theconnectionsnj.com HOME & DESIGN PAGE 47 have always been thrilled with fan decks…those amazing collections of thousands of shades of paint, grouped by color and hue, offering unlimited opportunities to create beauty and mood. But selecting the perfect color is just the first step. Where the paint is to be applied, the quality of the surfaces, the use of the space, durability and luster, or finish, are all components of selecting the proper paint. Finish applies to the sheen, or level of shine, of the finished paint. Sheen affects both the appearance and performance of the paint. Interior paints are classified on a continuum from Flat to High Gloss. Flat is the least reflective finish which hides imperfections best. It provides excellent coverage. Best applied where durability is not a factor, flat paint is used extensively on ceilings; the original “Flat White”! Matte finishes are soft, elegant and dusty, used in bedrooms and living rooms~ traditionally lower traffic areas. Eggshell & Satin are the two most popular paint finishes because they provide a smooth finish that is durable and easily washable and will withstand a lot of scuffing and wiping. Family rooms, hallways and kids rooms are usually painted with eggshell or satin paints. Semi-Gloss and High Gloss paints are the most durable and used for window and door trim, doors, crown and base molding, cabinets and painted furniture. These finishes are the hardest and shiniest, but tend to show imperfections. Special formulas are available for kitchen and bathrooms that are highly stain and moisture resistant. Pearl finishes have a subtle shimmer which can be lovely in hallways and powder rooms. Exterior paints are almost exclusively acrylic latex to withstand weather. Proper prep before painting can’t be over emphasized. Walls and trim need to be patched, taped, spackled and sanded smooth, then wiped completely clean before paint is applied. I always recommend my clients use an experienced professional painter. It’s easy to minimize the prep steps with a DIY project because seeing the finished color on the walls seems so exciting, but the final outcome is highly dependent on the quality of both the prep and application. Remember oil-based paints? These were used extensively for interiors until about the mid-1990’s. Extremely durable, oil-based paints dried harder and were excellent for high traffic, high wear areas. Clean up, however was messy and time consuming, requiring turpentine vs latex paints, which clean up with water. And oil-based paints were found to have extremely high VOC’s. Environmental regulations began in California in the late 1970’s and were widely adopted as time went on. Obviously, all paint contains chemicals. VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) are harmful to the environment and to humans. Low and zero VOC paints are widely used today because they are less toxic, better for interior air quality and the environment, dry faster, give off less fumes and odor and are safer-particularly for people with asthma or allergies. Technically, to be labeled a Low VOC paint, the formula must contain less than 50 grams per liter of chemical solvents that vaporize at room temperature. Zero VOC paints must contain less than 5 grams per liter. Your designer or professional painter can help navigate and advise you when it comes to selecting the proper paint. It’s okay to start with a color you love, but defer to the pros before you begin your project! Gail Bicknell, Owner/ Designer Fair Street Interiors fairstreetinteriors.squarespace.com HINTS HOME FOR THE Understanding Paints By Gail Bicknell, ASID, CAPS I Fair Street Interiors fairstreetinteriors.squarespace.com 908-334-1953 Design for Interiors & Home Modifications
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