The paints between Flat and semi- ( matte and eggshell mainly) are what i use on most walls. BM regal matte is my fav.
good point . Sherwin Williamsltd- 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.
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.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
Hey Mr. Paint - good to see you again.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.
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.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?
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).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.
I appreciate that Mr. Paint - and right back at you. It's always nice to have the perspective of a manufacturer in these discussions.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
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.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.
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...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: