Glosses and Finishes

Latex and alkyd paints alike come in several finishes. It is sometimes confusing when it comes time to decide which finish is right for the job you are doing.

Latex paints are much better for beginners; they are easy to apply and clean up. However, for some areas in the home alkyd paints may be desired for a more "finished" look.

The degrees of gloss:
High Gloss - mostly used for interior surfaces, such as hardwood floors and handrails. High traffic areas. High gloss is not generally used outdoors due to the increased possibility of blistering. Also high gloss finishes require extra precise prep work. This finish will show every imperfection.

Semi-gloss - perfect for indoor and outdoor trim. It makes a beautiful contrast against flat wall paint. It also increases the durability of the trim.

Low Lustre- also a semi-gloss type finish. A fancier term for it. Another great choice for trim.

Eggshell - just as the name implies, it resembles the outer finish of an eggshell. It is smooth and washable, but with little reflective gloss properties. An excellent choice for high traffic areas where you don't want to use semi-gloss.

Velvet - also an eggshell type finish. Generally alkyd products use the velvet term for finish.

Flat - No gloss, no shine. The perfect look for most of the walls in your home. Flat paint is not very washable, so it may not be your first choice for kitchens, bathrooms and children's rooms. However it is the classic look.

Painting tips & tricks of the day

Choosing the right paint texture
Each paint finish has its own properties. The more matte the finish, the more it hides imperfections and uneven reflections, but it's less washable. The glossier the finish, the more washable it is, but also the more sensitive to imperfections and it will mask less efficiently. In order: glossy, semi-gloss, pearl, eggshell, satin, matte. Semi-gloss is best for hall walls and for windows and frames; use matte on ceilings and satin and pearl for the rest. Kitchens, bathrooms and basements have their own antifungal paints.

Drying paint and the temperature
Paint in a ventilated and temperate space. When temperatures are between 10C and 32C there's no risk, although 15c to 22C is ideal. Latex paint will dry in a few hours at this temperature. Oil-based paints will dry more rapidly in a warm, dry environment.

Wood preparation before painting
When we paint wood, we're decorating it, but we can also protect it for good if the surface is prepared properly. New wood must be sanded along the grain. Painted or stained wood as well, unless you strip it down to its bare surface. Pores, screw and nail holes can be filled with plastic wood or joint compound, according to the case. Remove all accessories to minimize trimming. Paint over knots with orange shellac to hide them forever. Finally, be sure that the wood is dry and clean.