Why do new builds use flat paint?

Author: Mr. Deion Considine II  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 30, 2026

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.

Why do home builders use flat paint?

The reason builders insist on using flat wall paint is it's a way for them to cut corners, significantly. They don't have to do a higher level of drywall finishing, and flat wall paint can be touched up without having to repaint a wall corner to corner during building.

What paint do they use in new builds?

New home.

For example, we recommend the use of breathable paint, such as a contract matt emulsion, as the new plaster dries out during the initial few months. Or why not have a word with our specification team about the products you should use to avoid the yellowing often associated with new build environments.

Why can't you paint walls in a new build?

Newly built houses, despite being ready to live in, often need some time to "settle." This settling period allows the construction materials, particularly those in the walls and ceilings, to adapt to the environment, which can affect how the walls absorb paint or how wallpaper adheres.

What is the disadvantage of flat paint?

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. Best places to use flat paint: Ceilings (which tend to have flaws), accent walls, and low-traffic rooms that don't need frequent cleaning.

Paint Sheen Differences Explained In 5 Minutes

Do designers use flat or eggshell paint?

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!

What area should I avoid flat paint?

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.

What is the best breathable paint for new builds?

Distemper is vapour permeable and allows the surface to breathe. As a result, it offers excellent coverage on porous surfaces.

Does painting a new build void warranty?

Reasons to Hold Off on Painting Your New Build Home

Warranty Concerns: Some warranties for newly built houses could be compromised by significant alterations such as painting—always check homeowner agreements before starting any major work that could void coverage.

Is it OK to live in a newly painted house?

Avoid freshly painted rooms for 2 to 3 days, whenever possible. Keep young children and individuals with breathing problems from freshly painted rooms. Leave painted areas if you experience eye watering, headaches, dizziness, or breathing problems.

How many coats of paint on new build?

Newly plastered walls need sealing in the same way as your ceiling or drywalls: they should have a stabilising primer layer first, before they're applied with at least two coats of paint. A previously painted wall should also have at least two coats, without the primer layer first.

Does Sherwin Williams have flat paint?

In conclusion, if you want maximum washability for a Sherwin Williams flat paint, choose Emerald or Duration.

Why are new homes painted white?

Sellers would paint almost every room white to present an open, non-distracting space with the idea that buyers would paint over the walls with colors of their choice. However, many buyers kept the white walls, and they became a neutral option that made rooms seem brighter.

Is flat or eggshell better for walls?

Although both matte and eggshell paints are durable, eggshell finishes tend to be the more durable and washable of the two options. If you're looking for paint that can withstand more frequent washing and minor stains, eggshell paint is the better choice.

Does flat paint cause mold?

Some types of paint are more resistant to mildew than others. For example, mildew more quickly grows on exterior alkyd flat paint as compared with gloss or semi-gloss enamels. Any products which contain linseed oil also attract mildew growth.

What are the disadvantages of eggshell paint?

Cons:
  • May not provide as much reflectivity as satin paint, which can make smaller rooms feel more cramped.
  • Not as suitable for creating a modern or contemporary look due to its low sheen finish.
  • May require more coats than satin paint to achieve full coverage.

How long does it take for a new build house to settle?

A new house can take about a year to settle. If you live in a climate that has four distinct seasons, the house will need to experience and adjust to each season before it truly settles completely. Kurt says, “A house really is a living organism. I mean, it's no different than anything else.

How soon can you paint walls in a new build?

It's very normal for a few small cracks to appear in the walls and timberwork during this period; for this reason, new home builders advise waiting a while (around 6-12 months) before painting or wallpapering, at which time any cracks can be rectified.

What is the 10 year warranty on new construction?

10 years: Some builders give coverage for up to 10 years for “major structural defects,” sometimes defined as problems that make a home unsafe and put the owner in danger. For example, a roof that could collapse is a “major structural defect.”

Is Sherwin-Williams paint better than Behr?

The consensus is that, on the topic of Sherwin Williams vs Behr paints, the former is more durable and long-lasting than the latter. This makes Sherwin Williams paints a good choice for areas in your home that have a lot of traffic or if you have kids and pets.

What is better, eggshell or satin?

Of the two, satin is more durable and is slightly less likely to scuff or mark than eggshell and it's easier to clean when it does get marked. This makes it a better choice, especially for woodwork such as painting skirting boards, than eggshell for high traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.

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.

Do most builders use flat paint?

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.

What are the negatives of flat paint?

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.

Can you put a sealer over flat paint?

Applying a Sealer

These products create barriers preventing moisture penetration thus prolonging life expectancy on flat paint finishes.

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