A space’s paint finish has to do with how much sheen the paint on your wall has when it dries. The types of paint finishes range from being flat or matte to high-gloss. In between we have eggshell, satin and semi-gloss. These options can get a little overwhelming, so here are some things to consider while choosing a type of paint finish for your space.
Durability
The more sheen a paint finish gives you, the more expensive it can be. Sometimes, investing the extra bucks can also mean the paint is of better quality. Putting on a high-gloss coat ensures that you don’t have to worry about paint chipping off in just a year or two. If you feel that it’s too expensive, you can lower the sheen and choose an eggshell or satin finish. This finish won’t provide as much protection, but will fall into a more an affordable price range.
Paint color
It’s a common notion to believe high-gloss is always the best choice. However, just because the wall looks ultra shiny does not mean the sheen is well suited for the color. In fact, darker shades of paint already have a lot of gloss in them, which boosts the sheen. When high-gloss is further applied it might end up highlighting the flaws of the wall, if the surface is not well prepared beforehand.
Movement in the room
Lower sheen can equate to dirty walls, so keep in mind the purpose of the room being painted. In the kitchen we often use a variation of high-gloss to ensure that grease generated while cooking does not stick to the walls, and can be easily cleaned off. Similarly, you can balance out that ultra shine with a flat finish on upper walls and ceilings and low-traffic rooms because less traffic means less dirt accumulation.
Requirements
Before you choose the finish of your wall, consider why you are choosing sheen instead of just regular paint. Sheen can work as a cover up for rough walls. On the other hand, matte can create a sculptural finish on the wall. Choosing a different finish for just one wall in the room can also add to the character of a room without too much effort. Not only that, changing the sheen can also alter the undertone of the color you paint on your walls.
Play with light
Sheen is a great light reflector. Use it to your advantage to brighten up a dark or small space. On the contrary, you can also use matte finish on the walls of a larger space to give off a cozy feel to your otherwise airy space. Given that the paint finish can impact the overall feel of your space, consider all your options.
The finish of your walls can be altered and customized to benefit your needs. It can also be used to enhance or diminish the effect of light, space and color psychology. Plan and paint your walls with a finish that you will enjoy and embrace!
Are you thinking of painting your walls and are unsure whether you should do it yourself or hire a paint contractor? If you’re into DIYs, then painting your walls yourself is definitely a thought that has crossed your mind. But if you’re not one of those people, then painting your walls yourself is definitely something you consider a hassle. Either way, painting an entire room or an entire house may prove to be more work than you might actually think. To make your decision a little easier, here are some of the pros and cons of painting your walls yourself:
PROS
Control:
A DIY on your walls means you have full control over everything: which shade you want to paint your walls, how you want to paint them and what you want to do with your walls. Some paint contractors may not get the way you envisioned your walls to be colored (though this is unlikely with the right contractor). So, a DIY job will save you the hassle of explaining yourself to someone and will let you take charge.
Cost:
It is cheaper if you choose to paint your walls yourself. You can save a bit of money as the only things you would need to buy are paint supplies and paint. You won’t need to pay for the labor cost. If your family and friends are looking to take on a DIY project then you could ask them to lend a hand at a “Painting Party,” which could be quite fun. This will save you time and you won’t have to pay for the labor. Just provide pizza and beer!
CONS
Quality:
Quality is one of the few things you might have to compromise if you choose not to hire a professional. Your walls might not have the same polished and professional look and might end up with uneven coats of paints and mismatched spots. Professionals are called professionals for a reason.
Time:
Another downside of painting your walls yourself is that the work might not finish in the time that you allotted. The initial plan of finishing the work during a weekend can extend up to a couple of weekends. Plus, the paint finish might not be as you intended it to be. There are multiple things that can hold you back such as unplanned work commitments and family responsibilities and something you didn’t expect! Hiring a painting contractor will ensure your work is finished in an allotted time, something which will most likely get altered if you take on the task.
Skill:
Professionals can undoubtedly do a better job of painting spaces which required a bit of skill such as places with strange lighting or spaces that require a lot of preparation. It is better and more practical to hire a contractor and have their team get the job done well, than to realize that it’s just out of your depth, and hire a contractor after wasting time, energy and resources.
So are you still in a conundrum or have you made up your mind?
