Choosing a Paint Sheen

The paint sheen has a dramatic effect on the overall look of any interior room or exterior surface. Although you might want to choose paint sheens based on the look alone, there are some general guidelines that can effect your Choosing a Paint Sheen decision.

The amount of gloss can have an enormous effect on both appearance and performance of the paint. The effects go beyond general appearance. The sheen of the paint changes the look of a color as well. A paint color with a flat sheen can look lighter or darker than the same color with a satin sheen. While evaluating a colors appearance also judge the affect of your preferred paint sheen.

Definition and Types of Paint Sheens

Sheen is a measurement of a finishes gloss or shininess. They range from flat to high gloss. Each manufacture labels sheens differently, but typically there are four categories.

Flat Paint

Also called a "matte" finish is generally non-reflective and the most forgiving. Many top quality flats still have a very slight sheen when two coats are applied. Flat paint tends to hide surface imperfections, including scratches and small dents, plus has the greatest hiding capability allowing for fewer coats of paint.

Flat paint is a good choice for large interior ceilings that almost always has imperfections. Quality flat paint is very washable but susceptible to damage from constant exposure to high humidity and water. Flat paint is primarily used on ceilings and walls in main living areas.

Eggshell or Satin

Both eggshell and satin paint have slightly more sheen than flat. This is often referred to as a moderate paint sheen level. Eggshell usually has a lower sheen than satin paint. They also convey warmth to trim without being excessively shiny.

Both satin and eggshell paint sheens can be excellent choices for interior walls. Satin paints have better stain resistance than most flat paints. They resists dirt more and can be scrubbed more vigorously. They are a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms or applied to trim and doors, an excellent choice for kid’s rooms or high traffic areas.

Satin is also a great choice for exterior use since it more readily sheds water and resists the affects of the sun when compared to flat. Plus it has better elongation characteristics than flat paints.

Semi-Gloss Paint

Has a higher sheen than eggshell or satin finishes. Semi-gloss paints are even more resistant to dirt and scuff marks, plus are easier to clean. Traditionally used in kitchens, bathrooms and on trim, windows or doors. Any area that requires regular or vigorous cleaning will benefit from using a semi-gloss paint.

Gloss Paint

These highly reflective finishes are tougher, more stain resistant and easier to clean than any lower paint sheen. Because of their highly reflective nature surface imperfections will be noticeable and will be exaggerated. Gloss paint can be applied to the same areas as semi-gloss paint. This type of paint will produce a "plastic" coated look on smooth trim and doors.

PuttyandPaint Transform a Bargain Basement to Upscale

Author: Angela Glancy

When you find that perfect piece of furniture in the thrift shop, it may look a little rough, but think about what a little putty and paint can do for any piece of furniture that has been kicked to the curb. Sometimes you will find the perfect line, size and shape on a piece of furniture that is in less than pristine condition. With just a little elbow grease and a dab of paint, you can actually end up with a piece of furniture that looks better now than it did originally.

Prepare:

Always make sure that all surfaces are clean and sanded smooth before you even consider adding any paint to the furniture. Unfinished wood is the easiest surface to prep and paint, but you can successfully paint over any surface, even plastic or laminate, if it is properly prepared.

Set yourself up outdoors and using sandpaper, sand down your piece of furniture. Use a tack cloth to wipe away any dust. Then apply a thin layer of primer to the surface of the furniture with a foam brush or roller. Then let the surface dry thoroughly. By applying a thin coat and letting it thoroughly dry, you make sure that the final layers of paint will apply flawlessly.

If you do not want to go through the prep steps, there you may want to try using spray paint that is formulated for plastic. You can apply this paint formulation directly over paint, laminate or plastic surfaces, and it is formulated to make a good, strong bond with the surface.

Painting Tips:

If you do not want your bargain basement find to be conspicuous in your room full of otherwise beautiful furniture, coordinate this piece of furniture with your other pieces by coordinating the paint colors. Or you can go in the completely opposite direction and have it contrast to stand out like a showpiece.

As you ponder what color to paint your piece, simply decide if you want it to blend into or pop out of the room. To have it blend in paint it in the same tone as the wall, and to have it pop out paint it in a contrasting color to the wall.

Something to keep in mind is that dark colors are more forgiving than light colors. So if you have a less than perfect surface to work with, then you might want to consider painting it a darker shade.

When you are painting furniture if you use a paintbrush you may end up with brush strokes in your finish; use either a foam brush or roller and follow the natural grain of the wood for a nice, even finish.

And finally, do not forget about textured paints that are available today. You can choose from an antique or linen glaze, a crackel finish or sand and suede type textures. Textured paint is excellent for hiding those little imperfections that you frequently run into with old furniture. With so many great paint sellections, there should be nothing keeping you from rehabing that great flea market find.

About the Author:
Working for years as a design consultant Angela Glancy has just joined http://www.americanartisanart.com/ where she plans to incorporate her decorating aesthetic for large wall sculptures and wall art sculptures.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Putty and Paint Transform a Bargain Basement to Upscale

PaintChangesthe Look in One Swipe

Author: Angela Glancy

Paint is one of the quickest ways to change the look of your house. You can redo your house with a contemporary aesthetic just by changing your paint. Paint works on virtually any surface, and it comes in a myriad of colors and finishes.

Color Splash

Modern rooms always have an element of bold color. Hues like orange, aqua and lime have evolved from simply being accent colors to being full-fledged room colors. They are energetic backgrounds for the simple lines of contemporary furniture, and they lend themselves to a beautiful pairing with neutrals and browns. When you introduce a strong color into a room you can develop a contemporary aesthetic by pairing it with its warm or cool counterpart. For instance, you may want to add cool blues and greens to a room with orange walls, or you may want to pair lilac with a green walled room.

One of the simplest ways to introduce a strong color on the wall of a room is to add it as a focal wall. It can be a high contrast wall, or it can simply be a richer shade of colors already in the room. Then add a beautiful piece of artwork or even a cluster of artwork to the wall, and you have created a dynamic focal wall for your room.

Shiny Finishes

Another way to add a little zing to a room is to use shiny finishes throughout your space. For example, you may want to paint a focal wall in a high gloss finish while the remaining walls are all a flat finish. As the light bounces around the room it will react differently with the shiny surfaces than it will with the flat surfaces. And in an interesting way, by mixing paint finishes throughout the room, you create texture and interest on the walls. A bathroom that gets the morning sun will come alive at sunrise with golden, glossy walls.

Add a Mural

A really fun way to add interest to any wall is to add a mural to it. Of course you can hire someone to paint a mural for you, or you can create one yourself. By taking elements from your favorite fabric in the room, you can trace, say a flower, onto a transparency sheet, project it onto the wall and paint away. You will end up with a professional looking painting on your wall.

Tone on Tone

One of the most classic color palettes, tone on tone decorating creates a harmonious space. By selecting a single tone, say cream, and simply changing the paint finish and fabric texture throughout the room, you can create a beautifully textured and elegant room. Then by adding one elegant element, like a crystal chandelier, you really set the stage for glamour.

Black and White

Black and white, while two opposite and contrasting colors, relate to each other and create a neutral backdrop. They work particularly well with other bold colors to create a contemporary space. Add sleek furniture and keep the look uncluttered for a gorgeous, modern room.

About the Author:
Angela Glancy, is a popular contributing writer for http://www.americanartisanart.com/, and she is a trailblazer in new design approaches for wood wall sculptures and copper wall sculptures.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Paint Changes the Look in One Swipe

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