, I'd recommend this finish be used in kitchens and bathrooms, particularly if you have young children and are a bit messy in the kitchen (looking at you, Brian!).
Gloss
This one is out of control shiny. As in, you can almost see your reflection when it's dry. It's definitely on the tad-too-much side, which is great if you're into that type of thing.
Where it should be used: Yeah, um...I wouldn't recommend using it on walls, period, unless of course you want them to look like they're sweating profusely. However, if you're feeling bold you can use it for a more dramatic look on trim and cabinets.
Anyone have any paint finish success/fail stories to share?
Disclaimer: This post used information obtained from the following source material: http://interiordec.about.com/od/interiorpainting/a/diy_paintfinish.htm
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