Anyone with children can tell you that cleaning walls can be an arduous task. Walls with flat paint hide a lot of flaws – that’s why flat paint may be popular with some builders – but flat paint is difficult to keep clean.
It may seem like the natural solution is to hop to the opposite end of the spectrum and use gloss or high gloss paint on your walls. Unless you live in a surgical center, this option is a bit of an over-correction. Where flat paint hides flaws, gloss paints tend to highlight them. In addition, using high gloss paint on walls requires a tremendous amount of prep to make sure the paint adheres correctly, and to fix some of those flaws.
The best type of paint for interiors is usually one with an eggshell finish. It is durable, washable, doesn’t showcase imperfections and requires minimal prep. Our blog about primer and finishes can provide more details.
But that leaves the question: When should you use glossy paints?
When to Use Glossy Paints
Gloss and high-gloss paints are great for furniture and accent items like lamps and frames. When paired with a bold color, a glossy finish can make furniture pop and create an interesting focal point.
Another use for high gloss paints? Cabinets. People who prefer a modern look can update kitchen or bathroom cabinets with a few coats of carefully applied gloss paint.
Before you paint anything with a gloss finish there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure your surface is prepped. That means it is clean, and wood surfaces are sanded. Don’t forget to wipe down sanded surfaces. Little bits of wood dust often blend in with non-glossy paints, but they stand out with gloss.
- Use the right kind of brush and enough paint. Gloss paint shows flaws, that includes brush strokes. If you aren’t using a paint brush intended for gloss, or you don’t have enough paint on the brush, your brush strokes will mar the finish.
- Don’t stop painting in the middle! If you need to take a break while painting, wait until you finish the section you are working on. For example, if you stop painting when your cabinet door is only half painted, you may wind up with a line where you stopped and re-started since the paint dried at different times.
- Allow enough time for your project to dry. It can be difficult to tell if high gloss paint is dry without touching it. So test your paint in an inconspicuous area. This will help prevent visible smudges. And since Woodstock, Georgia and the surrounding Atlanta metro area is known for high humidity, it may be best to let your gloss paint projects dry indoors overnight.
The right paint can transform the inside of your home and make it look like new again.
If you’re looking to upgrade your home, save time and make it look great by letting our family complete your home painting project. Reach out to our office to schedule a quote and get started.