Flat Finishes The flat
Matte: A low-luster finish that's less durable, but easy to clean, touches up well, and hides minor surface imperfections. Flat: A non-reflective finish that touches up well and can hide minor surface imperfections.
Eggshell is commonly used in living rooms and dining rooms, as it does not pick up dirt easily. Pro tip: If your walls have bumps or imperfections, an extra coat of eggshell can disguise them more easily than satin or high-gloss finishes.
The sheen is what hides imperfections. Get a flat finish paint. The higher the shine the more imperfections you will see. If you need washability go with a washable flat like Benjamin Moore Regal Select or a matte finish if you need something even...
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.
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.
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.
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!
Dark colors of paint hide drywall imperfections because light gets absorbed into the paint instead of reflecting off it, helping conceal dirt, smudges and fingerprints. Great dark colors include: Navy.
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.
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.
One of the most popular types of wall paint, eggshell finish provides a low sheen and a soft, smooth finish just like a true eggshell. Perfect for low- to mid-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, entryways and family rooms.
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.
Without sanding, the new coat of paint might peel or cause an orange peel texture. Once sanded, clean the entire surface and scrub away any leftover dust, debris, or grime. Keep in mind that nothing gets smoother by adding more paint, it only gets smoother by sanding between coats.
Painters and designers often recommend eggshell paint for low-traffic areas such as living rooms, since it can be more difficult to touch up than paints with lower sheen levels (such as flat paint). Best for: Rooms with low natural light. Kitchens.
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.
Flat and eggshell paint can help you hide imperfections but may be problematic if you expect the painted area to get dirty. On the other hand, glossy paint is much easier to clean, but doesn't do a good job of hiding imperfections.
One of the key advantages of white cabinets is their ability to mask minor scratches and imperfections. This subtlety in concealing damage is one reason why white remains a top choice, particularly for traditionally designed homes where classic and refined aesthetics are desired.
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.
Professional painters frequently utilize premium paints, such as Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams, for their work. Sherwin-Williams is widely regarded as one of the top paint brands, providing a broad range of premium quality paints, including environmentally friendly options.
Flat paint soaks up light and hides imperfections, while satin paint reflects light and may highlight them. Satin paint is best for smooth walls with no imperfections. Flat paint is best for bedrooms, offices, and calm spaces. Consider how you use the space and how frequently you clean the walls before deciding.
Microfiber rollers: They provide a fine finish with the ability to apply a generous coat of paint, perfect for covering imperfections.
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.
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.