Terms like flat, eggshell, and satin refer to different paint finishes. These finishes determine the sheen and overall appearance of the painted surface. Here’s a breakdown of what each term means:
- Flat Paint: Flat paint has a matte finish and offers a non-reflective, smooth appearance. Its low sheen level makes it ideal for hiding imperfections on walls or ceilings. Flat paint is commonly used in areas with low traffic or minimal contact, such as bedrooms, living rooms, or ceilings. It does not reflect light well and can be more challenging to clean, as it may absorb stains and show marks more easily.
- Matte Paint: Matte paint has a soft, subtle, and smooth texture that creates a visually pleasing, elegant look. It offers a non-shiny, flat finish, which can help to hide surface imperfections such as minor scratches, dents, or wall irregularities. Overall, matte finish paint offers a sophisticated and understated aesthetic, making it a popular choice for interior spaces where a subdued, elegant atmosphere is desired.
- Eggshell Paint: Eggshell paint has a slight sheen that resembles the surface of an eggshell, hence the name. It offers a soft, velvety finish that is more durable and easier to clean than flat paint. Eggshell finish strikes a balance between a matte appearance and some level of washability. It is commonly used in areas such as living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms, where a smooth, low-sheen finish is desired.
- Satin Paint: Satin paint has a smooth, velvety finish with a slightly higher sheen than eggshell. It provides a subtle shine and is more washable and scrubbable than a flat or eggshell finish. Satin paint is suitable for areas that require more frequent cleaning, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or hallways. It offers better resistance to moisture, stains, and mildew growth, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas.
- Semi-Gloss Paint: Semi-gloss paint has a higher sheen than satin and provides a shiny, reflective surface. It is commonly used for trim, doors, or cabinets.
- High-Gloss Paint: High-gloss paint has the highest sheen level and offers an ultra-shiny, reflective finish. It is often used for decorative accents or to create a dramatic effect.
- Low-Luster: This finish is very popular with exterior siding materials. It offers a lower sheen so it is not glossy. Yet just enough of a paint sheen to offer more washability. Great for Hardi siding or Stucco finishes.
Our Recommendations from Pride Painting come with guidance from local designers and architects. For interior’s we often will recommend a Matte or Satin finish for walls and Semi gloss / Satin option for Trim and Doors. For Ceilings they are most commonly a Flat finish unless in a bathroom with poor ventilation.
For Exterior painting, we typically recommend Low Lustre for siding or Flat finish and Satin / Semi gloss for Trim and Doors.
It’s important to note that the sheen levels can vary among different paint manufacturers, so it’s a good idea to review paint samples or consult a professional to ensure you achieve the desired finish.
Choosing the right paint finish depends on various factors, including the desired aesthetic, the level of durability and washability required, and the specific room or surface to be painted. Consider the function of the space, the amount of light it receives, and your personal preferences when selecting the appropriate finish for your interior painting project.
Latex paint and alkyd paint:
These are two different types of paint that have distinct characteristics and applications. Here’s a comparison of latex paint and alkyd paint:
- Composition: Latex paint, also known as acrylic paint, is water-based and uses a synthetic resin called acrylic as its binder. Alkyd paint, on the other hand, is oil-based and uses alkyd resins as its binder, which are derived from oils like linseed or soybean.
- Odor and Drying Time: Latex paint has a mild, low odor and dries relatively quickly. It usually dries to the touch within one hour and can be recoated after a few hours. Alkyd paint has a stronger odor due to the solvents it contains and takes longer to dry. It can take several hours or even days to dry completely, depending on environmental conditions.
- Application: Latex paint is versatile and commonly used for both interior and exterior applications. It adheres well to various surfaces such as drywall, wood, and masonry. It is easy to clean up with soap and water, and brushes or rollers can be cleaned without the need for harsh solvents. Alkyd paint is often used for interior trim, cabinets, and furniture. It provides a hard, durable finish and is suitable for surfaces that require more resistance to wear and tear. Cleanup of alkyd paint requires the use of paint thinners or solvents.
- Finish: Latex paint typically dries to a flat, matte, eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss finish, offering a range of sheen options. Alkyd paint is known for its smooth, glossy finish and is commonly available in high-gloss or semi-gloss options.
- Durability: Latex paint is generally less durable than alkyd paint. While latex paint is suitable for most interior and exterior applications, alkyd paint provides a harder, more durable surface that is resistant to stains, abrasions, and moisture. Alkyd paint is often preferred for high-traffic areas and surfaces that require frequent cleaning.
- Environmental Impact: Latex paint is considered more environmentally friendly than alkyd paint. Latex paints have lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are less harmful to human health and the environment. Alkyd paints contain higher levels of VOCs and require proper ventilation during application.
While it may be more challenging to find alkyd paints specifically marketed for residential use, it is still possible to obtain them through specialized paint stores, professional suppliers, or by requesting them from paint manufacturers. It’s important to consult with local paint retailers or professionals to determine the availability and suitability of alkyd paints for your specific residential painting needs.
There are many reasons why the industry has moved away from Alkyd based paints. These are the main reasons that we know of:
Latex paints have become increasingly easier to use. They have low odour levels, quick dry time and retain their rich colours for longer. Environmental impact. Not only do Alkyd paints require solvents to clean up equipment or spills they are also hard to recycle. These paints are also harsh on the users of the products as well and pose more health threats when there is paint or product left on the skin or fumes are breathed in.
Alkyd paints are known to yellow or tarnish much quicker than latex or acrylic based paints. That means that the colour retention deteriorates much quicker and you lose that freshly painted feel!
So given the facts and trends of the paint industry, this is our understanding of why you do not see Alkyd based paints being utilized in residential painting applications. There are some time and place for it, and your professionals at Pride Painting can help educate and suggest where and when to use them.