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Brush Up on Paint

Is semi-gloss, flat, satin, or high-gloss the best choice? And what about the exterior? Don’t fret; we’ve got you covered

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Jill and Andrew Greene had been house-hunting for several months before settling on a well-maintained colonial in Farmington Hills. When they took possession, their first order of business was to make it their own by changing the wall color.

Thinking “paint is paint,” and hoping to save money, the couple decided to go to their local paint store to select the paint themselves. Once inside, however, they were confronted with a confounding array of choices, prices, and styles.

“I’m a systems analyst and my wife is a schoolteacher,” Andrew says. “We couldn’t tell you what a flat was versus a satin.”

Most homeowners have experienced similar confusion.

Here’s a shorthand explanation. Latex paints are water-based, durable, and lower in odor than oil-based products. Latex paint can be cleaned up easily with soap and water, and is preferred for most interior surfaces. Oil-based paints are extremely durable and resist scraping and wear-and-tear. Most contain alkyd, a soya-based resin that dries harder than latex. Since these paints are solvent-based, brushes and spills must be cleaned using a paint-thinner. Oil-based paints are used primarily for exterior jobs because they stand up to the elements.

Nearly as important as the right color is the choice of paint finish. The finish of paint, or its sheen, is also known as the gloss level. The higher the gloss, the more sheen it contains. The higher the sheen, the more light it will reflect and the shinier (and more washable) it will be.

Here’s a brief overview of the six primary finishes:

1. Flat

These paints are ideal for low-traffic areas such as formal dining rooms and master bedrooms. Flat finishes are the best at hiding minor wall imperfections. The drawback of the beautiful matte finish is that it may scuff easily and is typically tougher to wash. If you opt for flat, keep extra for touch-ups.

2. Eggshell

This finish is similar to flat, but with a subtle sheen that gives just a hint of shine. Eggshell is easily washable and is ideal for bedrooms, halls, home offices, and family rooms.

3. Satin

This finish works in most rooms. It provides a nice balance between washability and subtle gloss. Satin finishes have a smooth, velvety look with a bit more gloss than eggshell.

4. Semi-gloss

With a high shine, semi-gloss paints are highly durable and moisture-resistant. Semi-gloss is typically reserved for bathrooms, children’s rooms, kitchens, and trim. Semi-gloss washes easily and maintains a high shine.

5. High-gloss

Used exclusively for highlighting trim and other detail work, high-gloss paints have an almost reflective quality. They’re also the best choice for doors and cabinets and other high-use areas.

6. Ceiling flats

Beautifully matte, they’re extra splatter-resistant and hide minor imperfections.