Gloss is about shine. It describes how much light is reflected from the surface of the paint. If a painted surface is very smooth and glass-like, the reflection is perceived to be “shiny” or “glossy.” Conversely, a flat paint has a rough surface profile after it dries. Light that hits such a surface is reflected and scattered in many different directions so it appears “flat” to the eye. The gloss level of paint can have a significant impact on both appearance and serviceability. Increasing gloss improves the durability of paints – including scrub-, stain- and moisture-resistance. However, higher gloss levels tend to highlight defects and imperfections on a surface. Gloss level also affects color perception. The same color with a different gloss will appear as a different color. The color in a higher gloss paint will appear brighter and richer than the same color in a lower gloss paint. Flat paints have the least amount of gloss so they help conceal surface imperfections better than other finishes and are ideal for walls that are rough or dented.

They also touch-up better, which makes a flat paint an ideal choice for family rooms, living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Flat paints are also a good choice for ceilings because of their low reflectivity. Stains can be difficult to remove from flat finishes, so it’s best to use flat paints in areas that do not experience a lot of traffic. Velvet paints resemble flat paints when viewed head on, but show a slight gloss when viewed at an angle. This slightly higher gloss provides for a more washable or scrubbable surface. These paints are ideal for areas with high traffic, such as hallways and kid’s rooms. Eggshell paints are one step glossier than velvet paints. They convey a greater warmth and depth to surfaces than flat paints. Eggshell also tends to resist stains better than flat or velvet paint, although not as well as semi-gloss and high gloss paints. Like velvet paints, these paints are ideal for areas with traffic, such as dining rooms or a kid’s room. Low sheen paints are similar to eggshell paints, but have a slightly higher gloss.

They are a good choice for areas where some gloss is desired, but good cleaning properties are also necessary, such as, kitchens, laundry rooms and bathrooms. Their slightly glossy appearance, however, tends to highlight surface imperfections more than flat paints. Semi-gloss paints have a slightly glossy appearance and are less reflective than gloss paints. They offer good stain resistance, are easy to clean, and are most often used in rooms requiring frequent scrubbing, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Semi-gloss is also a good alternative to gloss paints for use on windows, trim, cabinets and doors. Gloss paints have a highly reflective appearance imparting a slick, contemporary look. They are tough, durable and stain-resistant. Gloss paints are easier to clean than lower gloss paints and are typically used in kitchens, bathrooms and on doors and cabinets exposed to fingerprints and grime. Because of its high reflection, gloss paint can highlight surface imperfections. High gloss paints have the highest reflective appearance.

They are the toughest, most durable and most stain resistant of all finishes. High gloss paints are the easiest to clean and are typically used on doors and cabinets exposed to dirt and oil and can also be used for trim and some woodwork. High gloss paint can emphasize surface imperfections.After the arduous color selection process is finally complete, there is still one small part left to choose. cheap wedding reception decorations wholesaleWhile the type of finish used may not seem like a big deal, the amount of shine added to a color can drastically change how it appears. do it yourself christmas ornaments ideasFiguring out the right paint finish to use is relatively straightforward and simple. home decoration on ebay

And we have lots of information to help you make the right choice! Whether you are choosing the finish for an indoor or outdoor project, the finishes used are mostly the same. While different companies use different terms to refer to the various levels of gloss, the levels are fairly universal. To figure out which finish you will need, first take a look at all of the finishes that are available. wedding decorations for garden themeTypically, no matter what they call them, any paint manufacture will offer 4 different sheens ranging from dull to shiny. decorations for christmas doorsUsually the first 2 finishes are recommended for use on the walls and the remaining 2 are to be used for accents such as trim, doors, and cabinetry. painting exterior of house color ideas

Now just follow this simple guide to help you decide! Best for Concealing: Matte or Flat Finish Pros: With a velvety appearance, this popular standard finish will conceal blemishes and give off a more traditional feel. It can easily be touched up and will hide any surface imperfections that may exist. Cons: Because this type of finish is porous, this style absorbs stains and is more difficult to clean than others, so marks and fingerprints will show and may not come off of surfaces. Interiors: Great For Ceiling paint and low-traffic rooms such as closets, or for walls with “character” such as in an older home. Exteriors: Great For Old wooden siding or siding with imperfections or scatches. Best for Easy Maintenance: Eggshell, Satin, Silk, or Low-Luster Pros: This is typically the favored finish for areas that get lots of use as they can easily be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove scuffs or marks and it is very low maintenance. For exterior walls it is durable and pleasant to look at.

Cons: When used to cover large areas, brush strokes or roller marks may be seen up close. Interior: Great for a Kid’s room or almost any room, a good all-around finish. Exterior: Great for a universal exterior finish, the subdued sheen is similar to the look of brand new siding. Pros: The sheen allows the paint to reflect a considerable amount of light and it is also very durable and easy to clean. Cons: While the durability factor may seem appealing, as enamel, it will highlight any imperfections in the walls such as brushstrokes or the imprint of the roller and is best used exclusively on accents. Interior: Mostly used for accents such as trim, cabinetry, and doors, but also works well for high-moisture areas such as bathrooms and kitchens because of how easy it is to clean. Exterior: Great for Doors, gutters, shutters, trim or any other area you would like to draw attention to. Best for Highlights: High Gloss Pros: Similar to lacquer but less expensive.

This finish has the most durability and shine and is a brilliant finish for flawless walls. It also dries to become smooth and non-porous so dust and other dirt are easy to wipe off! Cons: More expensive than other styles and very labor intensive to paint with, especially for darker colors. Interior: Perfect for adding drama and creating that extra “wow” factor for a statement room such as the dining room or front hall! Also works well to highlight doors, trim or unique architectural elements Exterior: While not typically used for exterior walls high gloss can be used to highlight exterior structural elements or accent features such as doors and shutters As with any painting job, there is a lot of freedom to experiment, with colors and with finishes. While high-gloss and lots of drama may seem like a good idea at first, it helps to review all of the options and their intended purposes before the final decision is made. That subtle difference on the paint swatch won’t look so subtle when it’s covering all the walls of your room, so it’s best to take some care and consideration before your eyes completely glaze over from the whole process!