Why your choice of paint sheen dictates your home's durability
In short: Choosing the right house paint involves more than just picking a color from a swatch. From the chemical composition of VOCs to the specific physics of light reflection, the right selection balances indoor air quality, ease of maintenance, and the physical demands of the room.
Modern interior painting is increasingly defined by the move toward low and zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These are chemicals that dissipate from paint over time, often causing odors and health concerns. While many brands now offer low-VOC options, a nuance exists for deep pigments: mixing in intense reds or blues can actually introduce small amounts of VOCs back into the mixture, meaning a 'zero VOC' label might be slightly compromised by high-saturation color choices.
The market is stratified by price and performance. Budget-friendly options like Behr can start around $25 a gallon, while high-end luxury brands like Farrow and Ball or Ralph Lauren can reach $100 a gallon. In the mid-range, Benjamin Moore offers various tiers, including the Ultra 500 for value, Regal Select for a step up, and Aura for premium resin technology. A notable innovation is the 'advanced paint' by Benjamin Moore, which functions as an alkyd—the modern term for oil paint—but is water-based, allowing for the durability of oil with the safety of water cleanup.
The 'finish' or sheen of the paint is a functional decision based on room usage. Flat paint is ideal for ceilings because it eliminates sun reflection, but it is unsuitable for walls because it lacks the durability to withstand washing. For walls, matte and eggshell finishes provide a balance of low reflection and high wear resistance. Semi-gloss is the standard for trim, baseboards, and doors, providing a tougher surface that can handle frequent contact and cleaning.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: How to Buy the Right Paint | House Painting
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