Choosing A Paint Sheen For Your Project
It would not be an overstatement to say that paint has evolved from something of furnishing to a mainstream form of art. Now, there are, literally, so many colors and shades that you should consult a professional before choosing a color for your house. The development in paint has also changed the way how medium, or a layer on which the paint is applied, should be prepped before painting.
If you are planning on revamping your property with a new paint job, there are so many things that you need to keep in mind. You should have a clear picture of how the end result is going to be.
You have probably gone through color schemes, how both artificial and natural lights will affect the colors you have put on your walls, and how to make all the colors into one whole with a steady and uniform flow. Really, there are a lot of things to consider if you want to make a decision like a professional.
If you are one of those people who have gone through all of these unseeming but important things, you may be missing one of the other significant aspects of a paint job.
A finish, or more precisely, a sheen!
A finish or a sheen is the end result of the paint job and in the index of the surface texture after the paint is applied, or how much light does the surface bounce off of its surface.
Keep on reading this article and you will have practical insights about how you can make calculated decisions that will enhance your living experience by nailing your new paint job.
Why Does It Matter
Again, the paint sheen is the feel of the texture of the wall after a coat of fine paint has been applied to it. It also equates to how much light gets reflected off of this surface because this will decide what shade of color it will give. It is a big factor that you should keep in mind because this changes the perception of color.
In a practical sense, you see a room and you know it is blue, sky blue precisely. But then you see it on a cloudy day with practically no sun at all and it looks like a shade of green to you.
This happens and it is natural. But you need to calibrate your choice of sheen and paint to get the best result.
There are three things that actually come into play when you are planning on applying a new paint coat to a surface:
• Paint Color
• Paint Finish
• Receiving Surface
Of course, personal preference is one of the most influential factors that decide how these three will be carried out. Also, you calculate how much wear and tear the room will experience. The bottom line is this: You will come to know that many surfaces are better to perform under certain circumstances when compared to others.
Types Of Sheens Or Paint Finishes
For those who are new to this, it could be confusing. It is because, for the uninitiated, there are only two surfaces – smooth and rough.
But when you ask a professional, you will come to know that there are several finishes that can be done to the surface before applying the paint. It is as important as choosing the paint color and type because it will be as influential to the end result as the other two things.
In essence, there are many surface finishes types, but we have categorized many to help you understand each one a little better. This way, you will not be overwhelmed by the number of different finishes and surfaces.
Here is the list with a little introduction, but we will explore them in detail in the below lines:
• Flat – this is one of the most common types of surfaces that painters and clients agree on. It looks precise and strong with no gimmicks at all and it offers a smooth look and a cover for surface bumps and imperfections. This is ideal for living rooms, home offices, dining rooms, and dens.
• Gloss – this has the highest sheen percentage when combined with all the other painting elements. It is eye-catching, loud and, contrary to a flat surface, least suitable for rooms. It is perfect for furnishings and other articles that are in the room like doors, cabinets, and trim areas that are usually washed and cleaned often.
• Eggshell – this surface has a smooth, easy-to-wash sheen that could be a great fit in the areas where a “flat” was the champion. Still, it does not take weather conditions and other natural factors well, so you should think twice before applying this surface to the outdoors.
• Satin – this sheen has a pseudo-glossy finish to it. It is bliss to wash and clean without worrying about the paint flaking off. Now, you can use this wherever you want because of its intermediary character, but it goes great in areas that experience a lot of traffic or that needs to be loud and catchy. It includes hallways, playrooms, kids’ bedrooms, and so on.
• Semi-Gloss – as the name suggests, this comes between a full-fledged gloss and satin. This gives a mellow and light feel that it can look to someone as too safe and melancholy. In reality, it is great for kitchens, bathrooms, windows, or a trim.
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