What paint to use to hide imperfections?

Author: Ms. Destiney Steuber PhD  |  Last update: Friday, February 13, 2026

Using Flat Finish Paint: You can also apply flat paint finish on the wall as they can reduce the amount of light reflected off the wall. This also reduces the visibility of dents and dings and other drywall imperfections. Flat finishes also look bolder and classier than other glossier paints.

What kind of paint hides imperfections best?

Flat paint: This is a great choice for hiding imperfections in your walls and it's by far the easiest to touch up.

Which paint layer hides imperfections?

Eggshell finishes provide a slight sheen while still concealing minor flaws. Reserve glossy finishes for trim work and areas with minimal texture concerns. Each finish type serves a distinct purpose in creating smooth-looking surfaces throughout your home.

Does flat or satin paint hide imperfections better?

Using a higher sheen (satin, or semigloss) will make any imperfections in the walls stand out. The lower the sheen (flat, eggshell) the more imperfections are hidden due to the shine being less.

Is there a paint that covers imperfections?

Paint designed for uneven surfaces may be sold under a range of names including elastomeric paint, high-build paint, crack-free paint or renovation paint (which is basically a filler and undercoat in one). These paints are much thicker than ordinary paints which gives them much better coverage.

The WORST Paint Colors to Hide Imperfections (Avoid These Mistakes)

What finish do professional painters use?

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.

How many coats of paint do I need to hide imperfections?

If you're using a high-quality paint, you may be able to get away with just one or two coats. However, if you're using a lower-quality paint, you may need to apply three or more coats to achieve the desired results.

What is the best paint primer for hiding imperfections?

To hide imperfections, such as cracks and dents, the Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Interior/Exterior Water-Based Primer works well. To promote adhesion and durability on surfaces, such as metal or tile, the Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Primer is an excellent choice.

Is there a thick paint to cover bad walls?

A paint that has high coverage and a thick texture, such as our Claypaint or Lifestyle emulsions, will even out any hairline cracks and slightly bumpy surfaces. Both products can go over a multitude of wall substrates. However, on lime plaster we'd only recommend using Claypaint due to its high level of breathability.

What is the best texture to hide imperfections?

Texture Tricks to Hide Wall Imperfections
  • Popcorn. Quite possibly the most well-known type of drywall texture, popcorn walls and ceilings became popular in the 1960s as an easy way to hide any imperfections, which made it attractive to builders. ...
  • Comb. ...
  • Orange Peel. ...
  • Knockdown. ...
  • Sand Swirl. ...
  • Skip Trowel. ...
  • Slap Brush. ...
  • Rosebud.

What colors hide imperfections?

Neutral Colors
  • Gray.
  • Off-white.
  • Beige.
  • Pale blue.
  • Pale green.

When should you not use eggshell paint?

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.

What color auto paint hides imperfections the best?

Colors like silver, gray, and charcoal are particularly effective at concealing dirt and minor imperfections. These colors do not show dirt as readily as lighter colors and can also mask small scratches better than high-contrast colors like black or white.

How do you paint over imperfections?

Doing so will help ensure that those wall imperfections stay hidden. Start by sanding the areas you'll be painting over and then clean them with a cloth or sponge. You want to access the bare surface so the new paint adheres properly. Make sure to coat the wall with primer before painting as well.

Which paint hides imperfections better?

Matte: A low-luster finish that's less durable, but easy to clean, touches up well, and hides minor surface imperfections.

Which is better, Kilz or Zinsser?

Original Kilz Primer allowed more seep through when put in two coats to two different walls in the same area, whereas Zinsser provided superior coverage.

Is there a primer that smooths walls?

Smooth Finish: No one wants bumpy, patchy walls. PVA drywall primer smooths out inconsistencies in texture, making the final result look silky smooth.

What kind of paint roller to hide imperfections?

Microfiber rollers: They provide a fine finish with the ability to apply a generous coat of paint, perfect for covering imperfections.

What paint fills in imperfections?

Breeze through prep work, skip the primer and start enjoying your painted walls faster with Glidden Performance Edge 3 IN 1. This groundbreaking formula is the one and only paint that can actually fill minor surface imperfections, like small nail holes and hairline cracks, and then prime and paint in a single coat!*

Why does my paint job look patchy?

Patchy paint can result if paint has been applied unevenly. Patchy paint can be down to a variation in surface absorption. Walls might appear patchy if they have variation in texture. Using paint that is not fully mixed can cause a patchy appearance.

What paint do most contractors use?

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.

Does eggshell hide imperfections?

The low sheen of eggshell paint allows it to effectively disguise wall imperfections, making it a great choice for spaces where you want to create a smooth, flawless appearance. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, eggshell paint is also practical for areas that don't see a lot of wear and tear.

What are the three grades of paint?

5 Types of Paint Finishes and Where to Use Them in Your Home
  • High-Gloss Paint Finish: – The most reflective. – Extremely durable. ...
  • Semigloss Paint Finish: – Reflective. – Very durable. ...
  • Satin Paint Finish: – Low Reflective. – Medium durability. ...
  • Eggshell Paint Finish: – Low Reflection. ...
  • Flat Paint Finish: – Low to no reflection.

Previous article
How long should you stay out of house after mold remediation?
Next article
How much do electricians charge to change a light switch?