When planning for an interior home painting in Omaha, Nebraska, you have several decisions to make before the brush meets the wall. Finding a local professional painting contractor in Omaha and choosing paint colors are the biggest concerns for many homeowners. However, not many homeowners or DIY painters consider paint sheen in the planning phase.
Paint is available in a wide range of finishes/sheens –ranging from the flats to the shiny high-gloss. You will find eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss finishes in between these extremes. These different finishes come with their unique properties, and depending on the surface and space you are painting, one might be suitable over another.
If you go to your local paint store, you might find the shiniest paint sheen labeled as “gloss,” and one step down, you will see “semi-gloss.” While not every interior painting project calls for high-gloss paint, various advantages come with using high-gloss finishes. Here is a quick look at a few of them:
Glossy Interior Paints Are A Brighter Sheen
A glossy paint finish offers a much brighter and bolder look than the same color shade in low-gloss. Glossy paints reflect more light and make the paint color seem more colorful and more vivid. A higher gloss sheen in darker colors such as dark brown will make the room look brighter and more extensive, while the same color in a flat finish tends to absorb light and makes the room feel darker.
Glossy Interior Paints are Decorative
Due to its high sheen, high gloss paint generally draws attention to the surface that is painted, which makes it a perfect candidate for decorating molding and the trim around the doors and windows.
Many home interior designers leverage the reflective quality of high gloss paint for decorative purposes. You can also create special effects and subtle glamour by painting alternating stripes and matte and high-gloss paint patterns in the same color (Here is an example of this). However, when misplaced –such as using it on a surface that receives too much natural light –the glare might be overwhelming.
Glossy Interior Paints are Durable
Of all the paint finishes, high-gloss is the most durable. Once the high-gloss paint dries, it forms a hard, shell-like finish that cannot be easily irritated. It resists bumps, nicks, and scrapes from moving items like furniture and even pets. For this reason, you will find this finish commonly used in high traffic areas such as entryways, halls, stairs, and floors. You can also safely give the painted surface a light wiping without the risk of rubbing the paint away.
Glossy Interior Paints are Waterproof
High-gloss interior paint tends to be highly water-resistant. While the shiny finish might show fingerprints and surface imperfections, it doesn’t absorb oils and dirt like the less glossy paints. You can clean surfaces painted in high-gloss using a damp cloth without the risk of damaging the paint job.
The paint can hold up well, even in spaces with high moisture exposure, such as kitchen walls, cabinets, laundry rooms, and even bathrooms. Using flat paint in these areas will most likely show water spots, and discoloration, and even allow mold growth when left wet for too long.
The Bottom Line
Interior painting is an essential part of maintaining and protecting your investment, and the choice of the paint is as important as the quality of the paint job. Apart from choosing your best color, it would be helpful if you considered the correct finish. High gloss is ideal for most interior spaces, especially high-traffic areas such as entryways, kitchens, and kitchen cabinets.
To top it all up, once you pick your favorite paint color and an appropriate finish, consider hiring a professional painting contractor such as Brush & Roll Painting for a quality and durable interior paint job.
With more than 20 years in business, Brush & Roll Painting is one of Omaha’s most experienced residential painting contractors. Book a free estimate below, or give us a call to get started.
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