Paint Finish to Hide Drywall Imperfections
PLIERS
| Posted in General Questions on
Hi hope all is well. I insulated and put up drywall in my basement following the advice on this forum. I had 2 gallons of semi gloss latex paint left over so I painted the walls. I ran out mid project so now I need to buy more paint. I noticed all my imperfections in the drywall job. Went around and patched a few areas with compound. Wondering what sheen I should get, I’m going to use the same color. Should I go for a satin, eggshell finish? The lower sheen will be easier to hide imperfections but less durable according to what I’m reading online.
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With newer formulations of higher-end paint, lower sheens are much more durable than they used to be. I usually go with matte or flat on walls and one sheen up from that on trim. Flat on ceilings.
Typical around here is eggshell on walls and semi-gloss on trim and that's fine too. I would never use semi-gloss on walls and I don't like it on trim either.
Flat is great for hiding imperfections, but it reflects less light and is much harder to clean. If you have kids, you should plan on using something other than flat on the walls, or plan on re-painting in X amount of years.
When it comes to choosing the sheen for your paint finish, you're right that it involves a trade-off between hiding imperfections and durability. Here are some considerations to help you decide:
Satin Finish: Satin finish has a slight gloss and is more durable than lower-sheen options like flat or matte. It's also easier to clean, making it a good choice for areas that might see some wear and tear. It can still hide minor imperfections reasonably well, especially if you've already done some patching and surface preparation.
Eggshell Finish: Eggshell is a bit less shiny than satin and has a more subtle sheen. It's a good compromise between durability and hiding imperfections. It can be a popular choice for walls in many rooms because it provides a warm, inviting look while being relatively forgiving of minor flaws. Learn more: https://holapaints.com/eggshell-vs-semi-gloss/
Flat or Matte Finish: These finishes have the lowest sheen and are excellent at hiding imperfections due to their ability to diffuse light. However, they are less durable and more challenging to clean. They are typically used in areas where there's less risk of stains or scuffs, like ceilings or low-traffic rooms.
Considering that you've already patched some areas and want to minimize the appearance of imperfections, going with an eggshell finish might be a good middle-ground choice. It offers a balance between durability and concealing minor flaws. Plus, if you're using the same color as before, it should provide a consistent and attractive finish for your basement walls.
Before painting the entire area, I recommend doing a test patch with the new paint sheen in a less conspicuous area to see how it looks and whether it meets your expectations in terms of hiding imperfections. This can help you make a final decision with confidence.