Paint Types & Where to Use Them
High Gloss (70+ on a 60 degree gloss meter)
Where to Use – For kitchen & bathroom walls, kitchen cabinets, banisters & railings, trim, furniture, door jambs & windowsills.
Comments – More durable, stain resistant & easier to wash. However, the higher the gloss, the more likely surface imperfections will be noticed.
Semigloss (35 to 70 on a 60 degree gloss meter)
Where to Use – For kitchen & bathroom walls, hallways, children’s rooms, playrooms, doors, woodwork & trim.
Comments – More stain-resistant & easier to clean than flat paints. Better than flat for high-traffic areas.
Satin or Silk (Range overlapping eggshell & semigloss) – Similar characteristics to Semigloss & Eggshell.
Eggshell (20 to 30 on a 60 degree gloss meter)
Where to Use – Can be used in place of flat paints on wall surfaces especially in halls, bathrooms & playrooms. Can be used in place of semigloss paints on trim for a less shiny appearance.
Comments – It resists stains better than flat paint & gives a more lustrous appearance.
Flat (less than 15 on a 60 degree gloss meter)
Where to Use – For general use on walls & ceilings.
Comments – Hides surface imperfections. Stain removal can be difficult. Use for uniform, non-reflecting appearance. Best suited for low-traffic areas.
Matte Same characteristics as Flat.
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EZ Painting, Inc. – The #1 painter serving Miami, Chicago & Surrounding suburbs, Westchester County, NY/New York City with quality and dependability. We provide painting and wall repair services to residential, commercial and industrial clients.
One Comment
Well I have wanted to repaint my kitchen for long, but could not decide on the degree of gloss I should go for. The ideas on this page were very helpful and made things very clear to me. A stain resistant paint is what I will go for.