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Recently, I visited a three-story, seven figure home to do a staging consultation.  When I entered this beautiful home, I was astonished to encounter interior walls which were finished with an overly-sheeny paint choice.  Every little flaw of the drywall jumped out at me as the sunlight streamed through the many windows.  The overall look was distracting.

There is often a debate as to which finish to choose when selecting interior wall paint.  While the practicality of the easily-wiped satin may be a popular choice, I would suggest that the additional variables be considered:

•         How much light does the room receive? 

•         What condition are the walls? 

•         Will there be high traffic?

•         Is the sheen of the paint finish being used to the room's best advantage?

If your walls are screaming to be scrubbed at the mere hint of a fingerprint, consider toning down your wall finish so that it reflects an ambiance of serenity and calmness.

Always think about the above questions before giving your ‘finish' answer to the paint supplier before mixing your wall color.  Doing so will help you create the beautiful look you desire!

 

 

19 Comments on Interior Wall paint finish - Satin, Eggshell or Matte-flat?

OCT
09
2007
279,980 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog
Great post Kathleen.  Personally I like the look of flat because it hides all those flaws!  But then its not as "washable" as satin or egg-shell.  I finally bit the bullet and used satin in most of my house.  It does tend to show a little more of the flaws and definitely has to be rolled on properly otherwise you have shinier spots.  Seems like that 7 figure house just might have had low end builder grade paint, either that or someone made a bad choice.
12:55pm • #1

As a matter of fact, I am personally painting our "terrace level" AKA basement.  ; )  So this is timely.  I have chosen a matte finish and love it, with the molding being painted in a satin finish.

I recently went to a Benjamin Moore seminar/luncheon where they were introducing their new line of Aura paints.  This paint is amazing!  It has low VOC's, is water-based, great fluidicity (is that the word???), is scrubbable, and goes on fabulously.  It does not need a primer underneath either!!  We painted right over sheet rock with a color called "french press", kind of a chocolate color, and, get this, ONE COAT!

So Kathleen, when I read your post, I just had to share!

 

12:59pm • #2
I always prefer trim and moldings in a glossier finish than the walls. The older the home, the more likely I am to recommend a flatter paint. Newer homes can often pull off a satin finish. I have to check out the new line at BM...sounds pretty exciting!
2:01pm • #3
199,489 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

I have heard great things about the new BM paint but haven't seen it yet. One coat always sounds good to me.

For staging we often go with a flatter finish for walls, semi gloss for trims.  When clients protest that their builder grade painted walls are already painted - I tell them they are really more primed that painted.  That stuff is chalky and not chic at all.

2:11pm • #4
3 Featured Posts

Hi Terry- Though the builder states he uses Sherman Williams paint, I am unsure if it is the quality which is the problem.  Rolling paint on 'properly' is super important when it comes to any finish!  The home is on the water and in my experience, the drywall tends to 'wave' a bit more...another reason to consider all the variables when choosing a finish! Sometimes the light reflection is a BONUS!  It depends on the room and the existing wallboard surface.

Hello Susan-I too am a HUGE Benjamin Moore paint fan!  I have not stopped by to check out the new line! Thanks for the 'heads up!' Some of their brown colors are delicious! I use 'Brown Horse' on occasion with a 'Brandy Creme' ceiling....just divine!  One coat paint is great...and the QUALITY of the paint makes such a fantastic difference in the final look! I too like matte finishes....it hides so many flaws!! Good luck with your project!

Regards-Kathleen G

3:10pm • #5
3 Featured Posts

Hello Susan- I too like the glossier finish on the trim-work and doors/windows.  I actually like oil-based for that choice because of how hard the paint dries....it is not as spongy as the latex-based.  (Just a pain in the derriere to clean up the paint supplies & hands!)  You are correct--The newer houses usually have much cleaner and flatter drywall surfaces so they handle the satin finish much better than the older homes! BM has an alternative water-based paint line called IMPERVO. It dries quickly...however, you have very little time to go back over wayward drips etc...yet, the finish looks great!

Hey Kathleen L! : )  I was chuckling about your comment on the builder's grade 'primer....I mean, chalk white' walls in newer homes.  When I see those white walls....I cringe!! Don't you? My top choice is usually flat for the walls too...it gives a certain 'softness' and can handle the myriad of changes in sunlight brightness.  I agree with your thoughts....those plain white nothing walls are nowhere near being 'chic'!! I hope your kitchen project is coming along smoothly!

Regards-Kathleen G

3:21pm • #6
OCT
14
2007

For tried and true I also like a Benjamin Moore eggshell on the walls and a satin impervo on the trim. It's always elegant. But lately I have been looking into Sherwin Williams paint too. And for projects that can afford it, pratt and lambert and donald kaufman paints are really worth looking into.

Missed ya at the DCOTA Kathleen, but not to worry it wasn't worth your trip...

1:20pm • #7
219,463 Points 1 Featured Post
I have usually gone with eggshell - It just gives the room a finish that I am usually happy with ! Thanks for the tips!
1:37pm • #8
113,405 Points Outside Blog
Thanks for the post.  Good to read designers preferences.
1:41pm • #9
OCT
15
2007
3 Featured Posts

Hi Lisa!  I love some of the up-to-date Pratt & Lambert paint colors!!  They also have a great quality paint.  I have not worked as much with Sherwin Williams...recently I met with a contractor to color match the BM paint color and the SW palette missed the depth range that I was seeking....my color landed in intensity between two levels and it was really frustrating!  My preferences in color are very fine-tuned so I tend to stay with BM.  Sorry to have missed seeing you at the DCOTA....we shall get together soon I hope!  Regards-Kathleen

 

 

2:47pm • #10
3 Featured Posts
Hello Barbara Jo and Bill-  Eggshell is nice on more perfect walls.  A small bit of light reflection works nicely when you do not have to mask defective wall finishes!  Each home can be different because of this variable as well as the amount of natural light streaming through the windows.  Actually, each room should be considered separately too!!  Eggshell can be a nice choice!  Regards-Kathleen
2:52pm • #11
3 Featured Posts
Hi Kathy R-Thank you for commenting...do you have a preference?  What do you notice when looking at interior walls...the paint color, the wall finish or do you simply notice that the wall needs painting??  : )  Regards-Kathleen G
2:54pm • #12
JAN
04
2008
4 Featured Posts
I always go Eggshell and have never been disappointed. I think it really shows the true color.   High gloss for the trims for easy cleaning. Not that I am right...just what works for me!! :)
1:24pm • #13
3 Featured Posts

Hi Janice-thanks for commenting!  Today I received a call from a contractor who was very pleased with the results of the wall color and finish I chose for a very brightly lit home. He appreciated the difference my changing the finish style made to the final look.  The home is located on a river and suffered damage during one of the Hurricanes we had here in SW Florida a few years ago.  Lots of semi-wavy drywall due to moisture and humidity...so I used flat wall paint with a semi-gloss paint on the trim.  With so much light flooding the home during the day, you would think the trim was finished with high-gloss!!  Regards-Kathleen G

2:08pm • #14
JAN
21
2008
2 Featured Posts
This great stuff, and yes this must be a consideration indeed. Wow, you really have great topics of interest on your blog. It just shows that you have your act together and I had no idea about all this important things to consider. Very good. Lance
10:49am • #15
3 Featured Posts

Thank you Lance!  Just like your recent blog on clean windows, it is the details which make such a difference well selling a home.  Yesterday, I was in a neighbors home who is a DIYer and she chose the wrong sheen/paint finish for the interior paint job.  Now, every wall flaw stands out in the rooms as they receives a lot of bright sunlght! 

Of course, she realized it after the painting was completed.  The new AURA line from Benjamin Moore is really awesome.  I think I will do a blog on it in the near future.  One of my recent bathroom remodels was painted in a flat matte finish...the homeowner loved it.  However, within a month or so, there were water marks on the newly painted walls which dried like long drips!!  EEKS!  When you have a flat, dark wall color, scrubbing can remove some of the pigment and discolor the wall color. 

We repainted the small bath with the new AURA line...one coat and ta-da...no more water marks and it looks incredible!  Regards-Kathleen G

11:22am • #16
APR
01
2008

Great tips on interior wall painting.

http://www.move.com/home-garden/painting/interior-paint-problem-solver/default.aspx

steve
4:01am • #17
Well now I can paint my master bedroom with confidence.  Thanks for the great post.
8:05am • #18
3 Featured Posts
Thank you for commenting gentlemen!  I am a paint techie for sure and love to keep up on the latest and greatest!  My local Sherwin Williams rep always keeps me up to date on the new paint lines they have....and my other Benjamin Moore crew (along with Pratt & Lambert) love when I come in to test their new lines!  BM's AURA still rocks my world these days but Sherwin Williams is trying to get me to run with their Cashmere line!  The right paint, color and finish makes a good job look GREAT!  Regards-Kathleen
8:11pm • #19

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Kathleen Garvey - Stager Idol - Florida Home Staging in Naples Ft. Myers

Fort Myers, FL

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Enhanced Interiors & Home Staging

Address: 4600 Summerlin Road C2, Fort Myers, FL, 33919

Cell Phone: (239) 849-6009

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Expert Thoughts and Opinions on Real Estate staging and How to improve selling your Home!

KATHLEEN GARVEY is the National Grand Prize Award Winner of Stager Idol 2008.

State President of RESA-Florida 2008, 2009

Awarded 2009 RESA National State President of the Year

ENHANCED INTERIORS & HOME STAGING is located in the Fort Myers - Naples, Florida area. Serving real estate staging needs in the following cities: Naples. Bonita Springs, Estero, Sanibel Island, Ft. Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral and Punta Gorda, FL. (239) 849-6009

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