Pros And Cons Of Using Gloss On Interior Walls – Painting Contractor Gives Counsel

Having owned a painting contractor business for over 26 years, I can safely say that one of the most frequent questions I have been asked is whether to use flat, satin or gloss paint on the interior walls. Frequently the homeowner is looking for toughness in paint finish because they have family or humidity problems. Other homeowners want the enriched color tones that are attainable through paints that have sheen. Some homeowners try to generate special outcomes in their home setting that is only achievable with glossy paint.
Most painting contractors would agree that one could certainly make a compelling case for using paints with sheen; however most homeowners are not aware of the problem to using glossy paint on their walls.

Below are problems linked with using gloss paint.

1. One of the most universal problems with using gloss paint is it causes minor defects in your walls to become visible. Defects that are not visible with flat paint abruptly become visible with satin or gloss finishes. For rooms that receive a lot of sunlight, blemishs in the wall become particularly noticeable. Sheetrock tape joints that are slightly raised or depressed can become obvious. Uneven texture in the walls can become visible, etc.

2. Another problem many homeowners are not aware of is gloss paint is notorious for creating a halo effect around windows, doors, and baseboards of your rooms. When walls are rolled in a room, the roller nap leaves a different texture than what a brush leaves when cutting in wall paint around doors, windows, baseboard, and crown moldings. Light reflects differently from the texture left by the brush than from the textures left by the roller nap. This is a very annoying problem that can ruin the appearance of your freshly painted room.

3. If you are planning to paint gloss over existing flat walls, you really need two coats of paint to avoid flashing (unevenness of sheen throughout the wall). Two coats will give you more consistency . This of course, increases your cost.

If you still would like the look that sheen can bring, then follow these suggestions.

1. Use very low sheen paint. To lessen the problems connected with gloss paint, Consider using low sheen eggshell
1000
or satin finishes.

2. Prepare your walls very well. Some of the problems may be beyond the scope of what you or the painter you hire can do. A sheetrock contractor may be your best decision for major wall repair.

3. Always cut your walls in first using a brush. Then proceed to rolling the walls. After the walls have been cut in with a brush, then roll the wall paint with a roller and nap within a quarter of an inch of your trim. On the other hand, you can apply blue tape to all your trim which will allow you to roll up to the trim. This will go a long way in reducing the halo effect. Additionally, purchasing procuring a smaller roller frame and nap will allow you to reach tight areas a standard size roller can’t reach. If you touch your trim with the roller, then clean the paint off the trim with a cloth immediately.

4. Plan on applying two coats of paint to attain evenness of sheen.

Low sheen paint can give you the richness and dept of color with reduced problems especially in rooms that do not get a lot of light.

If you are going to use flat paint, then understand not all flat paints are alike. Top of the line flat paints will clean with much less damage to the wall than cheaper paint. Make sure it is a scrub able paint. When you clean flat paint you should use a sponge with water and soap. Never use a cloth. Cleaning with a cloth will polish the surface, causing sheen to appear at that spot. As a painting contractor my recommendation is to take your time in planning and think carefully about what you want to achieve, weighing the pros and cons of using sheen.

By: Seiss

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Nicky is the president of a house painting contractor service., called Homeowners First Choice Painting. Nicky has served the North Atlanta for 26 years with his business. Nicky is author of many articles pertaining to house painting, painting contractor issues and home improvement topics. Click on one of these links for more info. As a home builder and home improvement business owner he shares his knowledge on topics that can be useful for the DIY homeowner.

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