It is that time of year again, time to channel your inner Picasso, or maybe better yet, thumb through your local yellow pages to find a painter. Either way, before you begin, you must have an idea or concept as to what you really want on your walls, ceilings, trim, and occasionally floors. A Venice, Florida painter knows exactly what that is.

One thing to keep in mind is what the space is being or going to be used for. This is important and very well may be the most pertinent question needed to be known. What is going on in the room plays an integral part in the final decision in choosing the color and sheen and the ambiance of an area can be affected by both. The sheen of the paint refers to the final finish on your walls once the paint has dried.

Flat, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-gloss and Gloss describe the different appearances. Flat finish surfaces absorb light and are the most forgiving when it comes to covering imperfections. Most ceilings are painted using the flat finish.

Matte finish is another term that describes a flat finish. However if it is called Matte it usually has an addition $10-$20 on the price tag.

Eggshell is named as such because of the soft, velvety final finish after drying. It is easier to wash and more resistant to scuffs and stains than the flat and is most popular for walls.

Satin seems to be the most popular choice for high traffic areas. Used in kitchens and baths, it resists mold and mildew better than the flat or eggshell and holds up to washing and scrubbing, making it easier to clean. Satin reflects more light so minor damages on the surface tend to be more prominent.

Semi-gloss is close in appearance to Satin. It does reflect more light so you need to make sure your surface is void of any flaws in the craftsmanship, and it does hold up well in any room of the house. It is also easy to keep clean. This is a good option if you like me, have young children in the house. J

Gloss sheen will reflect the most light and is usually applied on smooth surfaces, such as trim and moldings. Doors and cabinets are well suited for this type of application. It works well with surfaces that need to be washed frequently.

If you feel daring enough to tackle the endeavor, it is critical to consider the color and quality of the paint. Look closely at the label to determine what specifications are listed. Will it cover in one coat? What is the clean-up method? This should be known before purchasing. Paying more for one-coat coverage and easy clean up is worth the extra money. Make sure you have all the supplies needed for the job. This can entail an extensive list and be expensive. One more thing, do not forget the time involved for the project.

Any questions, feel free to check out our other posts and we would love to hear from you!

Have a fantastic day!