While selecting paint
for a particular room take your time to choose the
paint. The paint that you select is an important
component in creating the final appearance of the
room. A factor that you should carefully consider is
the sheen of the paint. Sheen is the amount of light
reflected off the painted surface or how much the
paint shines ones it is applied.
The sheen of paint determines the appearance,
durability and suitability of the paint. Greater the sheen greater
the enamel value which affects the strength or protective ability
of the paint. As sheen for paint is not standardized, each
manufacturer may call the same sheen by different names. The
different types of sheen are:
Flat paint has a matte finish that does not
reflect light therefore it is good to hide imperfections on
the wall. This paint is normally used for surfaces that has
little wear and tear and does not need scrubbing often. Flat
paint is best for walls that have been painted a number to
times and have been repaired often. Flat paint is ideal for
wall where wallpaper has been peeled off.
Satin paint is often called eggshell, has a
delicate shine much like the luster of the shell of an egg
that is fresh. It last longer than flat paint and more stain
resistant than flat paint. Unlike gloss satin paint too does
not draw attention to flaws on the surface. You can use satin
paint on cabinets, in kid's rooms and baths.
Semi gloss paint has more luster than satin
paint, is easy to clean, as it is more stain resistant than
satin paint. Semi gloss paint is best for rooms that have a
lot of wear and tear and require to be scrubbed often like the
kitchen and baths etc. It can be used on woodwork and cabinets
as well.
Gloss paint is hard, shiny and hides almost
all brush strokes but it draws attention to imperfections on
the surface that it is used. It is the toughest, most
stain-resistant and is the easiest to clean among all the
above-mentioned paints. It can be used for woodwork like
banisters, railings, trims and cabinets.
