It can be overwhelming to choose paint colors and finishes. It is important to know which finishes to use depending on the purpose and use of the room. We’ll cover high gloss, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell, flat/matte finishes. You’ll learn about some fantastic new tools that will make your painting project much more successful. Wondering about paint color trends? We’ll give you some great suggestions for colors as well!
HIGH GLOSS
High gloss has… you guessed it… a VERY glossy sheen. The glossier, the more stain-resistant, though. This finish has a shiny, sleek look. We rarely use high gloss unless it’s for more modern kitchen cabinets or furniture such as an end table. High gloss finishes are NOT recommended for DIY projects. A high-gloss finish turns out best when it is professionally applied with a sprayer and an oil-based lacquer paint is used.
SEMI GLOSS
Semi-gloss has a sleek sheen to it, but it’s not as shiny as a high-gloss. It is highly durable and keeps out moisture and stains. A semi-gloss finish is great for kitchens or bathrooms, and is my favorite choice for trim and millwork. This sheen also works well for walls that require a lot of cleaning, like kids bathrooms. Just be aware that it does tend to show flaws a little more.
BATHROOM Trending paint color: Antique Jade by Benjamin Moore (seen above)
KITCHEN CABINETS Trending paint color: Naval by Sherwin Williams (seen above in *likely* a semi gloss finish)
SATIN
Satin is another finish that is easy to clean and can help to hide minor flaws. This is a warmer sheen that can provide more dimension than a flat or matte option, as well as higher durability. I would recommended using a satin finish on family rooms, living rooms, foyers, hallways, or interior furniture.
LIVING ROOM Trending paint color: Mindful Gray by Sherwin Williams (seen above).
EGGSHELL
An eggshell finish will provide slightly less gloss than a satin finish. Eggshell is great for medium to low traffic areas, as it is still fairly easy to clean but not quite as durable as glossier finishes. An eggshell sheen is a great choice for family rooms, hallways, and dining rooms. I typically use eggshell finish more than any other paint finish for walls.
DINING ROOM Trending paint color: Stardew by Sherwin Williams
FLAT/MATTE
Flat or matte finishes have low durability and are best in low traffic areas, such as adult bedrooms and dining rooms. If you are not getting near the walls, it’s a great choice that provides a clean look and hides minor flaws. It is also my top choice for high walls that get a lot of sunlight, such as a 2 story foyer or a stairway with lots of windows. It is also an easy paint finish to touch up. If you use flat paint, be sure to go with a good quality paint.
MY TOP 3 PAINT SELECTIONS:
Benjamin Moore – Regal Select interior latex paint
Sherwin Williams – Duration Home or Cashmere interior acrylic latex paint
Hirshfields – Platinum Ceramic interior latex paint
COLORS OF THE YEAR:
Each year, a new Color of the Year is announced by several companies. Here are the Colors of the Year for 2018:
Benjamin Moore – Caliente
Pantone – Ultra Violet
Sherwin Williams – Oceanside
If you are thinking of tackling a painting project but you are nervous about how it will look, try out Sherwin Williams ColorSnap tool! It allows you to upload a photo of your room and then try out different paint colors on it before you pick up a brush. Link to the tool here. Another helpful article to check out is from Pretty Handy Girl. She will tell you all of the best tools for a DIY paint project here.
Of course, you can always call us to help with your paint color selections. We have over 15 years of professional experience in paint colors and we would be happy to help! 🙂
Happy painting!
Amy
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