SELECTING GLOSS
Selecting the right gloss for your project can be challenging. Below explains the practical and aesthetic consideration for choosing gloss that will help you make the right choices.
UNDERSTANDING GLOSS
Gloss is about shine. It describes how much light is reflected from the surface of the paint. If a painted surface is very smooth and glass-like, the reflection is perceived to be “shiny” or “glossy”. Conversely, a flat paint has a rough surface profile after it dries. Light that hits such a surface is reflected and scattered in many different directions so it appears “flat” to the eye.
WHY GLOSS IS IMPORTANT
The gloss level of paint can have a significant impact on both appearance and serviceability. Increasing gloss improves the durability of paints – including scrub-, stain- and moisture-resistance. However, higher gloss levels tend to highlight defects and imperfections on a surface.
Gloss level also affects color perception. The same color with a different gloss will appear as a different color. The color in a higher gloss paint will appear brighter and richer than the same color in a lower gloss paint.
Interior:
- Semi-Gloss
Suprema Semi-Gloss – Interior doors, trim, wood, bathroom ceilings
Semi-gloss paints have a slightly glossy appearance and are less reflective than gloss paints. They offer good stain resistance, are easy to clean, and are most often used in rooms requiring frequent scrubbing, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Semi-gloss is also a good alternative to gloss paints for use on windows, trim, cabinets and doors.
- Eggshell
Suprema Eggshell – Bathroom, laundry and kitchen walls
Eggshell paint are similar to semi-gloss paints, but have a lower gloss. They are a good choice for areas where some gloss is desired, but good cleaning properties are also necessary, such as, kitchens, laundry rooms and bathrooms. Their slightly glossy appearance, however, tends to highlight surface imperfections more than flat paints.
- Spartawall Flat
Spartawall Flat – Ceilings
Flat paints are a good choice for ceilings because of their low reflectivity.
- Suprema Flat
Suprema Flat
Flat paints have the least amount of gloss so they help conceal surface imperfections better than other finishes and are ideal for walls that are rough or denied. They also touch-up better, which makes a flat paint an ideal choice for family rooms, living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Flat paints are also a good choice for ceilings because of their low reflectivity. Stains can be difficult to remove from flat finishes, so it’s best to use flat paints in areas that do not experience a lot of traffic.
- Velvet
Suprema Velvet – Homes with high traffic
Velvet paints resemble flat paints when viewed head on, but show a slight gloss when viewed at an angle. This slightly higher gloss provides for a more washable or scrubbable surface. These paints are ideal for areas with high traffic, such as hallways and kid’s rooms.
Exterior:
- Semi-Gloss
EVERSHIELD SEMI-GLOSS
Exterior doors, windows, shutters
- Synlustrol Semi-Gloss
Wrought Iron
- Velvet
EVERSHIELD – Velvet
Exterior wood & garage doors
E.g. ~ fascia, eaves, trim, wood siding - Flat
ACRI-HUES Flat
Exterior Masonry
E.g. ~ stucco, plaster