PAINTING? LET ISAAC NEWTON HELP!

by | Sep 27, 2020

Seeing all the
options for interior paint in a paint store can be overwhelming. Different brand names, thousands of colors
and paint types. Where does one start? Rest easy, mis amigos! Here is info that will make it less stressful
to get the job done.

First, lets narrow
down the options. Although there are
many, there are six types that are used most frequently. The most common type
of paint used for interior walls is matte paint. This will give your walls and ceilings a
smooth finish without shine. You can use
a roller brush, and it is easy to apply.
There are a couple of downsides to matte paint. The first is that you usually need more than
one coat to get an even solid color.

The other is that
matte paint gets marked easily. You can
remove marks with a damp cloth, but I find it needs regular maintenance and
retouching.  

I like matte enamel
paint. It looks the same as regular
matte paint but is so much more durable.
It costs more than standard matte paint but saves all the touch-ups from
marks and everyday living. If you have a
rental home in Mexico, this is a better option.
Both matte paints are great for walls with imperfections. Shiny walls show defects more than matte.

A satin finish is
one with a soft sheen. It is a solution that
is between matte and gloss. Use this
type of paint in an area where you have high traffic and often need to clean
the walls. Again, this is not a good
option if you have walls with imperfections since it tends to show.

If you are looking
for a finish with a shine but won’t show imperfections as much, you might like
an eggshell finish paint. You can
usually cover the wall with one coat, so it is cost-effective, and it is also
relatively easy to apply.

Semi-gloss paint
also requires less paint than matte for good surface coverage. You usually see semi-gloss more on trim than
walls. With its hard finish, it is the
right solution for hallways, bathrooms and kitchens. Any shiny paint will highlight wall
imperfections, so make sure to inspect your walls before going this route.

Gloss paint is
another typical interior paint. If you
like high shine, this is the one for you.
Both semi-gloss and gloss paints require more time to dry than matte and
satin finishes.

Once you have
selected the type of paint you prefer, its time to choose the colors. This is the part that is generally daunting
for most homeowners. Regardless of the
color of the year, it is safest to go with colors that make you happy. Some people like bright and cheerful
colors. Others prefer darker hues for a
more cocooning feeling in their home.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to which you choose.

If you are
uncertain, worry not. In 1666, Sir Isaac
Newton created an excellent tool that shows which colors coordinate and
contrast. The color wheel is used to
this day to help select colors. Whether
you want a muted or dramatic color combination, this device will make it easier
to select your colors. (Images
courtesy Sherwin Williams)

Time to repaint
your home in Vallarta or buying a new condo?
Contact me for recommendations on the best companies in the area at
furniture@solutionsmexico.com.

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