When undertaking renovations or during holidays such as Diwali, people often focus on selecting a beautiful color for their walls. However, it is important to know that an incorrectly chosen paint can make stain removal difficult and negatively affect the appearance of the walls. Furthermore, when purchasing paint, one must ensure that it is suitable for indoor use and does not contain lead. This is especially crucial in homes with children, as contact with lead can be harmful to health.
Interior designer Preeti Pandya, founder of FEEL THE SPACE Interior Design Studio, explains that choosing paint involves more than just looking at the color. It requires understanding the differences between matte, glossy, and satin finishes, which type of paint suits a specific room, which coatings are easy to clean, and which finish best conceals minor wall imperfections. It is also important to check for mold on the wall before painting and carefully study the information on the paint can. Every small detail can add extra charm to your home.
Preeti Pandya clarified that the paint color determines whether the wall will look white, cream, yellow, green, or blue. Meanwhile, the finish dictates how the wall surface will appear after drying: whether it will be matte, slightly shiny, or highly reflective. For instance, if you want a cream color in the bedroom, you can choose paint of that color with a matte, satin, or glossy finish. The color will remain the same, but changing the finish will alter the overall look of the wall. Therefore, when buying paint, attention should be paid not only to the color but also to the finish type.
Matte finish paints have very low or virtually no shine, giving walls a simple and soft appearance. This is a good option if you dislike excessive brightness. A characteristic of matte paint is that minor irregularities and pits on the wall are less noticeable compared to glossy coatings. Nevertheless, it does not completely hide large wall defects.
The interior designer noted that matte finishes can be suitable for walls in bedrooms and living rooms. However, some matte paints are difficult to clean from stains. Therefore, if there are small children in the house or the walls are frequently touched by hands, you should choose a washable matte paint. The main advantage is the simple look, while the disadvantage is the difficulty in cleaning most matte paints.
The surface of paint with a glossy finish is shiny and reflects light. It is usually easy to clean. It is used for doors, windows, and some wooden elements. The correct glossy paint can also be applied to certain metal surfaces.
However, due to its shine, such coatings can more clearly reveal scratches, pits, and unevenness on the wall. Therefore, thoroughly preparing the surface is extremely important before application. If you prefer a calm and simple look, be sure to inspect a sample of the paint before covering the entire room with a bright coating. The advantages of glossy paint are its shine and ease of maintenance, while the disadvantages are the increased visibility of minor wall defects.
If you do not prefer either absolutely matte or too shiny walls, satin finish can be a good choice. It has a slight sheen, making the walls attractive. Many paints with this finish are also easy to clean, although this depends on the quality and type of the paint itself.
Satin finish can be useful for children's rooms, hallways, and areas of the house where walls are frequently touched or where there is a risk of stains. This type of paint can also be used in the kitchen if it is washable and suitable for the space. The advantage of satin paint is its slight sheen and ease of care, but the disadvantage remains the possibility of revealing some wall defects.
Interior designer Preeti Pandya advised that for a bedroom, if a simple and calm look is desired, a matte finish is suitable. In the living room, you can choose a matte or satin finish depending on your preferences and the room's lighting. For children's rooms, matte or satin paint that is easy to clean with a damp cloth is best. For the kitchen, it is recommended to choose washable satin or another appropriate finish, as there is a high probability of grease and food stains. Durable and easily washable paint is also useful in hallways, as walls in this area are subject to frequent touching. For doors and windows, glossy or satin finishes can be used, provided the paint is intended for the respective surfaces.
When purchasing paint, besides its shine and color, safety must be considered. For this, you should choose lead-free paints. Lead is a harmful metal. This is especially relevant when peeling off old layers of paint.