COLOR US TECHNICAL PART 1
Picking out a paint color can seem like a daunting task. You search and search for the perfect shade, and then SUCCESS! You find it and are ready to conquer the world. You take your chosen paint swatch into the store to buy and… there are a gazillion base paint options. Gloss, semi-gloss, matte, epoxy, acrylic latex, and the list goes on. Should you use a brush or roller? How much paint do you need? Will you need primer? How about 1 coat or 15??
Who knew there was so much more to paint than just color?!?
Space Stylists & Co does, and we are here to share! This blog will be a 2 part series because there are many things to consider. Let’s dive in!
Type of Base Paint: The base of your paint only really matters when it comes to durability and wearability of your paint. You likely won’t see the difference between an enamel or latex paint when you first apply it, but give it some wear and tear, and you will know what is what. Here are a few of the basic paint bases and their best applications:
Acrylic Latex Paint: This is your most common interior application for just general wall spaces. Most manufacturers have a variety of levels of their acrylic latex, and add in different features such as better cleanability or durability. For example, Sherwin Williams offers their Emerald Interior which is better suited for high traffic areas, and the Super Paint which is cheaper, but best on areas that won’t be touched often.
Acrylic Enamel: This paint option is most commonly seen in areas with moisture such as bathrooms. The paint is composed of water-resistant features that help combat against mold and can hold up better to condensation on your walls than regular acrylic latex can.
Other Specialty Options: There are too many to list! If you are prepping to paint cabinets or some other specialty area, send us an email at info@spacestylistsco.com and we would love to help!
Paint Finish: After finding the perfect base to your paint, you get to select the finish. Your options are normally gloss, semi-gloss, satin, or matte/flat. We typically recommend a semi-gloss or satin finish for most full wall applications. This is because no wall is perfect, and a gloss and/or matte paint can really accent imperfections. If you have a beautifully sanded wall or ceiling that could be highlighted, feel free to go bold with a gloss or matte! However, most homes we encounter have a little settling and are lived in, so a semi-gloss or satin will be your best bet. There was a past trend to use gloss on your trim, and we believe that comes down to personal opinion, but our favorite look right now is a base finish that matches your wall finish.
Have you found your perfect shade and need help selecting the paint? Send us a message at info@spacestylistsco.com, we would love to help you find the perfect paint so you can get that color on your walls, and one more thing off your to-do list. Stay tuned for our next blog to answer the brush or roller debate, and how much paint you need on those walls!
Cheers!
