Basics About Paint
Many different kinds of interior paint can be found in the market today and they are distinguished by how they dry and react to light.
Basic Paint Information
Interior Flat or Matte finish refers to Latex Paint – this type of paint has no real gloss or sheen to it, instead of reflecting light it absorbs it. A very forgiving paint that is easy to apply, quick to clean and they hide all of a surface’s imperfections as well brush or roller marks (the perfect choice for any amateur painter). Matte Finish paints are ideal for areas in the home that do not require frequent cleaning or are exposed to high humidity for they will absorb moisture and the paint will discolor overtime.
Some painters will apply eggshell paint finish which is similar to a matte finish but has a little bit of a gloss or sheen to it. Eggshell paint finishes are many a time interchangeable with matte paint finishes that have a little bit of a sheen to them as with the Canvas Home Basics Line of Paint.
The next glossiest paint is called a Satin Finish paint which again another step towards the range limit between Matte Finish and Semi-High Gloss Finish paint. Designer will not recommend anything higher than this satin paint finish for any room except potentially a Kitchen or Bathroom. This paint is not shiny but does have a bit of a smooth gloss to it and they do not hide imperfections in surfaces or application as well as the matter of egg shell paint finishes.
Semi-gloss and high-gloss paint finishes are the other extreme to the matte finish paint. They reflect light instead of absorbing it and show many of a surfaces imperfections. These paints are used in the higher traffic areas and surfaces that require constant washing. These types of paints are usually chosen for trim, furniture and cabinets as well as potentially bathrooms and kitchen.
Choosing the right interior paint finish is the easy part it’s the colors that are usually the most difficult because there are so many colors to choose from and the majority of us do not really know if certain colors are going to mix and match well without having seen in applied in the past.
What are the differences between flat or matte finish paints and the semi-gloss or higher sheen paints?
- Paints with flat or matte finish do not have any shine to them so they are able to hide small imperfections on the walls. Traditional matte finish paints are not stain resistant, however, the Canvas Home Basics line of paint has designed their interior matte finished pre-mixed paints to be stain resistant.
- Matte finish paints give a softer more consistent color look by absorbing and reflecting light evenly where higher sheen trim paints are brighter, smoother and shinier.
- Matte finish paints are easier to apply and the preparation of the wall surfaces require little to no time or effort. Higher sheen paints are more moisture resistant than matte finished paints but to re-apply paint on to a higher sheen surface will
- Matte Finished Paints are less washable and less moisture resistant than higher sheen finishes, so for areas that are exposed to higher humidity levels or on surfaces that are washed frequently the trim paints would be recommended.
- Traditional matte finished paints do not have the dirt pick-up features that higher sheen paints have, however, with the Canvas Home Basics line of matte finished paints and its dirt pick-up properties, washing this paint is made possible, making it easy to keep the wall and surfaces clean.
- Matte finish paints are easy to paint over and touch up, however touching up higher sheen paints show every imperfection even the thicker coat of paint caused by a touch up would raise the surface of the paint film where the touch up is done.
What are the differences between latex (matte finish) and oil based paint (typically semi-gloss to high gloss paints)?
- Latex paints are more environmentally friendly and easier to wash and clean then the oil based paints available on the market.
- Latex paints are water based so they are non-toxic and ideal for interior areas where air circulation is limited. Latex paints are also less odorless.
- Latex paints clean up with soap and water, oil based paints require toxic and flammable solvents to clean up and are environmentally harmful.
- Latex paints dry much faster, and can be recoated sooner
- Latex paints hold up to UV exposed areas better – areas with bright lights or sunshine for they absorb the light better.
- Latex paints tend to hold up better in the long term where semi-gloss or higher sheen paints can yellow over time.
- Latex paint films are more forgiving and have less chance of bubbling if painted over a surface that is damp or not properly prepared.
How should you apply the paint?
How you apply the paint is almost as important as which paint you use. Rule of thumb is for the bigger wall surfaces use a roller and for the small hard to get to areas use a brush.
For the amateur painter a roller is much easier and quicker to use but make sure to use a good quality brush for the smaller areas. They hold more paint and you won’t lose the brush bristles on the wall. as well