Mastering the Art of Selecting the Perfect Interior Paint Finish for Every Room
Posted on January 5, 2024
Expert Tips and Guidance to Transform Your Home with the Right Paint Finishes
Choosing the appropriate paint finish for each room in your home is a crucial step in achieving both the desired aesthetic and functionality. Various paint finishes come with distinct characteristics that impact the appearance and durability of the painted surfaces. To make an informed decision, it’s essential to consider each room’s function, its lighting conditions, and the level of foot traffic it experiences. Additionally, consider experimenting with a combination of finishes throughout your home to achieve the perfect blend of style and practicality. Before committing to a full room, always test paint samples in a small area to ensure they meet your expectations in terms of color and finish.
One common concern for homeowners is preventing scuffs and concealing wear and tear. Fortunately, specialty scuff-proof paints are available with the lowest sheen suitable for any room. A highly recommended option is the Benjamin Moore Scuff-X Latex Paint, which is ideal for high-traffic areas such as laundry rooms, gyms, playrooms, stairways, garages, and more.
In the kitchen and dining room, a flat sheen finish remains the preferred choice for decorator paint. Modern flat paints with increased plastic content are much easier to clean than their predecessors.
For bathrooms, opt for a satin finish, which blends well and resists water marks effectively. An accidental splatter of toothpaste, or over-sprayed hair products are more easily removed with a low sheen paint.
Ceilings are best suited for a flat finish, allowing you to save on costs by using more economical paint. Ceiling surfaces are rarely touched by dirty hands, so a low-end flat paint is adequate.
When it comes to trim, a semi-gloss finish is recommended for its durability and fingerprint-hiding properties. For a high-quality semi-gloss finish, consider using an alkyd hybrid paint. This type of paint, which may be labeled “waterborne alkyd”, behaves like acrylic but retains the positive attributes of alkyd (oil-based) paint. Since you generally should not use latex over oil paint, the new hybrids are safe to use over oil or latex paint, and it remains resistant to ambering over time.
For cabinets, choose a low-sheen, non-latex paint for a lasting finish. Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Enamel paint is an excellent option, equipped with hardeners that contribute to a robust finish, making it highly resistant to penetration. Professional spray application by experts like CertaPro Painters® of the CSRA is recommended for optimal results. This paint can also be used for trim but requires professional administration for the best outcome.