FLAT
Flat paint is the most forgiving paint and a good rule of thumb is the higher the sheen the harder it is to hide surface defects. This makes flat paint a better choice for older homes or flawed walls and ceilings. Why is this so? Well, put simply flat paint reflects minimal light. This makes flat paint a good option for darker colour selections – minimal light helps to bring out the true depth of colour. Flat paint is not so easy to clean and is quite porous making it the least desirable option for kitchen, kids bedrooms, play areas and bathrooms but perfect for ceilings, accent walls and low traffic rooms.
Image from Pinterest
SHEEN
With it’s combined properties low sheen paint is the most commonly used paint type and in modern homes you will find it used on all walls, architraves and ceiling surfaces. It shares attributes of both gloss and flat paint making it easier to clean like a gloss paint but can hide imperfections like a flat – unless it is facing direct light – so good preparation and application is very important still! Low sheen works well on exteriors as well as interior surfaces and it has a matte look when facing directly onto the surface but a low-sheen at other angles. Great for living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms.
Image from: http://www.bycolours.co.uk/white
SEMI-GLOSS & GLOSS
Gloss paint has been widely used skirtings and architraves for many years and although modern homes are heading towards sheen for all surfaces now gloss paint on architraves will always be a classic look. Gloss is easy to clean, it is durable, it is less porous and moisture resistant. Gloss is light reflecting and will show imperfections and surface defects making preparation and application a high priority for this type of selection for your walls but can be well worth the effort! Semi-gloss & gloss are perfect for high traffic and wet areas like kitchens, laundry, hallways and bathrooms.
Image courtesy of: http://www.wsj.com PHOTO: THOMAS LOOF/TRUNK ARCHIVE; TODD ROMANO
Need help selecting your colours? Contact us for your personalised colour palette with samples (sent via post) and yes, email consults are available! e:cristyobrien79@me.com
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***Samples only available to Australian residents***
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