Choosing Gloss Levels for Paint
Jun 01 Filed under: Paint
Frequently, it may be confusing to choose gloss levels for various rooms. Here is a brief primer for selecting proper gloss levels for paint:
Ceilings: Flat finish is highly recommended. Higher gloss levels (e.g., pearl, eggshell, semi-gloss) will show unevenness, particularly with concrete ceilings, as well as make ceilings look more obvious, and therefore, lower. However, ceilings in bathrooms should be painted with semi-gloss, since SG is better for moisture resistance, mildew, and cleaning.
Walls: For most living spaces (excluding kitchen and bath), satin or eggshell finish is recommended. Both provide a nice sheen and is fairly easy to clean. For the Benjamin Moore paint lovers, they refer to satin as “AquaPearl”.
Bath and Kitchen Walls: Because of moisture and the need to clean the walls more frequently in these rooms, semi-gloss is recommended.
Trim: Doors, baseboard, and crown should typically be painted in semi-gloss, which is easier to clean and provides an accent touch.
For what it is worth, I like Benjamin Moore paints. Their paints lay on well and resist splattering, while offering excellent wall coverage and protection over time. I also prefer to buy their top-of-the-line paint called “Regal”, for just a few dollars more per gallon.