defining different paint sheens
Paint sheens refer to the level of shine or gloss a paint has once it dries. The sheen of a paint affects both the aesthetic look and the durability of the painted surface. Here's a breakdown of the different paint sheens and where they’re best used:
1. Flat/Matte
Appearance: No shine; a completely non-reflective finish.
Durability: Least durable; can be prone to staining and difficult to clean.
Best for: Low-traffic areas like ceilings and areas where you want a smooth, uniform finish. It’s also great for hiding surface imperfections.
Pros: Excellent at hiding wall flaws and imperfections.
Cons: Harder to clean and less durable, especially in high-traffic areas.
2. Eggshell
Appearance: Slight sheen, more subtle than satin; looks like the surface of an eggshell.
Durability: More durable than flat/matte, and easier to clean.
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, or dining rooms where moderate durability and a soft, elegant finish are desired.
Pros: Easier to clean than matte finishes and provides a soft, inviting look.
Cons: Not as durable as glossier finishes and can still show some imperfections on walls.
3. Satin
Appearance: A soft, velvety sheen with a noticeable shine but not overly glossy.
Durability: More durable than eggshell and matte, with the ability to handle higher traffic and occasional cleaning.
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas where you want a balance between sheen and durability.
Pros: Easy to clean, durable, and provides a nice balance of sheen without being too glossy.
Cons: Can highlight wall imperfections more than eggshell finishes.
4. Semi-Gloss
Appearance: A noticeable shine that reflects light but isn’t as shiny as gloss.
Durability: Very durable and moisture-resistant, making it easy to clean.
Best for: Trim, doors, cabinetry, kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas that require regular cleaning and can withstand wear and tear.
Pros: Highly durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean.
Cons: Can highlight imperfections on the wall, and the finish is more reflective.
5. High-Gloss
Appearance: Very shiny and reflective, with a glass-like finish.
Durability: The most durable and resistant to moisture, stains, and wear. It’s easy to clean and highly resistant to scuffing.
Best for: Furniture, cabinets, trim, and areas that require frequent cleaning, or where a striking, bold finish is desired.
Pros: Extremely durable and easy to clean; creates a very sleek, modern look.
Cons: Shows every imperfection on the surface, and it’s the most difficult to work with when it comes to application.
Summary of Sheen Durability & Finish:
Flat/Matte: Soft, non-reflective finish; hides imperfections but harder to clean.
Eggshell: Subtle sheen, moderate durability, great for living spaces.
Satin: Soft shine, good for high-traffic areas; easy to clean.
Semi-Gloss: Shiny and durable; ideal for trim, doors, and bathrooms.
High-Gloss: Extremely shiny and durable; best for trim, furniture, and high-use surfaces.
Choosing the right paint sheen depends on the look you want and how much traffic or cleaning the area will experience. More glossy finishes are great for areas that need durability, while matte and eggshell finishes are perfect for spaces where a softer, less-reflective look is desired.
Add Value To Your Home By Painting
An exterior paint job can significantly enhance the value of your property in several ways. Here’s how:
1. Improves Curb Appeal:
First Impressions Matter: The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers see, and a well-maintained, freshly painted home creates a positive first impression. Curb appeal is a key factor when selling a home, and a high-quality exterior paint job can make your property stand out from others, drawing more interest from buyers.
Homes that look well-maintained are more likely to be perceived as better cared for overall, which can increase their perceived value.
2. Makes Your Home Look Well-Maintained:
A clean, fresh coat of paint gives the appearance of a well-maintained home. Buyers are often willing to pay more for a home that seems to have been taken care of because they know they won’t have to invest much in repairs or maintenance after purchase. It suggests that the property has been cared for, which can justify a higher asking price.
3. Protects the Structure:
An exterior paint job helps to protect your home from environmental damage. The paint acts as a barrier against harsh weather conditions, UV rays, moisture, mold, and pests, which can lead to costly repairs down the road if left unchecked. This added protection can prevent issues like wood rot, fading, or peeling, keeping the house in good structural shape and helping to preserve or increase its value.
4. Increases Longevity of Building Materials:
A good exterior paint job helps to extend the lifespan of your siding and other building materials by sealing them from the elements. Properly maintaining the exterior can prevent costly damage from occurring to the materials underneath. Well-preserved materials not only maintain the home’s integrity but can increase the perceived value since buyers know they won’t have to replace damaged parts of the home.
5. Can Reflect Modern Design Trends:
Updating the color scheme with modern, appealing hues can help your home stay relevant and attractive to today’s buyers. Certain colors can make a home look more stylish and contemporary, which could potentially raise its value. Homes that reflect current design trends can have a competitive edge in the market.
6. Prevents Future Repairs and Costs:
Regularly maintaining the exterior paint prevents major issues like wood rot, mold, and water damage. A home that appears well-maintained is less likely to have hidden problems, which can make potential buyers more confident in the property’s value. Buyers tend to discount homes that appear to need extensive work, and a freshly painted exterior minimizes these concerns.
7. Helps Sell Faster:
A home that looks visually appealing and well-maintained is more likely to attract buyers quickly. Homes that are visually appealing and move-in ready often sell faster, which can reduce the time your property spends on the market. A faster sale may also help you achieve a higher price, as buyers are often willing to pay a premium for a home that requires less immediate work.
8. Can Increase Sale Price:
Research has shown that homes with well-maintained exteriors, including fresh paint, can fetch a higher sale price. According to some studies, a newly painted home can add anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 or more to the value of the property, depending on factors like location, home size, and quality of the work done.
9. Improves Perception of Age and Condition:
A new paint job can make an older home look younger and fresher, potentially improving how the home is perceived in terms of age and condition. A well-maintained exterior gives the impression that the home is newer or has been recently updated, making it more attractive to buyers who may be concerned about purchasing an older property.
Conclusion:
An exterior paint job is a relatively low-cost investment that can yield high returns in terms of increasing your property’s value. It enhances curb appeal, prevents damage, and protects building materials, all of which contribute to higher perceived value and can help sell your home faster and for a higher price. If you’re thinking about selling your home, a fresh coat of paint is a smart, cost-effective way to improve both its aesthetic appeal and marketability.
9 Reasons to give wallpaper a try
Wallpaper offers several benefits, making it a popular choice for interior design. Here are some of the key advantages:
Wall Mural from Photowall.com & hung by Great Match Painting & Wall Covering
Aesthetic Appeal: Wallpaper adds texture, color, and pattern to a room, allowing you to express personal style and transform a space with minimal effort. It can create a unique atmosphere, from modern to vintage or minimalist to bold.
Variety of Designs: There’s an immense variety of wallpapers available, ranging from intricate designs to simple patterns. You can choose from floral, geometric, textured, or even custom designs, making it easier to match any decor style.
Durability: High-quality wallpaper can last much longer than paint, often maintaining its appearance for years. It’s especially durable in areas with heavy traffic, such as hallways, kitchens, or children's rooms.
Concealing Imperfections: Wallpaper can hide imperfections on walls, such as cracks, dents, or uneven surfaces. The texture and pattern can effectively disguise these flaws, making it a great option for older homes or walls in need of repair.
Easy Maintenance: Many wallpapers are easy to clean with a damp cloth, and some are even washable or stain-resistant. This is particularly useful in high-traffic areas or spaces where walls are more prone to getting dirty (like kitchens or bathrooms).
Insulation and Soundproofing: Some types of wallpaper offer additional insulation or soundproofing qualities, helping to regulate room temperature and reduce noise. This can be especially beneficial in apartments or homes near busy areas.
Adds Value to a Home: Well-chosen wallpaper can elevate the design of a space and increase the value of a home. Unique or high-quality wallpaper can be a selling point if you ever decide to move.
Customization: Many companies offer custom wallpaper printing, allowing you to create unique designs or murals tailored to your specific tastes and needs.
Eco-friendly Options: There are environmentally friendly wallpapers made from sustainable materials or printed with eco-conscious methods. This can be a good option for those looking to make greener choices in their homes.
In short, wallpaper is a versatile and practical option that enhances the visual appeal of a space while providing functional benefits.
Why should you use an oil-based primer on raw wood before painting
Using a solvent-based (oil-based) primer on raw wood can provide several key benefits that make it a great choice for this particular application:
1. Sealing the Wood:
Solvent-based primers are excellent at sealing porous surfaces, like raw wood. Wood is absorbent, and an oil-based primer helps to fill in the pores and prevent the wood from soaking up too much paint, leading to better paint adhesion and a smoother finish.
This also reduces the risk of the paint cracking or peeling off in the future, especially in areas with fluctuating moisture levels.
2. Better Adhesion:
Oil-based primers provide better adhesion to raw wood compared to water-based primers. The primer helps to create a bonding layer between the wood and the paint, ensuring that the topcoat sticks properly and lasts longer.
3. Tannin Blocking:
Raw wood, especially softwoods like pine, can contain tannins that can bleed through paint over time, causing stains or discoloration. An oil-based primer is especially good at blocking these tannins and preventing them from bleeding through the paint.
This is particularly important when painting light-colored or white finishes on raw wood, as tannin bleed can discolor the final paint job.
4. Smooth Finish:
Solvent-based primers tend to level out better and dry smoother than water-based primers. This can result in a more even finish, especially on wood surfaces with visible grain or imperfections. It also makes it easier to achieve a professional-looking smooth surface for topcoating.
5. Durability:
Oil-based primers are more durable and resistant to wear and tear, which is important for surfaces like doors that face regular use and exposure to different environmental conditions.
6. Enhanced Penetration:
Solvent-based primers penetrate better into the wood fibers, providing a stronger bond and a more solid foundation for the paint. This is especially crucial for raw wood that may be porous or uneven.
Conclusion:
While water-based primers are more environmentally friendly and easier to clean up, oil-based primers are often preferred for raw wood because of their superior sealing, adhesion, tannin-blocking properties, and ability to create a smooth, durable surface for painting. This can result in a more long-lasting and professional finish.