Semi gloss paint finish has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let us look at them in detail.
When it comes to interior painting, paint finishes should be considered properly. If you are looking for a finish which can withstand scrubbing then what better than a semi gloss finish. Given below, are the various pros and cons of this finish and its comparison to other paint finishes.
Semi Gloss Finish
Semi gloss paint is a type of finish. It is very popular finish in high traffic areas. It is widely used in bathroom and kitchen rooms. Semi gloss finish has many pros and cons. First of all let us compare semi gloss finish to matte finish.
When comparing flat vs semi gloss paint, an important point is that semi gloss can actually magnify imperfections of a wall. While a flat paint or matte paint finish is the preferred choice for wall which has imperfections like bumps, other uneven surfaces, cracks, gaps, etc. Matte finish hides these imperfections very well. So, if you are thinking of using semi gloss finish on a wall with imperfections then you will need to prepare the surface well.
First of all take out all old paint from the wall surface, any paint chips or mold growing on the wall should be completely gotten rid of. After that sand down any uneven surfaces on the wall. Then apply a good primer and sealer to fill up the gaps, cracks and holes in the wall. Again sand down the wall, and make sure you have a smooth even wall surface. After that apply the paint color evenly in thin coats. Then apply the semi-gloss finish. Painting with semi gloss can be a bit difficult, so to make it flow smoothly mix a little latex paint additive to the finish before you start painting with it. This will make the paint finish flow smoothly, and avoid the brush and roller marks. Semi gloss drying time is just few hours, but under humid conditions the drying time can be longer. But, usually it takes around 6 hours to dry.
Now, let us look at the second important quality of semi gloss finish which is the gloss. This can be an advantage and disadvantage both. Semi gloss finish offers a sheen, which is not very flashy like the gloss paint, but still the same gloss finish allows the paint to be scrubbed and cleaned, which is why it is a popular finish for high traffic areas. Hence, it makes it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. But, when it comes to bedrooms or living room it is not a good choice. Comparing semi gloss vs eggshell paint, one can see that eggshell seems to be decent choice if you want a surface which can withstand some dirt and grime. Eggshell paint is a good idea for kid’s bedroom. Because, this paint has a soft very little sheen, and allows mild cleaning.
If you want a medium gloss finish then look at satin vs semi gloss. Satin paint finish being a medium gloss finish allows mild cleaning but abrasive cleaners can’t be used on it, unlike semi-gloss and gloss finish. You can also use semi gloss finish for wooden and metal objects easily, but satin paint is an okay choice for furniture. So, use semi gloss for high traffic areas of the house and wooden furniture, and maintain long-lasting wall surfaces and furniture. If you wish to get rid of semi gloss finish because it looks too shiny, then painting over semi gloss paint is also possible.
