Sunday, March 2, 2008

What Sheen Level of Paint Should I Use?

Explanation of paint sheen
Are you confused about which paint sheen level to use in which room, or which will be the most durable for your project? This guide will show you the advantages and disadvantages of paint sheen along with what sheen to use in which room.

Flat - A matte finish that provides a dead flat sheen.

Advantages
Excellent touch-up ability
Provides a dull, soft look
Hides imperfections

Disadvantages
Typically not washable, premium quality flat finishes may have washable characteristics


Eggshell (Velvet) - A very dull finish with a slight angular sheen.

Advantages
Low sheen, yet washable
Looks flat but has an angular sheen
Good touch-up qualities

Disadvantages
Not as washable as paints with higher shine


Satin - An enamel finish with a medium amount of shine.

Advantages
Very washable
Great for trim work and doors
Good for bathroom and utility rooms


Disadvantages
Poor touch-up
Magnifies imperfections on walls

Semi-gloss - A glossy finish used for high-traffic areas.

Advantages
Great wash-ability

Disadvantages
Poor touch-up
Magnifies imperfections more than satin on walls

Full Gloss - The shiniest paint sheen available. Used on products that need superior protection.

Advantages
Great for high-traffic areas
For use in schools, doctors offices
Can be used on floors and counter tops

Disadvantages
Very shiny, not intended for walls

Sheen by room (walls)
Kitchen - Satin or semi-gloss
Dining Room - Flat or eggshell
Bathroom - Satin or semi-gloss
Bedrooms - Flat or eggshell
Hallway - Flat
Basement - Flat or waterproofing paint
Ceilings - Flat
Trim work & doors - Satin

About Author:
Mike R. Smith - Check out http://www.how2instructions.com/ for more How-To articles.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_R_Smith

In Addition:

All paint sheens are available for interior and exterior usage. Generally for exteriors, satin is more commonly used as it is better at repelling water and dirt.

Each manufacturer may have a slightly different translation of sheen, so do check their sheen levels before making a final decision on which to use. Satin, eggshell, pearl, low-luster and matte are additional terms used to describe sheen levels.
Color will have a variation on appearance according to the sheen selected. A higher gloss deep color may be more intense.

Flat paint has better stickiness to the surface while semi-gloss and gloss might have less adherance. Allow for addition amounts of high-luster finishes because of the addition coats needed as opposed to a flat finish.

WallDreams Paint Ideas!
In faux painting techniques, a suggestion is to use a combination of sheens such as stripes of varying sizes and/or flat and satin finishes. Or perhaps a flat wall color with a gloss stencil or stamp.

Many faux painters do not use flat at all - to the extent that it is a faux pas to even mention the word!

When painting murals or many of the faux painting techniques, it is far easier to apply paints to a satin finish base coat than a flat finish that will absorb the paints being used. A satin, eggshell or semi-gloss allows you to push the glaze around as you need to, giving you a bit more time to finesse the technique being applied.

The great news is that your better paint stores now have developed some flat paints that are more washable and durable as well as suitable for some of the faux techniques that you might master.

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