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: This is a great choice for hiding imperfections in your walls and it's by far the easiest to touch up.
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.
Glazing: Apply a glaze over the base coat to add depth and texture, which can help disguise imperfections. Wall Art or Décor: Hang artwork, mirrors, or other decorative elements to cover up problem areas. Wall Panels or Wainscoting: Consider adding decorative wall panels or wainscoting to hide larger mistakes.
White or silver is the easiest to hide imperfections or dirt. Black or other deep dark colors seem to be the hardest to keep clean and scratch free. It's always incredibly impressive to see a flawless black car, very hard to do.
Wall condition: If your walls are in good condition, you may only need one or two coats of paint to achieve a smooth, even finish. However, if your walls are rough or damaged, you may need to apply additional coats to cover up 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.
Formulated with a thicker high hiding formula, KILZ 3 Premium Primer hides surface imperfections, prepares the surface better for painting and hides previous dark colors with ease.
Elastomeric paint is a high build coating that is designed to protect masonry surfaces. These coatings help protect your stucco from wind driven rain, and can create a waterproof system if applied correctly.
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.
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.
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.
Imperfections: Despite being more durable, satin paint will show imperfections in your walls a lot more obviously than flat paint. This is down to the glossy nature, making it hard to hide things like cracks or patches. With the matte effect of flat paint, any minor imperfections are hidden away.
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.
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!
Matte. This flat finish is great for hiding surface imperfections, while its angular shine helps make walls smooth and washable. Use this sheen for: Living rooms.
KILZ Mold & Mildew Primer is ideal for interior and exterior spaces prone to high moisture and humidity. Think bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, powder rooms, patio kitchens, pool decks, greenhouses, etc. It contains an EPA certified mildewcide which prevents mold and mildew growth on the primer film.
Smooth Finish: No one wants bumpy, patchy walls. PVA drywall primer smooths out inconsistencies in texture, making the final result look silky smooth.
Because it helps to hide imperfections such as nail holes and patches, Ultra Flat Paint is a dependable option for older homes or surfaces with slight damage. Users often appreciate that its matte finish offers a sophisticated look that complements various interior design styles.
Polycell Polyfilla SmoothOver for Damaged and Textured Walls. Gives a smooth surface that's ready to paint…. This product is not for online sale and can only be purchased from selected stores. Coverage 2.5 litres will cover up to 5m²(average layer thickness 0.5mm).
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.
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!*
Generally speaking, a water-based flat finish paint is best for ceilings as it hides a multitude of sins thanks to its low light-reflecting properties. Our recommendation would be Tikkurila Anti-Reflex 2 or 'AR2' as it's commonly known.
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.