Painting Rules for Glossy vs. Flat

Paint Types

• Most paints come in two types, latex (water-based) and alkyd (oil-based). Latex is easy to use, dries quickly and is washable with soap and water. It is nearly odorless and non-flammable. Alkyd paint is thicker than latex paint and has a stronger odor. It is harder to brush onto surfaces and takes longer to dry than latex paint, but it is also more durable and provides greater protection against wear and tear than latex paint. Alkyd paint does not wash off with soap and water; it requires a solvent. Latex is often used to paint interior spaces, and alkyd is more commonly used on exteriors that experience rougher elements.

Glossy Finish

• Two types of glossy finishes exist: semi-gloss and gloss. A semi-gloss paint finish has a medium level of shine, and a glossy finish has a bright, polished shine. Glossy paint is easy to clean and can provide light to large areas of a home, such as the bathroom and kitchen. It is also effective on cabinets, furniture, window trims and moldings, as it tends to highlight decorative construction details. One thing to remember is that because of its high degree of reflection, glossy paint will highlight imperfections or flaws.

Flat Finish

• A flat paint finish has a low level of reflection in light and has a dull, muted appearance. It is highly effective for hiding flaws and construction errors, especially on drywall. Flat paint is harder to clean than glossy paint, so it is best to use it in areas that do not require constant maintenance and encounter frequent use, such as ceilings, dining rooms and living rooms.

Considerations

• Before you decide whether to use a glossy or flat paint finish, you must look at each area of the house to see how it is decorated and what effect a shiny or dull finish would have on the overall design scheme. Another consideration is the amount of traffic in the area. The more a room is frequented, the better off you are choosing a glossy finish that is easy to clean. Rooms that are seldom used may benefit from a flat finish, which is more subtle than a glossy finish. You must also take the "vibe" of a room into account. For example, you may want a family room to have a cozier, warm feeling, which is easier to achieve with a flat finish. A child's room may benefit from a glossy finish to enhance its colors and brightness.