Why do painters like flat paint?

Author: Prof. Gerry Price  |  Last update: Sunday, September 7, 2025

Paint with a flat finish soaks up light in a room and instead provides a velvety, matte look to the walls. It's ideal for hiding wall imperfections like bumps, cracks, seams, or damage.

Why do painters use flat paint?

Flat paint hides all imperfections, which is why painters prefer it. Some homeowners want flat because you can do touch-ups with the paint (unlike an eggshell). Some flat paints claim they are washable. It really is personal preference.

What are the disadvantages 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.

Why is flat paint so hard to clean?

Because flat paint has these course pigments, it literally grabs dirt off anything that comes in contact with it. This is why it gets dirtier faster and is harder to wash. Add to having course pigment, the fact that cheap paints use cheap pigments, usually calcium carbonate - chalk!

Do builders use flat or eggshell paint?

Builders do not like to have to paint walls edge to edge, so they use flat paint. During the building process, there are many trades that come into the home and damage the paint job. This makes it easier to fix.

STOP Lap Marks. Tips PRO's Use To Paint Perfect Walls.

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 paint finish do professional painters use?

Matte Paint

Regal® Select Interior Matte (N548) is a professional painter favorite for its ease of application and smooth feel after drying. Matte finish paint also withstands frequent washing, even when applied in busier areas like hallways and family rooms.

Does magic eraser work on flat paint?

Yes. A Magic Eraser can remove dirt and scuff marks from flat paint. Simply glide the sponge across the stains, and stains may instantly disappear.

What is the hardest paint to keep clean?

Colors That Are Harder to Keep Clean in Matte Finishes
  • Matte Black: Shows dirt, dust, and fingerprints very easily.
  • Matte Dark Blue: Like black, it reveals dust and imperfections quickly, requiring frequent cleaning.

Does flat paint scuff easily?

Unfortunately, flat paint is much quicker to show scuffs, smudges, and fingerprints than other types of paint finishes, and it can still accumulate dust and smoke stains over time.

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 most forgiving paint sheen?

Flat paint is the most forgiving finish with the best color payout. If you need to cover imperfections, patching or joints, flat paint can absorb light, making your dings and flaws less noticeable. Note that this kind of paint finish has no sheen to it. The drawback to a flat finish is the lack of durability.

Does Sherwin Williams have flat paint?

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

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.

What color hides imperfections best?

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.

What rooms are flat paint good for?

Despite these considerations, flat paint can be an excellent choice for low-traffic areas, ceilings, or places where achieving a smooth, elegant look outweighs the need for durability. An eggshell finish has a subtler shine to it, so it's a great choice if you're not ready for satin.

What car color is hardest to sell?

Worst Car Colours for Resale Value:
  • Gold: While it may be a unique choice for some, gold cars often have lower resale values as they may be seen as dated or less universally appealing.
  • Purple: As a less common and quite specific colour, purple cars can be harder to sell and might fetch a lower resale price.

Does flat paint hide imperfections?

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.

Why do black cars get so dirty?

Unfortunately, it's so attractive that even dust particles want to get in on the action. Unlike the other members of the rainbow, black is an absolute dirt magnet.

What is the best cleaner for flat painted walls?

You're better off using a light hand, some water, and a small amount of liquid dish soap or vinegar to clean walls with flat paint.

What should you not use magic eraser on?

7 Things You Should Never Clean With Magic Eraser
  • Don't Scrub Polished, Finished, Painted & Other Delicate Surfaces. ...
  • Never Spot-clean Electronic Devices with Magic Erasers. ...
  • Don't Wash Non-stick Cookware with Melamine Foam. ...
  • Avoid Cleaning Natural Stone Surfaces.

How do you tell if you have flat paint?

Since it doesn't reflect much light, flat paint is often used to hide any imperfections in ceilings and on accent walls. If your walls don't reflect light at all, even from an angle, they most likely have a flat finish paint on them.

Why do professional painters use Sherwin-Williams?

Many contractors are impressed by the fact that Sherwin-Williams has more than 140 years of experience behind them, which means they've had a long time to perfect what they do. And they've done it well, as they are among the most trusted suppliers of quality paints in the industry.

What paint gives the smoothest finish?

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.

What is the sheen of Sherwin-Williams paint?

Flat (flat, matte): No to very low reflection when dry. Eg-shel (low-gloss, eggshell, low sheen, satin, velvet): Low to medium reflection when dry. Semi-gloss (semi-gloss, pearl, medium luster): Medium to moderate reflection when dry. Gloss (gloss, high-gloss): High reflection when dry.

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