How do I choose among the paint finishes: flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and high-gloss? Flat paint is perhaps the most traditional finish for interior walls and ceilings. Flat paints are ideal for painting over new dry wall and for rooms and areas which get gentle use, predominantly by adults. An advantage of flat paints is that they are non-reflective and therefore blemishes such as small pits, tiny bumps or narrow cracks in the surfaces are less visible when painted with flat paint than when painted with gloss.

One drawback to flat paints is that they absorb dirt and should therefore be used selectively, as even those that claim to be washable may appear dingy after several swipes of the sponge. Touch-up is always an option; however, as your paint job ages, feathering the new paint into the existing can become increasingly difficult, even for a pro. Feathering is a technique for applying new paint onto existing paint, while producing the least discernible differentiation in the paint's appearance. The fact that flat paints do absorb dirt means that even the accumulation of everyday dust will alter the color, and eventually result in a significant and irreconcilable distinction between the paint that's on your wall and the paint in the can.

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When to use a gloss finish

Do you enjoy cooking? Does your family gravitate to your house for holidays? Do you have young children? Enjoy long steamy showers? Love to watch your dogs lounge in front of the fireplace? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, take time now to familiarize yourself with the types and functions of gloss paints. Your paint job is an investment of your time, creativity and financial resources. You can extend its longevity and your enjoyment of it by choosing the right finish.

What type of gloss should I use?

An eggshell finish is the most subtle of the gloss paints. Of the gloss family, an eggshell finish reflects the least light and appears only very slightly shiny. If you enjoy the look of flat paint but feel you would be better served by paint with a finish that repels rather than absorbs dirt, eggshell would probably be a viable choice for you. You might even find that you prefer its appearance, as the hint of light in eggshell lends both warmth and depth to wall and ceilings. When making your finish selection, keep in mind that sheens will vary somewhat among maunfacturers so it's important once you have made your color selection to carefully study the finish options. Also, a note of caution: restrict application of gloss samples to test boards--do not apply the gloss directly onto your ceiling, wall, trim or anywhere else! Gloss is notorious for flashing! In other words, when you paint over it, the test area may show through all of the subsequent coats that you apply--not a desired effect. Satin is the second least shiny gloss finish. Satin can be used to paint walls (particularly in rooms that don't get much light, the added reflective quality of the paint helps to illumincate the room,) windows, doors, trim and ceiling. Satin is more dirt- and stain-resistant than eggshell and is easy to wash; however, it is not as durable as semi-gloss. Semi-gloss is very reflective and strong. It will hold up for many scrubbings, making it a perfect choice if your kitchen is one that gets a great deal of use. Semi-gloss is also a great choice for a bathroom that sees frequent steamy baths and showers--or a laundry room--anyplace where moisture is likely to build up and linger. A semi-gloss finish helps seal out moisture and therefore maintains the integrity of your wood and dry wall, making it less susceptible to damage from exposure. Other appropriate uses of semi-gloss are cabinets, doors and trim. Semi-gloss brightens without the formality that high-gloss suggests. High-gloss is very highly reflective and so lustrous that it approximates enamel or a plastic finish. It is durable and easily washable and can be used for trim, doors and cabinets.

Exterior sheen

Just as with interior paint, exterior paint comes in a variety of sheens. On the exterior, a flat or matte finish softens the appearance of a building and helps to hide blemishes. Gloss paint is more durable and can usually be cleaned with a simple garden hose (with sufficient pressure) or a low-pressure power washer. Gloss is suitable for use on trim, shutters, doors and gutters. In cases where exposure to the elements can be extreme, the use of gloss paint on walls and siding may be beneficial in terms of ease of cleaning; however, always take into account the fact that the UV light from sun on southern exposure will shorten the life of your gloss paint.