Edmonton Home Repairs: Different Paint Finish Options

Painting may seem like a job you can handle yourself and save some money, but it may be more complicated than you expect. When you hire painting services in Edmonton, you learn that it is not only the colour of the paint that is important but the finish. The paint finish refers to how much light it reflects when it dries and its texture on the wall. It can hide or accentuate imperfections, affect the way you perceive the colour, and make cleaning easier or more difficult. The finish has at least as much impact on the effect that the paint has on the room as the colour, perhaps even more. Therefore, you should understand the different finishes before you commit to the paint job.

1. Gloss

Gloss is the most reflective paint finish, so much so that it is rarely used on walls as it would be overwhelming in most spaces. Instead, it is used on the trim or on doors. In addition to being highly reflective, gloss paint resists stains, so it is easy to clean. Gloss paint reveals imperfections in whatever it applies to and requires more coats to apply.

2. Semi-Gloss

While semi-gloss makes a room look slightly shiny, it is less reflective than gloss. This makes it more appropriate than gloss to use on the walls of the room rather than just the trim, though it can be used on either. Semi-gloss paint is resistant to moisture and so is good to use in bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-humidity areas. Semi-gloss paint in a light tone, such as cream or white, helps to brighten up a dark room. However, like gloss paint, semi-gloss reveals more imperfections.

3. Satin

Satin finish paint is approximately the midpoint between glossy finishes that reflect a lot of light and matte finishes that reflect almost none. This makes it appropriate for any room in the house, and thus, it is the finish most commonly used. Despite reflecting less light than gloss and semi-gloss finishes, the satin finish is almost as easy to clean. This makes it good for areas such as kids’ bedrooms or hallways that see a lot of traffic.

4. Eggshell

Eggshell sounds like it could also be a paint colour, so don’t get the two confused. Like its namesake material, an eggshell finish has a soft look that reflects a small amount of light. It disguises imperfections more effectively than glossier finishes but is easier to clean than flat paint. An eggshell finish shouldn’t be used in kitchens or bathrooms because of its low resistance to humidity but it can go in almost any other room of the house.

5. Flat

Flat paint is also known as a matte finish. It is the least reflective of all the finishes, which offers certain advantages. You need fewer coats of paint to apply a flat finish than one that has a higher sheen. It is also effective at covering up any imperfections in the walls, giving them a more uniformly smooth appearance. Because it does not reflect much light, it can help a space to feel darker and cozier, depending on the colour that you choose. The main disadvantages of flat paint are that it does not resist moisture and it is difficult to keep clean. This makes it an inappropriate choice for the kitchen but it might be a good choice for rooms where less light reflection is desired, such as bedrooms, offices, and living rooms. Some people prefer less reflection in dining rooms as well, but if you see a lot of traffic or you have young children, you might want to think about an eggshell or satin finish rather than flat paint.

Choose Handyman Connection for Painting Services in Edmonton

Our professional painters start the process by discussing your vision and understanding what you want so we can bring it to fruition. We handle all the steps in the process, from prep to clean up. Contact us today for an estimate.