Why do apartments use flat paint?

Author: Loraine Gaylord  |  Last update: Saturday, August 26, 2023

Flat or Matte
This can be great for touch-up work, as the flat finish will conceal many imperfections in your walls. A flat or matte finish is a great choice for walls and ceilings throughout your property. It's easy to touch-up, simple, and likely won't ever put-off potential renters (depending on the color).

Why do apartment complexes use flat paint?

Reason #1 for Why Builders Use Flat Paint – Builders use flat paint so that they can touch-up the walls easily. Flat paint, although it is inferior in many ways, is the best at touching-up. The lack of shine make the paint blend better with the previous paint.

What paint is usually used in apartments?

Beige. Neutral tones are always popular in apartments and condos, but pairing beige with other neutrals can add a dramatic effect.

What are the negatives of flat paint?

If your wall has imperfections like uneven texture, patches or joints, flat paint will absorb light and make them less noticeable. However, flat finishes are not very durable and need to be carefully cleaned. Scrubbing flat paint could wear down the finish and cause sheen to appear in patchy spots.

What is the best paint finish for a rental property?

Invest in Durability

Living Areas – Satin or Semi-Gloss finish that can withstand the heavily trafficked areas and furniture scuffs. Bedrooms – Flat, Matte, or Satin finishes work great as this is a low-traffic area. Baths – Use Gloss or Semi-Gloss for areas where moisture is present.

Why We Paint with Flat (Matte) White Paint! - Ray Hayden

What is the best paint sheen for apartments?

The recommended finish for your rental property is eggshell, followed by satin, as they are easier to clean. They are attractive and easy to clean.

What is the best paint for an apartment?

With a soft sheen finish and high durability, satin paint is considered the most versatile and best paint for indoor walls. It resists mildew and fading and is easier to clean than flat and eggshell finishes.

Should living room walls be flat or satin?

If your space has huge windows and lots of natural light, a flat paint finish can work well. If you want something more shiny and reflective, choose satin or semi-gloss. If you don't want your walls totally lustrous, you can paint trim or crown molding with a semi-gloss sheen.

Does flat paint wipe off?

Does flat paint wipe clean? You can wipe flat paint clean, but you'll want to use a light hand so you don't remove any paint along with dirt and debris. Wipe the walls with a dry cloth and then run a sponge soaked with warm water over any stains. Don't scrub.

Should living room paint be flat or eggshell?

We recommend matte paints for bedrooms and as living room paint finishes where the walls are exposed to less moisture, choosing a glossier eggshell finish for kitchens and as a paint finish for bathrooms, which are more prone to moisture, as well as children's rooms, which might need more regular cleaning.

What rooms to use flat paint?

You should be using flat paint on walls and areas that have a lot of bumps, scratches, or holes. Since it can conceal these blemishes easily, it'll be the one paint finish you'll want to be using. It's best for low-traffic rooms that have a ton of light like offices and more formal rooms, like dining rooms.

What paint do landlords use?

Satin – The soft sheen of satin paint makes it the ideal choice for most of the rooms in a rental property. The finish is durable and perfect for both low and high traffic areas. Semi-gloss – Easy to clean, thanks to a glossy finish, this paint is ideal for kitchens and baths.

Is flat paint recommended?

Flat paint has a velvety, matte look and is the best choice to hide any wall imperfections. However, it's the least durable choice and doesn't usually stand up well to scrubbing.

Why do new home builders use flat paint?

In many such situations, the builder, seller, or low-cost painter used a low-grade flat paint for three reasons: the first is that it is inexpensive; the second is that it is easy to touch up; the third is that it hides imperfections in the drywall walls.

Does water ruin flat paint?

Tips for Cleaning Flat or Matte Paint Walls

Vinegar and water can soak into the paint and cause stains, discolor the paint, or even cause the paint to drip and run. Avoid using too much pressure when cleaning flat paint.

Why is flat paint so hard to clean?

But flat paints can be hard to clean since their porous texture can trap dirt and grime. And since flat paint doesn't resist water like glossier paint does, cleaning it may leave behind unwanted streaks that can make an already dirty wall seem even worse.

What are the pros and cons of flat paint?

Matte and Flat
  • Pros: Matte and flat finishes cover imperfections in surface and application, making them a great choice for ceilings as well as walls in the bedroom, dining room and living room. ...
  • Cons: In general, they hold dirt and are difficult to clean because cleaning can actually remove the finish.

Does flat paint grow mold?

Bathrooms tend to be moist places, and flat or matte paint will begin to grow mold or mildew much faster than other paint sheens. Also, it doesn't resist stains very well, and it is somewhat hard to clean.

Does flat paint cause mold?

Painting Tip: It is important to avoid using flat paints or alkyd paints in humid or outdoor spaces because these paint finishes are more prone to damage, discoloration, and wrinkling, which can lead to new mildew growth.

Do designers use flat or eggshell paint?

From the perspective of a Color Designer/Consultant, I typically specify eggshell on walls for multiple reasons that benefit the people who are dwelling in the home. Eggshell paint cleans easier, covers better, wears better, and lasts longer than flat paint.

Is satin too glossy for living room?

Its balanced look makes it highly durable without being too reflective. If you were to ask an interior designer or painting professional, they'd likely tell you that satin is the glossiest sheen you should use on interior walls.

What are the pros and cons of matte paint?

Pros: Matte paint hides the imperfections and flaws of the painting surface, making it great for walls in your bedroom, dining room and living room. It is also great for ceilings and any sort of touch-up or remodeling work. Cons: It takes a lot of work to keep the imperfections hidden.

How often should you repaint your apartment?

However, with frequent turnover, it's common practice to repaint every two to three years even when it's not legally required. Repainting is particularly important if the walls have significant damage, sometimes caused when tenants move in and out.

Why are apartments painted white?

Apartments and rental homes painted white or off-white rent quickly. They make smaller rooms appear more spacious, are pleasing to the eye, and match with everything.

Is flat paint best for bedroom?

Flat paint works best in low-traffic areas, such as the master bedroom, a study, or a formal living room. “Be careful if you are someone like me who is constantly moving furniture around or has children with particularly grubby fingers—flat doesn't clean up quite as easily,” Henderson says.

Previous article
Should you clean interior windows once a month?
Next article
Is white primer better than grey?