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Flat paint has a low-sheen finish that helps reduce glare in high-glare areas. This makes it great for ceilings or rooms with lots of light reflectors, like bathrooms or living rooms. However, the lower level of gloss can make flat paint vulnerable to staining and marks from spills and fingerprints.
Flat and Matte finish paints are ideal for covering walls that have flaws or blemishes. Even larger imperfections, such as extensive scuffs and nail pops can get covered and camouflaged since Flat Paints are effective at absorbing light, in essence, “hiding” the bumps and lines that exist on every wall.
Flat paint, with its velvety, matte appearance, is the best choice for hiding any wall imperfections due to its lack of shine and reflective properties.
Flat paint hides all imperfections, which is why painters prefer it. Some homeowners want flat because you can do touch-ups with the paint (unlike an eggshell). Some flat paints claim they are washable. It really is personal preference.
Eggshell is always an interior designer's preferred paint finish, which is why we chose this as our ultimate finish for walls. The name eggshell stems from the fact the finish appears mostly flat with just a touch of luster... similar to a chicken egg!
Unfortunately, flat paint is much quicker to show scuffs, smudges, and fingerprints than other types of paint finishes, and it can still accumulate dust and smoke stains over time.
Therefore, builders use low-grade flat paint we painters refer to as builder-grade flat. If you live in a home painted this was by a builder, a seller, or a low-cost painter, you know that this flat finish wears badly, scuffs easily, is chalky, and you cannot clean it, or it comes off.
Eggshell finish, perennially popular with professional and DIY painters alike, has a low-sheen reminiscent of flat or matte, but it is infinitely more durable than its namesake.
This is perfectly normal (although it's something you'd want to fix by claying the paint). In short, that rough texture that you feel is basically a mix of micro-level dirt that has stuck to your clear coat that won't come off with a simple wash.
Color Considerations
We all know that lighter colors emphasize imperfections while darker colors hide them. This also has to do with light and reflection. Lighter colors reflect more light while darker shades absorb it.
Flat paint is the most forgiving finish with the best color payout. If you need to cover imperfections, patching or joints, flat paint can absorb light, making your dings and flaws less noticeable. Note that this kind of paint finish has no sheen to it. The drawback to a flat finish is the lack of durability.
Not all satin or flat paint has to be clear coated. With new environmental regulation and a low demand for single stage-paints, you will most likely use a base clear. One important feature of choosing paint is to make sure that it has UV protection.
You shouldn't use flat paint on high-traffic areas, like bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms because it's the hardest to clean. But, if you're using a high quality flat paint, you'll be able to scrub away any imperfections on the wall after 30 days of painting the surface.
Flat/Matte Paint Finishes
Given its wallet-friendly nature, it's also the perfect sheen choice for anyone on a tight budget.
Reason #3 for Why Builders Use Flat Paint – Some builders use flat paint because they just do not build a very good home. Poor quality of some trades, like drywall contractors, or framers, can make imperfections pop out if there is a sheen in the paint. Using flat paint keeps imperfections from being so noticeable.
Contractors are often requested to use low- or zero-VOC paints, and this is something they can get from Sherwin-Williams in a variety of their paint lines. Sherwin-Williams paint is thick because it uses more solids, which makes it easier to work with and will cover more surface area.
Avoid using eggshell paint in high-contact, high-traffic areas such as door and window trim, baseboards, cabinetry, and doors. It's best to use semi-gloss paint in these areas.
If you want your paint to have a smooth finish, the technique you use is very important. Keep your brush at a 90-degree angle while applying the paint and feather as you go. Between coats, sand the wall lightly using a very high grit sand sponge of at least 220 grit.
Most ceiling paints have a flat (or matte) finish. A flat finish doesn't reflect lights and will hide most irregularities and defects in the ceiling. On the other hand, reflective sheens draw the eye upward and can detract from the rest of the room. Another benefit of a flat finish is that it doesn't scuff easily.
Flat or matte paint finish: This is a low-sheen finish that is non-reflective and good for concealing patches and cracks. It is best for low traffic areas like bedrooms and ceilings. Eggshell finish: This is a washable, non-glossy finish with a subdued velvety appearance.
Eggshell sheen could be considered the “standard” wall sheen & it certainly is the most popular choice. You can expect a velvety, softly polished glow with an easy-to-clean surface.
Try one of the versions of melamine-foam-based white sponges (“Magic Eraser” is one brand) –these are least likely to mar flat-painted surfaces, but due to their ablative action (they wear away) may leave a white residue on darker colors. Just follow them with an absorbent WHITE towel, using a gentle blotting action.
With our wide selection of paint by Sherwin-Williams, HGTV Home® by Sherwin Williams, Valspar® and STAINMASTER™, your perfect color is waiting for you.
BUT, flat paint is recommended for ceilings and very low traffic areas for a reason. It's not as durable or easy to clean as eggshell or other higher sheen paints. So if you have pets or kids (or even husbands) that touch or bump into walls, flat paint will easily mar.