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Paint type

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We are painting both my daughters rooms. Was just wondering which type of paint to use, flat, or semi gloss???
In the past we used just flat on our living room.
Any suggestions would be helpful.
Thanks Barry
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The paints between Flat and semi- ( matte and eggshell mainly) are what i use on most walls. BM regal matte is my fav.
I've found flat to be far harder to clean, great for hiding flaws, but little else.
daughters room .flat ceiling, satin walls, semi gloss trim :thumbsup:
ltd- whose satin? Makes a diff.
BM's satin I consider a trim paint- closer to a semi. SW's is more like what BM calls matte- so know which co's sheen level you are dealing with. They are not all equal.
ltd- whose satin? Makes a diff.
BM's satin I consider a trim paint- closer to a semi. SW's is more like what BM calls matte- so know which co's sheen level you are dealing with. They are not all equal.
good point . Sherwin Williams
Sheen

I agree there are so many differences. Even within the same MPI#'s

Ultimately the question to the answer is to use a higher gloss for the younger they are. Unless you want to go with a high quality flat which many of those are a Matte finish these days. I use Silken Touch from PPG for a good scuff resistance.

Paint colorant also adds a bit of gloss to the paint. Then there is the fact that darker colors also appear to be more shiny.

This article goes a bit more in depth on paint sheens

We are going with Benjamin moore,,, so what I 'm reading is a satin for the walls??
MPI sheens, although standardized between manufacturers, have a gloss level range that can vary 2 - 3 degrees. A manufacturer may stay within the lower part or the higher part of the range, sometimes even batch to batch.
I agree with eggshell on the walls and semi-gloss on the trim, flat on the ceiling.
I agree there are so many differences. Even within the same MPI#'s

Ultimately the question to the answer is to use a higher gloss for the younger they are. Unless you want to go with a high quality flat which many of those are a Matte finish these days. I use Silken Touch from PPG for a good scuff resistance.

Paint colorant also adds a bit of gloss to the paint. Then there is the fact that darker colors also appear to be more shiny.

This article goes a bit more in depth on paint sheens
Colorants don't add gloss to paints, if anything they take away from the gloss - The reason darker colors appear to be more shiny is because there's not as much pigment to absorb the binder (which is shiny). Which is the same reason darker colors (typically) don't cover as well as light to mid-tone colors - not as much pigment.

So...that'd kind of be a non-sequitur, wouldn't it?
MPI sheens, although standardized between manufacturers, have a gloss level range that can vary 2 - 3 degrees. A manufacturer may stay within the lower part or the higher part of the range, sometimes even batch to batch.
I agree with eggshell on the walls and semi-gloss on the trim, flat on the ceiling.
Hey Mr. Paint - good to see you again.
Colorants don't add gloss to paints, if anything they take away from the gloss - The reason darker colors appear to be more shiny is because there's not as much pigment to absorb the binder (which is shiny). Which is the same reason darker colors (typically) don't cover as well as light to mid-tone colors - not as much pigment.

So...that'd kind of be a non-sequitur, wouldn't it?
Colorants will add gloss to a paint because the colorant by themselves are shiny. Get some and let a dab dry on something, you'll see for yourself.

Darker colors look shinier because the light shining off of them is usually lighter than the color. Its just a trick on the eye.

LOL. I see you looked up the word too.
Colorants will add gloss to a paint because the colorant by themselves are shiny. Get some and let a dab dry on something, you'll see for yourself.

Darker colors look shinier because the light shining off of them is usually lighter than the color. Its just a trick on the eye.

LOL. I see you looked up the word too.
um...no, the paint binder is made less glossy by the amount of pigments added to the mix (not only paint colorants) - these pigments then absorb the binder creating a duller surface...while some of these pigments aid in hiding, that's not necessarily their main purpose. But it is the reason that flats typically hide better than flat hide better than sheened products (more pigment).

Typical glycol based colorants (universal colorants) are chalky flat when dry...some of the resin based type of colorants may have a little sheen to 'em, but they won't add to the overall sheen of a product.
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Thanks ric, I usually can only contribute at work if I have spare time. I have been very busy of late and I think that with upcoming projects I probably will have less free time in the future. I always respect your valuable insights as do many on this forum.

Best Regards, Mr. Paint
Thanks ric, I usually can only contribute at work if I have spare time. I have been very busy of late and I think that with upcoming projects I probably will have less free time in the future. I always respect your valuable insights as do many on this forum.

Best Regards, Mr. Paint
I appreciate that Mr. Paint - and right back at you. It's always nice to have the perspective of a manufacturer in these discussions.
um...no, the paint binder is made less glossy by the amount of pigments added to the mix (not only paint colorants) - these pigments then absorb the binder creating a duller surface...while some of these pigments aid in hiding, that's not necessarily their main purpose. But it is the reason that flats typically hide better than flat hide better than sheened products (more pigment).

Typical glycol based colorants (universal colorants) are chalky flat when dry...some of the resin based type of colorants may have a little sheen to 'em, but they won't add to the overall sheen of a product.
If you read my original posts you will never seeing me saying that colorants where THE ONLY THING that changes gloss in a paint. I merely said that it does change it slightly and IT DOES.

This is a DIY Chat Room for DIY'ers. They dont need to know about binders and resins and really anything about the chemical makeup. This one was having trouble assessing which one to choose from. NOTHING ABOUT BINDERS... That's for the Pro board. Its called "situational awareness"! Oh yea and not all universal colorants are NOT flat. Go get some and try it out.:thumbup:
I like eggshell on walls. Its cleanable friendly. Semi on trim to make it pop a little. Just a flat on ceiling.
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I would recommend at least an eggshell or satin.It does depend on the brand..sheens are more/less depending on brand,undercoat,different factors....but semi-gloss is too much sheen for walls...IMO.Too much sheen on anything looks tacky.
If you read my original posts you will never seeing me saying that colorants where THE ONLY THING that changes gloss in a paint. I merely said that it does change it slightly and IT DOES.

This is a DIY Chat Room for DIY'ers. They dont need to know about binders and resins and really anything about the chemical makeup. This one was having trouble assessing which one to choose from. NOTHING ABOUT BINDERS... That's for the Pro board. Its called "situational awareness"! Oh yea and not all universal colorants are NOT flat. Go get some and try it out.:thumbup:
With all due respect, Mr. Grant, I'm not sure it's our place to say what the DIY'ers "need to know..." - When we are asked specific, pertinent questions, I feel we need to respond in a manner that not only directs them toward a proper resolution, but also as to why one product/system/method may be more appropriate than another...

Besides, in my earlier post, I was addressing that info to you - not the OP. The reason was because you had made a couple erroneous statements in your earlier posts, and while it may not be necessary for the OP to know all this, you should (especially if you're going to respond as a professional).

I read your original post...I did not misunderstand what you were saying or not saying, but when anyone here responds to another with information that's not quite accurate, I think we all have a responsibility to get involved and set the record straight - Just as you have attempted to do with myself and other responders.

Each member has their own perspective to respectfully add here to the benefit of DIYer's and responders both.
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Ok thanks for the paint chemical seminar and the front seat to " paint forum smackdown".

What I got out of this post is to go with eggshell on the walls and semi on the trim.

I just want it durable to washing and not be chaulky after application.

I am going with Benjamin Moore so this should narrow down the choices.
Which BM product should I use (and no need for a chemistry lesson)... Just what you would use!
Thanks
OP
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