A trip to the paint store can be an overwhelming experience when you are looking for decorating ideas. From flat finishes to semi-gloss paints, it’s tough to determine which one will work best for your needs. In the past, flat finishes were not able to compete with the washable nature of higher gloss paints. However, paint manufacturers, such as Sherwin-Williams, are creating a variety of products to fit the needs of a busy family.
“We will be introducing Emerald and Duration Home paints in a cleanable, true flat finish this spring,” says Rick Watson, director of product information and technical services at Sherwin-Williams. “Now people don’t need to sacrifice performance to achieve the look they really want.”
The new cleanable flat finishes can be used in high-traffic areas. In general, Watson says finishes with less sheen hide drywall imperfections better, while high-gloss paints tend to show imperfections through the finish and are best suited for trim.
“Satin is great for rooms with moderate traffic, such as a formal dining room, den or bedroom,” he says. “Semi-gloss is common for bathrooms or other higher traffic areas.”