Alvarez Painting LLC is a popular home improvement project that can make rooms feel larger or cozier. It also protects the walls from moisture and mildew, which can cause mold or other health issues.
Before starting, clear the room of furniture and cover floors, door knobs, and other hardware with drop cloths or plastic sandwich bags—professional painters dust wall surfaces before painting to remove any dirt that can cling to the paint.
The midpoint between matte and satin paint sheens, eggshell provides a delicate shine to interior walls that reflects subtle light for a soft glow. It’s a versatile finish that hides minor wall imperfections and can be used in rooms with much use, including kitchens and bathrooms. It’s also easy to wipe clean, making it resistant to stains and scuffs.
Like flat paints, eggshell has low reflectivity, so it’s a good choice for ceilings and bedrooms without much dirt build-up or traffic. But it’s also smart for family rooms, powder rooms, and hallways. It’s not as durable as a glossier finish, but it holds up well to normal wear and tear, making it a great option for kids’ rooms or any space that might get knocked into or scratched.
The slight sheen of eggshell helps minimize sloppy brushstrokes and painting mistakes, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those not used to working with a higher-gloss finish. On the other hand, high-gloss paints show up any errant brush strokes and painting goofs, accentuating them rather than hiding them.
In addition to being a great interior painting choice, eggshell is also a versatile woodwork paint. It’s ideal for trim work such as door casings, baseboards, and architraves, as it protects them against moisture and dirt and hides nicks and scratches well. It’s also a good choice for painted wood furniture, though it’s important to prep the surface before you start painting, as you would with any paint.
If you plan to repaint your home’s woodwork, eggshell paint is a wise choice because it will last a long time. It’s also affordable and easy to apply, as it goes on smoothly and hides sloppy brushstrokes well.
Always use a top-quality latex eggshell formula that’s low-VOC and water-resistant to ensure a quality paint job. Ensure your surfaces are thoroughly prepared before you begin by washing them with sugar soap and wiping down any rough areas. It’s also a good idea to mask off any fixtures and furniture you don’t want to get messy or cover them with dust sheets. Before you start painting, it’s also essential to read the manufacturer’s preparation and application instructions carefully. And, of course, don’t forget the all-important safety gear, as you’ll need to wear a respirator when painting any finish.
Unlike matte paints, satin finishes contain some sheen to reflect light and make the wall colors pop. The sheen is subtle, not distracting, and helps conceal minor surface flaws and imperfections. It is also moisture resistant, making it ideal for areas that come into contact with water, such as bathrooms and kitchens. It also dries to a silky finish that is easy on the eyes and touch. Most major brands, such as Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams, carry satin paint for interior walls.
As you shop for sheens, it’s important to understand how each type of finish affects durability and cleanability. For example, a high-gloss finish has the most sheen and will stand up to scrubbing. However, it could be a better choice for areas that receive a lot of sunlight, as the reflective nature can highlight flaws. Instead, a flat or matte finish is a better option for these rooms.
While satin paints are generally more durable than eggshells, they are not as scratch-resistant as semi-gloss or gloss paints. That is due to the amount of oil present in satin paint. As such, using a quality primer when painting over satin surfaces is a good idea. The primer will help fill any cracks and smooth the wall for a seamless and even finish.
Whether you choose eggshell, satin, or any other sheen, it’s important to take the time to prepare the surface before painting. That includes sanding the surface, cleaning it, and applying a primer if necessary. It’s also a good idea to cover any furniture or floors with plastic sheeting to protect them from drips and splatters.
Once the surface is ready to be painted, apply a coat of satin paint in the desired color. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and allow it to dry completely between each coat. If you need help deciding what type of satin paint or how to apply it, speak with a professional home improvement expert. Their knowledge and experience will ensure your satin paint project goes smoothly, with beautiful results.
With so many different paint sheens available, finding the right one for your home can feel like a challenge. Flat and matte paint hides many flaws, while satin and semi-gloss sheens are more durable. In the middle of these paint, sheens are semi-gloss, which can be a great choice for areas of your home that get a lot of use and must be wiped down regularly.
Semi-gloss paint has more sheen than satin, which means that light will bounce off the surface of your walls and help them look brighter. This type of paint also withstands water and grease better than satin, which makes it perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. However, this sheen can show a lot of fingerprints and other smudges, so it’s important to keep that in mind when considering this type of paint.
This paint is also more likely to show brushstrokes, so if you aren’t careful, you may see obvious marks on your walls when they are first painted. If you choose to use this type of paint, strain it before applying it and carefully follow the manufacturer’s thinning instructions.
Semi-gloss is the most popular choice for trim, such as baseboards, door frames, and window casings, as it’s more durable than satin. It’s also good for high-traffic areas, such as children’s rooms, because it stands up to a lot of wear and tear. However, it’s not recommended for walls because it can highlight many imperfections in the wall or woodwork.
When choosing a semi-gloss, be sure to opt for oil-based over water-based paint because the latter tends to have a higher viscosity that can cause it to peel more easily. It’s also important to prepare the wall thoroughly before painting with semi-gloss, as it can be more difficult to touch up than other types of paint.
While flat and matte paints are great for hiding many flaws, they could be better for areas that experience a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Conversely, a semi-gloss can withstand a lot of wear and tear while still looking beautiful.
