Flaws in Matte Paint That Often Go Unmentioned: Superflat Surfaces May Not Always Be Ideal
Freshened-Up article:
Got a wall-painting decision to make? If you're pondering matte paint, here's the lowdown. This finish is famous for its tranquil vibe and subtle look, but it ain't all sunshine and roses. We'll dive into the nitty-gritty, pros, and cons of matte paint for you.
First off, let's chat about this popular choice — matte paint. Patrick O'Donnell, a paint color whiz and Farrow & Ball's brand rep, describes it as a super-flat finish that mostly graces walls, ceilings, and moldings. Unlike glossy paints, matte paints don't reflect much light, and they're much-loved in low-traffic spots. However, their gentleness has a dark side.
Reasons to Pass on Matte Paint
You might be wondering why Patrick suggests saving matte paint for quieter areas. The secret? It's fragile and not as tough as other finishes. Matte paints tend to be "soft," says Patrick, meaning they're not approximately as long-wearing as their high-shine counterparts.
Translated: expect scuff marks and stains to pop up faster than you can say "oops." Interior designer Jennifer Jones attests that when compared to other finishes, it's tougher to polish away those sneaky blemishes. So, hanging out in shared spaces, like living rooms, entryways, or junior's room, probably isn't on the agenda.
Speaking of shared spaces, matte paint's hiding skills aren't much help in rooms doused with moisture or swarmed by splashes of water. Unlike higher paint sheens, moisture shows up quickly and can be a hassle to smooth out.
For looks, matte's charm can be a coin flip. While it might add coziness, it could also lead to a dominating, dim, and enclosed room. And if a room's not adequately lit, you might want to scratch it off your to-paint list. Top tip: if you need more illumination, throw in extra light sources.
Despite matte paint's drawbacks, it's a go-to finish for many interior designers, including Patrick. Matte paint excels in covering flaws, like cracks or bumps, for a flawless wall appearance. And even though it can collect scuff marks and stains more easily, a common household tool like a magic eraser can make quick work of fixing up the wall once again.
Different spaces may call for unique paint finishes. If matte feels too plain but you wanna dodge high-gloss, consider embracing the versatile middle ground — eggshell paint.
Enrichment Insight: Matte paint is known for its soft and flat finish; however, it might not be the best choice for high-traffic areas or spaces subjected to moisture due to its lower durability compared to other finishes like eggshell or satin. Its low shine can make a room cozy and pleasant in some instances, but it may create a darker and more enclosed feel in poorly-lit spaces.
Remember Anthony Kulikowski, founder of Five Star Painting mentioned earlier? He's a fan of matte paint and its advantages, but with caveats. Matte paint's forgiving nature during application makes it a suitable option for DIY projects. Its low shine also entertains certain design aesthetics.
Ever thought about applying matte paint on ceilings and moldings? Or perhaps even on wood or metal? Matte paint's flexibility allows for it to bring a consistent, uniform appearance to these surfaces as well.
There's beauty in matte paint, but it's not the universal answer. Consider its characteristics carefully and weigh them against other finishes like eggshell or satin to choose the perfect paint for your space.
Enrichment Insight: Matte paint hides minor imperfections in wall surfaces, making it a suitable choice for walls with slight defects. Its low shine creates a consistent and uniform appearance, while its absorbent nature can help cover any flaws. However, its absorbent nature can also make a room feel darker, so it's advised to paint with care in poorly-lit spaces or spaces subject to frequent cleaning.
- In the realm of interior design, matte paint is often favored for its soft, flat finish, even gracing the walls, ceilings, and moldings.
- Matte paint, however, might not be the best choice for kitchens or bathrooms due to its lower durability compared to finishes like eggshell or satin, particularly in areas exposed to moisture.
- The living room, with its shared space and potential for splashes, may not be an ideal location for matte paint, as scuff marks and stains can appear more quickly and be harder to remove.
- Art enthusiasts might find that matte paint can harmoniously blend with certain decorative pieces in the home-and-garden setting, contributing to a unified, cozy atmosphere.
- For those pursuing home-improvement projects, matte paint's forgiving nature during application can make it an attractive option for DIY endeavors, as it allows for some errors while still maintaining a polished look.
- Before choosing a paint finish, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of matte paint against other finishes like eggshell or satin, taking into account factors like durability, light reflection, and adaptability to various spaces and lifestyles.
