Choosing Your Paint

Selecting the right paint for your home is an often overlooked decision which can make a world of difference in the finished product. When choosing which paint to use, it is always recommended to get a professional opinion for which paint would be best for your job. Some great companies to choose from in Canada are listed below:

1. Behr
2. Benjamin Moore
3. Cloverdale Paint
4. Dulux
5. Sherwin Williams

In addition to choosing a brand to paint with, it is also important to decide what type of finish you want.

Understanding Paint Finishes

Paint finishes, also known as sheens or gloss levels, not only impact the aesthetics of your space but also influence durability, maintenance, and functionality. Below you can read some more on the most common finishes and their respective pros and cons.

1. Flat Finish:

Pros:

• Matte Appearance: Flat finishes provide a non-reflective, velvety surface that conceals imperfections. They create a soft and elegant look, making them ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas.
• Minimal Glare: Flat finishes are perfect for spaces where you want to minimize glare from windows and artificial lighting.
• Easy Touch-Up: Flat finishes are forgiving when it comes to touch-ups; you can easily paint over small blemishes without noticeable variations in sheen.

Cons:

• Less Washable: Flat finishes are more susceptible to stains and are less washable than glossier finishes. Spills and scuffs may require repainting.
• Not Suitable for High Traffic Areas: Due to their susceptibility to wear and tear, flat finishes are not recommended for high-traffic areas or rooms prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

2. Eggshell Finish:

Pros:

• Subtle Sheen: Eggshell finishes offer a slight, low-luster sheen that adds a touch of elegance while remaining relatively matte. They strike a balance between durability and aesthetics.
• Washable: This finish is more washable than flat paint, making it suitable for moderately used rooms like hallways, family rooms, and children's bedrooms.
• Conceals Imperfections: Like flat paint, eggshell finishes help mask minor imperfections, although not as effectively.

Cons:

• Not Highly Scrub-Resistant: While more washable than flat paint, eggshell finishes can still show marks or streaks if subjected to aggressive scrubbing.

3. Satin Finish:

Pros:

• Slight Gloss: Satin finishes have a gentle gloss that adds a subtle sheen. They strike a balance between elegance and functionality.
• Durability: Satin finishes are durable and more washable than flat and eggshell paints, making them suitable for family rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
• Easy to Clean: They can withstand light scrubbing and are easy to clean, which is particularly useful in homes with kids and pets.

Cons:

• May Highlight Imperfections: While satin finishes are forgiving, they may not conceal imperfections as effectively as flat or eggshell finishes.
• Visible Gloss: The slight gloss in satin finishes can highlight surface irregularities under certain lighting conditions.

4. Semi-Gloss Finish:

Pros:

• Moderate Gloss: Semi-gloss finishes have a noticeable gloss, giving a shiny appearance. They are exceptionally durable and easy to clean.
• Highly Washable: Semi-gloss finishes can withstand frequent cleaning and are resistant to stains, moisture, and mildew, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
• Reflective Properties: They reflect light, making rooms appear brighter.

Cons:

• Highlights Imperfections: Semi-gloss finishes can accentuate imperfections and may not be the best choice for older or uneven surfaces.
• Visible Brush Marks: The higher gloss can make brush marks and roller stippling more noticeable, so professional application is often recommended.

5. Glossy Finish:

Pros:

• High Gloss: Glossy finishes provide a sleek, high-gloss sheen that's incredibly reflective and luxurious.
• Extreme Durability: They are exceptionally durable, resistant to stains, moisture, and wear, making them suitable for trim, doors, and cabinets.
• Easy to Clean: Glossy finishes are the easiest to clean and maintain.

Cons:

• Highlights Imperfections: Like semi-gloss, glossy finishes can emphasize imperfections and are not typically used on walls. They're better suited for trim and accents.
• Overly Reflective: In large areas, a glossy finish can be overly reflective and may create glare.

Choosing the right paint finish depends on your aesthetic preferences, the room's purpose, and practical considerations. Flat and eggshell finishes are best for areas with minimal wear and tear, while satin and semi-gloss are more suitable for high-traffic and moisture-prone areas. Glossy finishes, with their extreme durability and shine, are reserved for trim and accents. It's essential to strike the right balance between aesthetics and functionality to achieve the desired look and longevity for your interior.