Journal

Everything You Need to Know About Paint

July 5, 2017  |  home renovation, how to get started, inspiration, paint, style
Everything You Need to Know About Paint

A new coat of paint is the perfect, and one of the most budget-friendly ways to spruce up your space and give it a whole new look, so here is just about everything you need to know before you start your next project.  

Most importantly, you want to make sure you select the perfect color, so it is always safe to test out a few of your favorite options.  Purchase a quart of each option and paint a sizable square on part of your wall.  This not only allows you to see the color in real time within your space, but you also get a feel of how the color will look based on the time of day and amount of lighting. 

Next, look for paints that are low or non-VOC (volatile organic chemicals) to prevent exposure to harmful off-gassing chemicals and make sure to properly air out your space after applying the paint.  You also want to make sure you are applying a paint with correct sheen.  This refers to how shiny the dried paint surface will become and a general rule to follow is the higher the sheen, the more durable the paint.  So, what types of finishes are there?  There are five standard finishes: Flat, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-gloss and Gloss. 

Flat - A flat finish has least amount of sheen with a matte finish, hides imperfections well and creates little glare, however, a flat finish is not very durable.  It is often used on ceiling and other low traffic areas as it may easily rub off. 

Eggshell - An eggshell finish has a low sheen and low gloss, while hiding imperfections.  This adds just the right amount of depth and warmth to a surface, making it a good choice for moderate traffic areas, such as a hallway or dining room. 

Satin - A satin finish is great for moderate to high traffic areas such as bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms, as well as on door and base board trims. It is similar to an eggshell finish, often a step up in glossiness, and it does well with moisture, often being wiped with a damp cloth. 

Semi-Gloss - Semi-gloss has high washability and is great for moisture-resistant areas, such as a kitchen or bathroom. As evident by its name, a semi-gloss finish will have a slightly glossy appearance. It is stain resistant and easy to clean as well. 

Gloss - A gloss finish is typically used when you want a glazed look, as it is highly reflective and shiny.  Gloss is typically used for furniture, trim and doors, but rarely on walls, as it is highly durable and stain resistant. 

Now that you are aware of the various paint finishes, you need to know how much paint you’ll be needing.  This is the trickiest aspect of painting, as it is difficult to know how many coats you will need and often dependent on the brand of paint you decide on.  As a general rule of thumb, a single gallon of paint is required for 400 square feet.  Another important factor to keep in mind is the color of your existing walls.  If you are going from a dark color to a lighter one, you are definitely going to need more paint than if you were applying a darker color over a lighter existing one.  If you are able, applying a primer can help reduce the number of applications required.  

Another significant factor when painting, that is often overlooked, is not properly preparing your walls to be painted.  Most paint failures come from poor surface preparation. Make sure you assess the condition of the surface you want to paint and wash, caulk or sand as necessary. Once you have taken these conditions into account, you’re ready to paint! 

So, there you have it: everything you should know about painting!  Color is a very important aspect of finding the right paint, but its good to be aware of these other various components to ensure that you are painting properly!