painting techniques for creative finishes

painting techniques for creative finishes

What Are The Different Kinds Of Finishes For Exterior Paint?

by Bradley Davis

Hiring a painting contractor to paint outside your house will leave you with a nice, smooth paint job. Working with professionals also means you will have access to someone who can give you some suggestions and answer your questions. One of the questions you might have is what kind of finish to get on your house. Exterior paints come in a few different finishes, and not all of them will work on all houses. 

Flat/Matte

Flat and matte both refer to the same kind of finish. When the wall is painted with a flat finish paint, the resulting coat will not have any reflective properties. A matte finish paint is an excellent choice for older houses or houses with dings. The non-reflective surface camouflages the wear, making it harder to see at a distance. Flat finish paint does have a few problems. One is that it is relatively porous, meaning it won't last as long. It is also difficult to clean, making it a poor choice for high-traffic areas like around doors or windows. 

Satin

You may also hear this finish called an eggshell finish. A satin finish is a good middle between a non-reflective matte finish and a shiny finish like semi-gloss or gloss. It does reflect some light, so it has a bit of a shine, but it isn't too shiny. This finish tends to look really good on any surface that it is applied to. It will also help hide bumps and imperfections, but not as well as a matte finish. It is important to make sure that the paint is well mixed before it is applied to the wall; otherwise, there is a risk that the finish will be streaky and unattractive. 

Semi-Gloss/Gloss

These are the very shiny finishes. They are highly reflective, so they will catch the eye quickly. A semi-gloss or gloss finish will be more durable and easier to clean. Not only are they easier to clean, but they also resist wear and tear better. That can make these finishes good for high-traffic areas. However, they will also show every ding, dent, bump, and imperfection on the wall. It's a good idea not to use one of these finishes on a damaged wall. 

Talk to a painting contractor about getting the exterior of your house painted. Ask them what kind of finish they think will work best on your home so you end up with the look you want.  

For more information about exterior painting, contact a local contractor.


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About Me

painting techniques for creative finishes

I have learned a lot about painting techniques that can be used to create some beautiful finishes in the home. Years ago, I tried to sponge paint the kitchen and it was a disaster that I never wanted to experience again. I decided that before I painted one more room in my home that I would take the time to learn the true techniques use to create custom finishes. If this is something that interests you, take a few moments to visit my site. Here, you will find several ideas and learn how to create the custom finishes that make a home uniquely beautiful.

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