How to Select the Perfect Paint and Finish
In this time of “sheltering-in-place” more and more people are attempting those long overdue paint projects! According to one local paint retailer this is his best month for paint sales in a long time. Before you dip that brush into your next gallon, take a moment to consider these tips on how to choose the right paint and finish.
Colors will vary with different finish options. Photo by rhondak-native-florida-folk-artist on Unsplash
What Type of Paint Should I Select?
Paint comes in a variety of sheens as well as in either oil or latex. Latex paint is the most commonly and preferred paint type to use because of its ease of clean up and long lasting durability. It also tends to be more fade resistant and breathes better than oil, resulting in less blistering of the paint.
Another reason latex is usually preferred to oil base paints is because of the smell and Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs) which off-gas during the drying period. Most major paint manufacturers have addressed this problem by providing LOW-VOC or NO-VOC Latex paints, but they have not solved this problem as readily with oil bases paints.
However, there are times when oil based paint is the right choice; for instance it’s great for priming real wood moldings and trim as it tends to seal stains and knots from the wood better than a latex paint wood. Also, I often specify oil based paints if I am suggesting a client paint a hand rail or newel post as the finish is extremely durable. (It does take longer to dry than a latex paint though, so plan for more drying time.)
The right paint finish is just as important as finding the right color! Photo by shannon fields on Reshot
Which Sheen Should I Select?
The old rule of thumb for paint finishes was the glossier the paint - the easier it is to clean marks off. But, nowadays my favorite paint finish is a washable matte finish. I prefer this minimal sheen because my years of experience has shown me that the less sheen to a wall surface the less reflected light which will change the appearance of a paint color.
Exterior paint finishes require greater UV protection. Photo by Jessica Kaplan on Reshot
These washable matte finishes really offer the best of both worlds in that you can wash off smudges and scuff marks and get stable color. But if you have small children and the room you are painting has high traffic, like in a playroom, or a stairwell, opt for an eggshell or satin sheen as you can easily wipe the wall down with a damp sponge.
The other important qualifier of which paint finish to select is how good your wall surfaces are as the higher the gloss the more likely you will see blemishes and nail pops in your wall surfaces because the light reflects off these imperfections. So for older homes, like mine that have plaster walls, the washable matte finish is a great option!
Curious to learn more? Take my quiz on color and lighting to see how much the color of the lighting you select will affect the paint colors in your space. Sign up for my monthly tips and newsletter and you’ll receive my HOW-to-DECIDE GUIDE for help selecting paint colors based on the lighting in your home. TAKE MY QUIZ!
It all comes down to planning. Do your homework and consider asking the advice of a professional, especially during a larger renovation such as a kitchen, bath, or addition. It’s true, the list is seemingly endless. But the important thing is to take the time to consider lighting first, as it is a critical part of a great interior design!
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