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Select the Right
Sheen For Your Paint Project
How does the level of gloss affect cleaning...
The higher the gloss level, the easier the surface is to keep clean. From a practical standpoint, paint enthusiasts have long enjoyed the selection of high gloss paints benefiting any area that requires frequent washing and is subject to a high amount of foot traffic. These paints produce the toughest and most stain resistant finishes.
A wonderful way to highlight a bold color scheme within a child's bedroom, playroom or bath space; consider implementing a whimsical theme using a combination of high gloss colors. Cheerful primary colors that sport wavy freehand stripes or oversized polka dots are just two examples of classic youthful motifs that can form the basis for a treasured space that provides endless hours of fun for a child.
Some pain sheens hide imperfections...
For those do-it-yourselfers who require a paint sheen that will mask surface imperfections, flat paints offer an ideal non-reflective surface quality. Better suited for lower use areas of the home or new construction, flat paints greatly assist with making a surface appear smooth and uniform.
A combination of two distinctively different paint sheens (i.e. flat partnered with high gloss) can also be utilized to produce dramatic effects within a designated interior space. In areas where aesthetic concerns have priority over functional considerations, monochromatic sheen stripes, color blocks or other geometrical designs can be painted using one hue and two differing intensities. When the identical hue and two different sheens have been utilized within the same design, the end result produces an exciting customized pattern that uniquely personalizes a space.
Regardless of whether the primary emphasis is hiding flaws or enhancing architectural features, careful consideration of both beauty and function will help to ensure the most successful choice of paint sheen for the impending project.
Gail McCauley for the
Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute