Right Interior Paint Finish? (2 Costly Sheen Mistakes!)

And let me tell you, I’ve seen it all when it comes to interior paint jobs.

But nothing quite compares to the frustration – and sometimes, the sheer horror – of a homeowner who’s chosen the wrong paint finish.

It’s like wearing flip-flops to a black-tie event. It just doesn’t work!

Choosing the right paint finish isn’t just about aesthetics, folks. It’s about durability, cleanability, and the overall vibe of your space.

Trust me, I’ve witnessed firsthand the costly and heartbreaking results of sheen selection gone wrong.

So, let’s dive into the world of paint sheens and uncover those sneaky mistakes that can turn your dream room into a DIY disaster.

1. Understanding Paint Sheens:

Your Sheen Cheat Sheet

Okay, so what is paint sheen, anyway?

Simply put, it’s the amount of light that reflects off a painted surface.

The more light reflected, the shinier the finish.

And trust me, there’s a whole spectrum of sheens out there, each with its own personality and purpose.

Let’s break down the most common types:

• Flat/Matte: The least reflective of the bunch. It absorbs light, creating a soft, smooth look. Great for hiding imperfections.
• Eggshell: A slight step up in reflectivity. It has a subtle sheen, like – you guessed it – an eggshell. More durable than flat.
• Satin: Offers a velvety sheen. It’s more durable and easier to clean than eggshell.
• Semi-Gloss: Noticeably shinier than satin. It’s highly durable and moisture-resistant.
• Gloss: The shiniest of them all! It’s super durable, easy to clean, and reflects a lot of light.

Here’s a handy table to keep things straight:

Do you want to know where each paint sheen shines in the house?

The texture and reflectivity of each sheen level dictates where it’s best used.

• Flat/Matte: Living rooms, bedrooms, ceilings. Think low-traffic areas where you want to hide blemishes.
• Eggshell: Living rooms, dining rooms, hallways. A good all-around choice.
• Satin: Kitchens, bathrooms, kids’ rooms. Durable enough to handle some wear and tear.
• Semi-Gloss: Kitchens, bathrooms, doors, trim. Resists moisture and is easy to wipe down.
• Gloss: Cabinets, doors, trim. Provides a dramatic look and stands up to heavy use.

2. Costly Mistake #1: Ignoring the

Functionality of Each Sheen Level

This is where things can get dicey.

I’ve seen homeowners get so caught up in color and aesthetics that they completely forget about the practicality of their paint choice.

And believe me, it always comes back to bite them.

Let’s take a look at some common rooms and the sheen levels that are best suited for them:

• Kitchens and Bathrooms: These are high-moisture areas, so you need a paint that can stand up to humidity and frequent cleaning. Semi-gloss or gloss are your best bets. They resist mildew and can be easily wiped down.
• Living Rooms and Bedrooms: These are typically lower-traffic areas, so you can get away with using a less durable finish like flat or eggshell. These sheens create a softer, more inviting atmosphere.

Okay, so what happens if you ignore these guidelines?

Well, let me tell you a story.

I once had a client who insisted on using flat paint in her bathroom because she loved the way it looked.

I tried to warn her, but she wouldn’t listen.

A few months later, she called me in a panic.

The paint was peeling, mildew was growing, and the walls looked like a science experiment gone wrong.

She ended up having to pay me to redo the entire bathroom with a more appropriate finish.

Ouch!

Here’s another example.

I had a client who used gloss paint in her living room because she thought it would be easier to clean.

While it was certainly easy to wipe down, the high-gloss finish reflected so much light that the room looked sterile and unwelcoming.

It was like living in a giant mirror!

She eventually had me repaint the room with a more subtle eggshell finish.

The moral of the story?

Don’t let aesthetics trump functionality.

Choose a paint finish that’s appropriate for the room’s purpose and you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches – and money – down the road.

3. Costly Mistake #2: Assuming All Brands

Are Created Equal

Alright, let’s talk brands.

Now, I’m not going to name names, but I will say that not all paint brands are created equal.

You might think you’re saving money by buying the cheapest paint on the shelf, but trust me, you’ll end up paying for it in the long run.

Cheaper paints often have lower-quality pigments, binders, and resins.

This means they won’t cover as well, they’ll fade faster, and they won’t be as durable.

I’ve seen cheap paints peel, crack, and even change color after just a few months.

It’s like throwing money down the drain!

On the other hand, higher-quality paints may cost more upfront, but they’ll save you money in the long run.

They offer better coverage, better durability, and better color retention.

Plus, they’re often easier to apply, which can save you time and effort.

So, how do you choose a good paint brand?

Well, I always recommend doing your research.

Read online reviews, talk to other homeowners, and ask your local paint store for recommendations.

Look for brands that have a good reputation for quality and performance.

Here’s a quick rundown of some popular paint brands and their reputations:

• Sherwin-Williams: Known for their high-quality paints and wide range of colors.
• Benjamin Moore: Another top-tier brand with excellent color accuracy and durability.
• Behr: A more affordable option that still offers good quality and performance.
• Valspar: A mid-range brand that’s known for its innovative colors and finishes.

Of course, every brand has its pros and cons, so it’s important to do your own research and find the brand that’s right for you.

Here’s something interesting.

According to a Consumer Reports study, Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore consistently rank among the top paint brands for overall satisfaction and performance.

But don’t just take their word for it.

Try out a few different brands and see which one you like best.

4. Importance of Testing and Sampling

Okay, you’ve chosen your sheen and your brand.

But don’t start painting just yet!

There’s one more crucial step: testing and sampling.

I can’t stress this enough: always, always test your paint color and sheen on the actual walls before you commit to painting the entire room.

Why?

Because lighting can have a huge impact on how a paint color and sheen appear.

What looks great in the store can look completely different in your home.

I’ve seen it happen countless times.

Here’s how to properly test paint samples:

1. Buy Sample Pots: Most paint stores sell small sample pots of their paints. These are perfect for testing.
2. Paint a Large Area: Don’t just paint a tiny swatch. Paint a large area (at least 2×2 feet) so you can get a good sense of the color and sheen.
3. Observe in Different Lighting Conditions: Look at the paint sample in natural light, artificial light, and at different times of day. You’ll be surprised at how much the color can change.
4. Live with It for a Few Days: Don’t make a decision right away. Live with the paint sample for a few days and see how you feel about it.

I had a client who was convinced she wanted a particular shade of gray for her living room.

She had seen it in a magazine and fell in love with it.

But when she tested the paint sample on her walls, she realized that it looked completely different in her home.

The gray appeared much darker and cooler than she had expected.

She ended up choosing a lighter, warmer shade of gray that worked much better with her lighting and furniture.

If she hadn’t tested the paint sample, she would have ended up with a living room that she hated.

So, take the time to test and sample your paint before you commit to painting the entire room.

It’s a small investment that can save you a lot of time, money, and heartache.

5. Common Misconceptions About Paint Sheen

Alright, let’s bust some myths!

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about paint sheen.

Let’s set the record straight:

• Myth #1: Higher Gloss Equals Higher Quality: Not necessarily. Gloss paint is more durable and easier to clean, but it’s not always the best choice for every room.
• Myth #2: Flat Paint is Impossible to Clean: While flat paint isn’t as easy to clean as gloss paint, there are now many washable flat paints on the market.
• Myth #3: You Can Use Any Sheen on Any Surface: Nope! Different sheens are designed for different surfaces. Using the wrong sheen can lead to problems like peeling, cracking, and poor adhesion.
• Myth #4: All White Paints Are the Same Sheen: Actually, all paints may look the same sheen but they are slightly different.

I had a client who was convinced that gloss paint was the only way to go.

She thought it was the most durable and easiest to clean.

But when I explained to her that gloss paint can also highlight imperfections and create a harsh glare, she started to reconsider her decision.

She eventually opted for a satin finish in her living room and was much happier with the results.

So, don’t fall for these common misconceptions.

Do your research, talk to a professional, and choose the sheen that’s right for your specific needs.

6. Impact of Color Choices on Sheen Selection

Did you know that color can actually influence how we perceive sheen? It’s true!

Lighter colors tend to make sheens appear more pronounced, while darker colors can make them seem more subtle.

For example, a light gray paint in a semi-gloss finish will look much shinier than a dark navy paint in the same finish.

And the psychological impact of color and sheen combinations is real.

Warm colors like reds and yellows can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, while cool colors like blues and greens can create a calming, relaxing vibe.

When you combine these colors with different sheens, you can create a wide range of effects.

A warm color in a flat finish will feel soft and inviting, while a cool color in a gloss finish will feel modern and sophisticated.

I always advise my clients to consider the overall mood they want to create in a room when choosing their color and sheen.

If you want a cozy, inviting living room, opt for warm colors in a flat or eggshell finish.

If you want a modern, sophisticated kitchen, go for cool colors in a semi-gloss or gloss finish.

The possibilities are endless!

7. Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it, folks!

We’ve covered the two major costly sheen mistakes that can turn your dream room into a DIY disaster.

Let’s recap:

• Mistake #1: Ignoring the Functionality of Each Sheen Level: Choose a sheen that’s appropriate for the room’s purpose.
• Mistake #2: Assuming All Brands Are Created Equal: Do your research and choose a high-quality paint brand.

Remember, choosing the right paint finish is about more than just aesthetics.

It’s about durability, cleanability, and the overall atmosphere of your space.

So, approach your paint finish decisions with care and consideration.

Don’t rush into anything.

Take the time to do your research, test your samples, and talk to a professional if you need help.

And most importantly, have fun with it!

Painting your home should be an enjoyable experience.

With a little knowledge and planning, you can achieve your desired interior aesthetics and create a space that you’ll love for years to come.

Happy painting!

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